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Shadow’s head was spinning with confusion. “Why are you looking for me?” she asked Alpha Dominic, her voice filled with bewilderment.
But she knew they couldn’t talk here, surrounded by others. Without hesitation, she reached out and grabbed his arm, leading him outside.
Because Alpha Dominic was so much taller than her, Shadow had to take two steps for every one of his. Despite the hurry, their movements seemed strangely calm.
Once outside the Eden Group, Shadow repeated her question. “Why are you looking for me? There must be a reason.”
Alpha Dominic didn’t respond right away. Instead, he gazed at her intently, not even blinking.
Shadow had cried earlier, though she had managed to hide all traces of it by now. Still, Alpha Dominic’s keen eyes noticed the slight swelling in her eyes and the faint redness.
Why had she been crying? he wondered. It was difficult for him to associate “Shadow” with tears.
And she had been at the Eden Group. Could it be because of Jason?
After a few moments, Alpha Dominic finally spoke. “I happened to be passing by. You can treat me to a meal.”
His tone made it sound like he expected to be punished.
Alpha Dominic had been her benefactor, so Shadow was willing to fulfill his request as long as it wasn’t too much.
Taking him to a restaurant a bit far from their workplace seemed like a good idea. It would be less of a hassle running into their colleagues there.
Once they were seated at the restaurant, Alpha Dominic remained silent. But Shadow could sense his discontent with the place.
She understood him quite well.
After all, he was the young master of an aristocratic family. Usually, he would eat at expensive establishments like the Golden Fountain Club, treating it as his own kitchen.
So, asking her to treat him to a meal at this place, which would cost a few hundred dollars, must have felt beneath him.
This thought made Shadow worry about her own wallet. She couldn’t help but touch it, her expression troubled.
Alpha Dominic noticed her distress and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He knew she struggled financially.
Yet, it was quite amusing to him to take advantage of her and make her foot the bill.
The waiter came over to take their order. Shadow pushed the menu towards Alpha Dominic. “You can order first.”
He wasted no time, swiftly glancing over the menu, and quickly picked three dishes.
Shadow knew those were the restaurant’s signature dishes, and they were quite expensive.
However, Alpha Dominic turned the menu back and ordered just a soup. He then looked at Shadow seriously and asked, “Is that too much?”
She shook her head. “Not at all.”
She remembered their previous meal at the Golden Fountain where there were only four or five people, yet the table was filled with dishes that rivaled a royal banquet.
Alpha Dominic agreed with a nod. “Then I’ll order two more.”
Shadow had no objections.
While Alpha Dominic continued studying the menu, a frown formed on his face. “There’s nothing good here.”
He handed the menu to Shadow.
Shadow had a simple lifestyle and believed that three dishes and a soup were more than enough for two people.
But looking at the young master of the Lance family, Alpha Dominic, sitting across from her, she added two additional dishes and a snack. Otherwise, she felt it would be unfair to him.
After they finished ordering, Shadow excused herself and went to the bathroom.
As she walked out, she spotted Jessica, but made sure to slow down her steps. She didn’t want Jessica to see her having a meal with Alpha Dominic and create unnecessary trouble.
But Jessica was heading in the same direction, which forced Shadow to slow down even further.
Eventually, Jessica entered a private room, and Shadow paused for a moment when passing by.
The soundproofing of the private room wasn’t great, and muffled arguments could be heard.
Jessica’s voice was sharp, but the volume had diminished significantly. “You can’t return the black card to her!”
“What do you want?” Jason’s voice was softer, and Shadow couldn’t make out his words.
Were they arguing about the black card returning?
Since the factory incident had been exposed less than 24 hours ago, this was the second time she had heard Jessica and Jason quarrel.
Jason doted on Jessica, and she was spoiled. Instead of thinking about how to help him navigate the company crisis, she argued with him for her personal gain.
If Jessica treated her own father like this, how heartless would she be towards Lisa in the future?
Shadow’s emotions were complicated, but she decided not to involve herself with Lisa anymore. Whatever treatment she received from Jessica in the future would be her own choice.
Even when Shadow used the black card to save Lisa, it seemed Lisa was unaffected. Instead, she saw it as a way to get closer to Shadow and take advantage of her in the future.
Taking a deep breath, Shadow calmed her emotions and returned to the table where Alpha Dominic was waiting.
Several dishes had already been served, but he hadn’t touched his chopsticks. He seemed engrossed in his phone.
Sensing someone’s presence, he looked up and locked eyes with Shadow for a moment before setting his phone down. His voice was calm as he said, “I was just about to call Frank.”
Shadow looked confused. “Why?”
“To have him stage a bathroom emergency and get you out,” Alpha Dominic said with a serious expression.
Shadow sighed inwardly.
Alright, she did spend over 20 minutes in the bathroom.
She didn’t respond to Alpha Dominic’s suggestion. He might be bored, so he stayed silent and didn’t eat much either.
When it was time to pay, the waiter handed Shadow a card. “Your husband already took care of the bill. It came to a total of $680.”
“My husband?” It took Shadow a moment to realize the waiter was referring to Alpha Dominic. Her immediate thought was of Alpha Kilian.
Turning to Alpha Dominic, she asked, “Alpha Dominic, is your cousin dining here too?”
His expression grew dark, his cold gaze landing on her before he abruptly turned and strode away.
He walked so quickly, it felt like he wanted to escape from her grasp.
Alpha Kilian couldn’t help but feel an urge to give Shadow a good beating.
The waiter must have misunderstood their relationship. Rushing to explain, he said, “I’m sorry, I thought you two were husband and wife. It was actually him who paid the bill.”
Shadow was momentarily stunned before accepting the card and chasing after Alpha Dominic.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
He hadn’t gone far, still on the phone when she caught up to him.