Chapter 258

Eleanor's demeanor shifted instantly.

The moment her gaze landed on Serena, her face darkened considerably. When she noticed Nathan accompanying Serena, her expression turned stormy.

"Mr. Black," she said icily, her tone dripping with dismissal, "you and your companions should proceed with your dinner. We wouldn't want to interrupt your evening."

Nathan hesitated, the sharpness of Eleanor's words hitting harder than expected. A flicker of resignation crossed his features before he schooled them back to neutrality. He knew Eleanor still harbored resentment from their last encounter.

After the incident, Nathan had suggested to Evelyn that they invite Eleanor to dinner as a peace offering, but Evelyn had refused without hesitation. When Nathan personally called Eleanor to extend the invitation, she'd rejected him just as swiftly.

Now, seeing him dining with Serena—even if they weren't alone—would only fuel Eleanor's displeasure. Nathan exhaled quietly before responding, "Then we won't disturb you further." Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel.

Serena followed without hesitation.

Alexander had chosen "The Sky Lounge," an upscale restaurant owned by Theodore. Perched on the 66th floor, it offered a stunning 360-degree view of downtown Owathe. The modern open-concept design featured no private rooms, with all tables arranged along the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining area.

This meant Nathan's group ended up seated uncomfortably close to Evelyn and her companions.

As they settled in, Dylan leaned toward Nathan, unable to contain his curiosity. "What's happening here? Why is Alexander dining with Evelyn and her grandmother?"

Nathan remained silent, his gaze distant, while Serena opened her mouth as if to speak before thinking better of it.

"It's just dinner," Theodore interjected smoothly, clearly attempting to change the subject.

Dylan wasn't convinced. "It's never just dinner," he countered, eyes narrowing. "Ever since that bar game, I've noticed Alexander seems to have developed feelings for..." He let the implication hang deliberately in the air.

The unspoken meaning was clear to everyone at the table.

Nathan said nothing, but his jaw clenched visibly, his expression darkening like gathering storm clouds.