Chapter 404

Hannah Flores tugged at Liam Kalmien's sleeve as they took seats beside Evelyn Langley.

Ethan Winston signaled the waiter. "Two more place settings, and add your two signature dishes."

"Would you like recommendations?"

Ethan's gaze shifted to the newcomers.

"Braised pork belly!" Hannah blurted out.

Liam adjusted his glasses. "No seafood, please."

"Right away."

The waiter bowed and quietly closed the carved wooden door behind him.

Silence settled over the private dining room.

Ethan tapped the table lightly. "Aren't you going to introduce us, Evie?"

The affectionate nickname made Hannah's head snap up.

Liam's eyes narrowed behind his lenses.

Evelyn remained composed. "My classmates, Liam Kalmien and Hannah Flores."

She turned to Ethan. "This is Mr. Winston, CEO of Solaris Tech."

"Must be serious trouble if Evie reached out first." He emphasized the word "you" deliberately.

Hannah and Liam exchanged glances, hesitating to speak.

Evelyn sighed. "Here's the situation..."

"So you want to bypass the university and purchase the CPRT analyzer privately?"

"Yes."

Ethan paused mid-tap. "Does the administration know?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Not yet."

There was no point reporting when they weren't even sure about securing the equipment.

"Private purchases are allowed. Solaris is willing to sell, but only through proper channels." Ethan's gaze sharpened. "Otherwise, it'll cause endless complications."

Hannah frowned. "Even if we pay with our own money?"

"The equipment will ultimately reside in the university lab. The accounting must be transparent." Ethan chuckled. "Unless you enjoy being taken advantage of?"

Hannah slammed the table. "Of course not!"

Ethan calmly adjusted his cufflinks. "Leave it to me."

Hannah nearly knocked over her teacup in excitement. "You're amazing, Mr. Winston!"

Ethan suddenly turned to Evelyn. "What do you think?"

Her fingers tightened.

He clearly had already decided—why ask her publicly?

Seeing her silence, Ethan smiled wider. "Then it's settled. Fifty percent discount. Acceptable?"

"Half price?!" Hannah counted on her fingers. "That's enough savings for a sports car!"

Evelyn and Liam frowned simultaneously.

"Business partnerships require boundaries." Evelyn's tone was firm.

Liam nodded. "Favors are the hardest debts to repay."

Ethan swirled his wineglass. "Just an internal discount. I am, after all, a shrewd businessman."

As the conversation lulled, the group began eating.

Hannah's eyes widened after her first bite of braised pork. "This is incredible! Why haven't I heard of this place?"

"Members-only establishment." Ethan dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

Evelyn glanced at him sideways.

"Hence 'private kitchen.'" He winked at her.

When the meal ended, Evelyn excused herself to the restroom but headed straight for the reception.

"Mr. Winston already signed the check."

Familiar footsteps approached from behind.

"I thought you were touching up your makeup?" Ethan leaned against a marble pillar, his tie slightly loosened.

Evelyn turned. "I said this was my treat."

He stepped closer, whispering near her ear, "Pity. I never let the woman I love pay."