“Zane,” Colleen asked, working her gum. “Why have you suddenly started chewing gum? Is it particularly delicious?”
“The taste isn’t the point,” Zane replied, stealing a quick glance at Hadley with an unreadable expression. “I’m trying to quit smoking. When the urges hit, chewing gum helps.”
“What?” Colleen’s eyes widened in surprise. “This gum is specially designed to help with smoking cessation?”
“Exactly.”
“But…” Colleen’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What prompted this sudden decision to quit smoking?”
“Is that problematic somehow?” Zane chuckled softly. “Didn’t you personally tell me that smoking harms my health?”
“I did, but…”
“Zane…” Hadley, who had been absorbed in the documents, suddenly lifted her gaze and raised her hand slightly. “Forgive the interruption, but I’m having trouble understanding this section.”
“Which section?” Zane immediately rose and moved to her side. “Let me see. Ah, this part… It works like this…” He gave a patient, thorough explanation of the complex section.
Hmm? Colleen observed them in silence, her eyes narrowing as suspicion began to take shape in her mind. Could it possibly be… Surely not… Or was it?
Meanwhile, Hadley finished reviewing the documents and signed each page with care.
“Zane, I’ll be relying on your expertise from here on out.”
“Naturally.” Zane meticulously gathered the signed documents and secured them safely. “Thank you for placing your trust in me.”
With their business matters settled, Zane caught Colleen’s eye before turning to Hadley again. “I’m buying Colleen lunch. Would you care to join us?”
м?г? υρт ?т g?l?l?.
“Yes, please join us!” Colleen interjected with unbridled enthusiasm. “There’s a wonderful restaurant just around the corner.”
“You’re both incredibly thoughtful, but I must decline.” Hadley shook her head while maintaining a gracious smile. “I genuinely cannot today. I’ve promised Joy that we’d share lunch.”
“Ah, honoring a commitment to your daughter takes precedence,” Zane acknowledged with an understanding nod. “We won’t keep you any longer.”
He added, “Would you like me to arrange a taxi for you?”
“Please don’t trouble yourself.” Hadley dismissed the offer with a gentle wave and smile. “I drove myself here. It’s quite convenient.”
With those words, she gathered her bag and moved toward the exit.
“I’ll take my leave now.”
“Be careful and drive safely.”
“Goodbye, Colleen. Goodbye, Zane.”
“Goodbye!” Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n F?nd-Novel.net
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