Chapter 383

"Done!" Hannah Flores snapped her laptop shut and stretched with a satisfied sigh.

Seven empty soda cans littered the desk.

Liam Kalmien grabbed his jacket. "Let's go. Dinner's on me."

Evelyn Langley exchanged amused glances with Hannah. Neither hesitated.

With their long-term collaboration ahead, there'd be plenty of opportunities to return the favor.

At the French restaurant—

Crystal chandeliers scattered prismatic light as a violinist played "Wedding in a Dream."

"Do you have a reservation?"

"Under Kalmien. Booked last night."

Liam showed the confirmation code on his phone.

The waiter bowed and led them to a window table.

Evelyn scanned the menu. She'd been here before with clients—this Michelin three-star cost half a month's salary for the average office worker.

Hannah ran her fingers over the gilded cutlery, then suddenly pulled out her phone to photograph the bread basket.

"For my dad," she explained sheepishly. "He always says city folks eat fancy."

Liam's gaze flickered.

Her family situation seemed...

"What does your father do?" he asked casually.

Hannah paused mid-filter adjustment.

That hesitation made the other two tense.

"Mom stays home with my brother. Dad..." She scratched her head. "Watches warehouses in our fishing village. Does some fishing when there's time."

A rundown village. Left-behind family. Surviving on odd jobs—

Evelyn clenched her napkin. Raising such a bright daughter in those circumstances spoke volumes.

"I'll bring you fresh shrimp next time!" Hannah suddenly leaned in. "Dad catches mantis shrimp that dance!"

Liam's Adam's apple bobbed. "Order anything tonight."

"Really?" Hannah's hand shot up. "Waiter! Three tomahawk steaks!"

She clarified: "Three per person."

Liam's fork clattered onto his plate.

When the dessert cart arrived, Evelyn silently pushed her mousse toward Hannah.

"You're not having any?" Hannah already had a heaping spoonful.

Liam added his sugar-dusted pancake to the offering. "Slow down. Don't choke."

"Mmmph..." The girl's cheeks bulged like a chipmunk's, her eyes crinkling into crescents.