Chapter 181
Natalie asked Samuel where he wanted to eat.
He suggested a late-night snack, something less formal than a restaurant.
“Well, if you don’t mind, Mr. Thompson, I know a place that should be perfect.” Natalie gave him an address, and Samuel started driving.
“Arianna and I used to come here all the time in college,” she explained as they settled into a booth at a small barbecue joint. “Their grilled meats are incredible.” She slid a menu across the table to him.
The place was bustling and lively, filled with the enticing aroma of barbecue.
Samuel pushed the menu back to her. “You’re the expert. I’ll have whatever you’re having p>
“Alright, then I’ll take the lead p>
Just after they ordered, her phone rang. It was Arianna.
“Natalie! You have to come get a late-night snack with me. I’ve been working overtime and I’m about to pass out from hunger!” Arianna’s frantic voice came through the speaker.
Natalie said, “Hold on,” and covered the microphone to ask Samuel, “Mr. Thompson, would you mind if one more person joined us? It’s Arianna. She just got off work p>
Since she was treating him, she felt it was polite to ask.
Samuel leaned back, draping one arm casually over the adjacent chair. “No problem
at all. She’s my employee and your friend. Of course, she can come p>
Natalie gave Arianna the address and hung up.
“Could I make a request?” Samuel asked after she put her phone down.
Natalie looked up, puzzled.
“We’ve known each other for a while now. Besides our professional collaboration, I’d say we’re friends, wouldn’t you? You don’t have to call me Mr. Thompson. You can just use my name p>
Under the warm orange light of the diner, a smile played on his lips. His handsome features and refined air had already drawn the attention of several women in the restaurant, but his gaze was fixed solely on Natalie.
“In that case, you should call me by my name, too,” Natalie replied with a nod.
“Still calling me Mr. Thompson p>
A little embarrassed, Natalie smiled. “Samuel p>
Just as their food arrived, so did Arianna. She spotted Natalie as soon as she walked in, but when she reached the table and saw Samuel, she froze in surprise.
“Working hard, I see. You deserve a big bonus at the end of the year,” Samuel teased. The source of thɪs content is (.)net
Arianna felt a little awkward.
Whether from rushing over or the heat of the restaurant, a blush crept up her cheeks. “It’s my duty. The Thompson Group pays me very well, not to mention the annual bonus. I’d beretting you down if I didnt work. hard p>
“Have a seat. It’s after hours. Relax p>
Seeing the spicy barbecue and beer on the table, Arianna reflexively turned to
Natalie. “Your hand still isn’t healed. You need to watch what you eat p>
Before Natalie could respond, Samuel asked with surprise, “What happened to your hand p>
“She “
“It’s nothing,” Natalie interjected, cutting Arianna off. “I just bumped it. It’s a minor fracture, but it’s healing p>
She didn’t want to talk about that night; explaining it would be too complicated. Samuel nodded. “Then you shouldn’t be eating anything spicy.” He called the waiter over and ordered some milder dishes for her.
After dinner, Samuel drove them both home. Because of the route, he dropped Natalie off first, then Arianna.
“Thank you for the ride, Mr. Thompson. Goodbye,” Arianna said politely as she got out of the car.
“Wait a moment p>
Samuel got out of the car as well and walked over to her. The sudden proximity made Arianna feel short of breath. She lowered her head shyly, wondering what he wanted to say.
“How exactly did Natalie injure her left hand p>
“Huh?” Arianna looked up abruptly to see his expression was completely serious.
She hesitated for a moment, then recounted everything that had happened at the Prestige Properties Group charity auction.
“Mr. Thompson, Natalie didn’t tell you because she doesn’t want too many people to know. Please, you have to keep it a secret. And don’t ask her about it Arianna a quickly, feeling a bang of guilt for betraying her friend’s confidence.
Samuel smiled. “Don’t worry, my lips are sealed p>
“No, no, that’s not what I meant… I p>
Arianna was at a loss for how to explain herself.
“It’s alright. It’s getting late. Go on inside and get some rest p>
Samuel turned and got back in his car. As she watched it drive away, Arianna stood frozen in place for a long time. She took out her phone and sent a text: “I agree, seeÅ·ou this weekend p>