chapter124

"Lydia, you really don't have to be so formal with me." Connor's eyes lingered on her, his voice so smooth and deep that Lydia could feel her face heating up before she even realized it.

She nodded with a soft "mm" and edged a little farther away, trying to put some space between them.

There was just something about him. Dangerous, in a way she couldn't quite name. Connor noticed her subtle move and a sly smile tugged at his lips.

Was she getting shy? She looked so cute like this.

Up in the front seat, Aiden was at a complete loss for words. If he hadn't seen and heard it himself, he never would have believed their boss could flirt so effortlessly. Who in the world could resist that?

After about ten minutes, the Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the Royal Hotel. The place looked like a golden castle, right in the middle of the city.

As soon as the welcome staff caught sight of the license plate, they hurried to greet them. The lobby manager led the group, but when he saw Connor step out of the car holding a young woman's hand, he was so shocked that he nearly froze on the spot.

Was this really happening? Connor, who always seemed immune to women, had brought along a girl here.

He must be seeing things.

He'd heard their boss had a fianc e, Miss Norwood, but he'd met Lucinda before, and she looked nothing like this girl. Was Connor cheating?

Still, he had to admit, this girl was even more beautiful than Lucinda. She carried herself with a quiet elegance and a cool confidence that made her look absolutely perfect next to Connor.

"Mr. Jefferson, the second-floor restaurant is ready," someone informed them.

Connor nodded and led Lydia inside, never letting go of her hand. It felt like he wanted the whole world to know she was his girlfriend.

Lydia had tried to pull her hand free when they got out, but Connor's grip was way too strong. There was just no arguing with him when he set his mind to something.

Inside, the hotel lobby gleamed with crystal chandeliers and beautiful art, everything dripping with luxury.

They walked up the marble staircase to the main restaurant on the second floor. A line of neatly dressed staff bowed together. "Welcome, Mr. Jefferson. Good afternoon."

Connor stopped and addressed the manager and the staff. "This is Lydia Norwood. Make sure you remember her."

The staff managed to tamp down their surprise and answered in unison, "Welcome, Miss Norwood!"

Lydia gave them a polite smile and a tiny nod.

Connor, still holding her hand, led her to the main table. The lighting was soft and romantic The back. wall of the restaurant looked like painting, covered in flowers and a star-filled sky. It felt like stepping into a dream.

"This is our first meal together and I wasn't sure what you liked, so I asked them to prepare a bit of everything."

The table was covered in a white

vel

velvet cloth and piled high with. beautiful dishes. Flowers and

candles were everywhere making everything feel warm and romantic.

I'm not picky, Lydia said quietly.

Connor laughed. "That makes you easy to take care of."

Lydia had no words for that.

"My pendant. Where is it?" she asked.

"Let's have lunch first."

Meanwhile, at the front desk downstairs, Lucinda's friend Paige was trying to get

some answers. "The restaurant's booked? Who booked it?"

The receptionist smiled politely. "Our boss and his girlfriend."

Paige stared. "Your boss? Connor?"

"Yes."

Paige's face lit up. Connor's leg was healed? That medicine Lucinda bought at the auction really worked. Only two days and he was already.

out on a date? That was so romantic.

She had to text Lucinda right away.

[Lucinda, congratulations! Connor's leg is better. Does this mean your wedding is happening soon?]