Chapter 484

Adrian Klein noticed the logo on the shopping bag—it was from the high-end imported grocery store across the street. Evelyn Langley wouldn't go out of her way to shop there, which left only one possibility...

"Ethan Winston bought these?"

"Yeah. He went to visit his grandparents, and I helped take care of them. The elderly only drink this brand of mineral water."

Adrian reached out to take the bag.

Evelyn peeked inside the venue. "Is the book signing over?"

"Far from it." Adrian shook his head. "The line is still long. It'll take a while."

Remembering how crowded it was earlier, Evelyn had no desire to go back in.

Her gaze fell on the book in his hands. "Professor, are you going to wait in line for a signature?"

"I'll go last. No rush."

"Exactly!" Evelyn nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Professor, why are you smiling?"

"Ahem!" He cleared his throat and straightened his expression. "Nothing."

"..." Evelyn studied him suspiciously, sensing he was hiding something but unable to pinpoint what.

The signing event, originally scheduled to end at 4 PM, dragged on until 5.

Adrian and Evelyn joined the very end of the line.

When the book opened before Victoria Langley—

"Mom, give me a special dedication!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Langley."

Victoria looked up to see her daughter standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Adrian.

Both were smiling at her with expectant eyes.

For a fleeting moment, Victoria imagined them as a perfect couple...

She shook her head to dispel the absurd thought and began writing:

For her daughter—"I will mount a long wind some day and break the heavy waves, and set my cloudy sail straight and bridge the deep, deep sea."

For Adrian—"I must ascend the mountain's crest; it dwarfs all peaks under my feet."

After the signing, Adrian offered to treat them to dinner.

William Langley quickly declined. "We couldn't possibly impose! We should be the ones treating you."

Adrian waved the signed book. "Mrs. Langley's personal signature is worth at least a meal, don't you think?"

William was speechless.

Of course it was!

Adrian first sought Victoria's opinion, who said she didn't mind.

Then he asked William.

"I'm fine with anything. Let Evelyn decide."

Only then did Adrian naturally turn to Evelyn.

"...How about hotpot?" she suggested.

All three agreed.

On the way—

Evelyn suddenly gasped.

"What's wrong?" William asked.

"That hotpot place is packed! There are 82 parties ahead of us. We'd have to wait at least two hours..."

Victoria suggested, "Should we pick somewhere else?"

"But their spicy broth is supposed to be amazing. People say the aroma makes it impossible to stop eating." Evelyn insisted.

This "people say" naturally came from her foodie friend Hannah Flores.

Adrian, who was driving, kept his eyes on the road and chuckled. "No need to change. I already reserved a table."

"Perfect!" Evelyn cheered.

Several minutes later, it dawned on her—

Wasn't this a last-minute decision?

How had he booked ahead?

And how did he know this was exactly the place she wanted?

Evelyn studied the profile of the man in the driver's seat, sinking into deep bewilderment.