“You’re welcome.”

Hadley carefully tucked the document folder into her bag and met Ernest’s gaze.

“Everything looks perfect.”

“Then we should head out.” Ernest turned his attention to Eric.

“Since you arranged the reservation, please show us the way.”

“Of course.”

When they arrived at the restaurant, Ernest and Hadley settled into seats facing each other, while Eric positioned himself directly across from Megan.

“Have some water.” Ernest filled a glass and placed it before Hadley.

“Now, tell me what’s been happening with Andrea.”

“Okay.” Hadley nodded and launched into a comprehensive explanation of the situation.

Meanwhile, Eric and Megan found themselves completely excluded from the intense conversation.

Soon, their waiter appeared, expertly balancing several plates.

“Enjoy your meal.”

The waiter departed with a respectful bow.

Megan observed the pair who remained deeply engrossed in their discussion, then turned to Eric with an understanding smile.

“Let’s allow them to continue their conversation while we enjoy our food.”

“Good idea.” Eric nodded and reached for his glass of water, taking a slow, contemplative sip.

Across the table, Megan’s gaze lingered on the perfectly prepared steak adorning Eric’s plate.

“That steak looks delicious.”

“Would you like to try some?” Eric looked down at his plate briefly.

“Just give me a moment.”

M s s.

He lifted his knife and fork, methodically cutting the steak into bite-sized portions before sliding the plate toward Megan.

“You can have this.”

Megan’s eyes widened with pleasant surprise, and she caught her lower lip between her teeth. She pushed her fish fillet toward him in return.

“Then you must try mine…”

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“No, I’m good.”

“But you…”

As they continued their courteous back-and-forth, Hadley found her attention involuntarily drawn to their exchange. But the moment her eyes captured the scene, she immediately averted her gaze, a wave of regret washing over her. She had no right to watch such intimate moments.

Eric’s brow furrowed slightly as he addressed Megan with gentle firmness.

“I truly appreciate the gesture, but I don’t enjoy fish. I’ll simply order something else.”

“Okay.” Megan’s smile faltered slightly as she pulled at her lower lip.

“That’s perfectly fine.”

He disliked fish? Since when?

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