bChapter /bb221/bb: /bGarden Feast band Family /bbExpectations /b

Chapter 221: Garden Feast and Family Expectations

b(/bThird person’s POV)

That evening, Ethan Quinn invited them to a well–known private restaurant nestled within ssical werewolf gardens. The restaurant was set within traditionalndscaping, with bluestone paths leading deeper binto /bbthe /b

tranquil setting.

Pavilions with upturned eaves dotted thendscape, surrounding a serene pond where water lilies floated and koi swamzily. The gentle ripples on the water’s surface caught the fading light, creating ba /bpeaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with their earlier carnival excitement.

As the group arrived in the twilight, golden sunlight bathed the garden in a soft glow. Reba Frost paused at the entrance, her eyes wide with appreciation.

“This ce is absolutely beautiful,” she breathed, taking in the elegant architecture and carefully manicured

grounds.

Ethan Quinn smiled proudly at her reaction. “The restaurant isn’t open to the public. It belongs to a friend of

mine.”

Lily’s eyes narrowed yfully, her earlier reconciliation with Ethan making her morefortable with teasing.

“A female friend, I suppose?”

Ethan quickly shook his head, recognizing the dangerous territory he was entering. “No, no. The owner is Tyler Davis, a male ssmate from university who specializes in contemporary cuisine.”

Gabriel Andrews nodded in confirmation. “I know Tyler. He pursued furtherb. /bculinary studies abroad after

graduation. His food is exceptional.”

Lily’s suspicion melted away at the exnation. “Only male staff serve here too,” Ethan added reassuringly. “Tyler and I have been here before, just the two of us.”

The rification seemed to satisfy Lilypletely, and she linked her arm through Ethan’s as they continued

down the bluestone path.

Reaching the moonlit pavilion, they found the table already set with steaming dishes. The thoughtful gesture

by Ethan to cater to their hunger after a long day at the carnival was evident in every carefully arranged te.

“Perfect timing,” Connor Rivers observed, his arm still protectively around Olivia Winters‘ waist. “I’m starving

after all those rides.b” /b

Before they could settle down, Ethan pulled out his phone. “Let me call Tyler toe greet everyone properly.”

Within minutes, Tyler Davis appeared from the kitchen area. He was tall and lean with an athletic build, his short tousled hair and striking features embodying the confident charm of a sessful young entrepreneur.

“Everyone, this is Tyler Davis,” Ethan announced. “Tyler, meet my friends.”

Tyler’s eyes immediately found Reba, and his expression brightened noticeably. “It’s a pleasure to meet

you all.”

Lily, still in a yful mood from their reconciliation, stepped forward with a mischievous smileb. /b“Tylerb, /bbyou’re /b

quite handsome Are you single?

Ethan’s face darkened instantly. He quickly wrapped his arm around Lilys shoutters, petting her doser The Is Lily, my girlfriend‘

Tyler chuckled at the obvious disy of possessiveness. Tucky man, Ethan She’s beautiful”

After a round of introductions, the group settled in to enjoy the meat. The contemporary opathe Bedug to Gabriel’s praise, with each dish perfectly prepared and artfully presented

As the dinner concluded amidstughter and chatter, Lily proposed their next destination. Let’s head to a her for drinks. The night is still young!”

Gabriel Andrews immediately declined, his arm tightening around Sophie Shaw’s shoulders Sophie has early

sses tomorrow morning, and it’s already gettingte

Sophie nodded shyly, herrge eyes reflecting fatigue from their long day. I should get home soon?

Gabriel stood, helping Sophie to her feet with unusual tenderness. Before leaving, he turned to Reba with

a meaningful look.

“Reba, you should call Sophie ‘sister–inw‘ from now on.”

Sophie’s cheeks flushed pink at the suggestion, but she nodded shyly in agreement. Gabriel affectionately embraced her before their departure, his protective gesture speaking volumes about his serious intentions.

After they left, Lily immediately turned to Reba with sparkling eyes. “Your brother ispletely smitten!

I’ve never seen Gabriel act so protective.”

Reba agreed, her expression thoughtful. “His feelings for Sophie are definitely different from his past rtionships. He’s never introduced anyone as a potential sister–inw before.”

Turning to Olivia and Connor, Lily asked hopefully, “Will you two join us for drinks?b” /b

Connor looked to Olivia for her preference, his amber eyes searching her face. Olivia wanted to spend more time with him, but the memory of her drunken behavior from their previous outing made her hesitate.

“I’m actually quite tired,” she said finally, not wanting to risk another embarrassing incident. “I think I should

head home.”

Lily’s face fell with disappointment. “If Olivia’s not going, then I’ll cancel the bar outing too. We should all

head home.”

The group began to disperse, with Tyler Davis personally escorting them to the garden entrance. His eyes lingered on Reba as they said their goodbyes.

The next day, Olivia returned to the Winters Family Estate for dinner. The familiar surroundings of her childhood home brought mixed emotions as she sat at the dining table with Richard Winters and Natalie

Winters.

During the meal, Richard casually inquired, “Olivia, how are you and thatwyer Adrian getting along these days?”

Olivia paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. “We’re just ordinary friends, Dad. Nothing more.”

Natalie Winters chimed in with a teasing smile. “Olivia, you can’t keep pretending not bto /bnotice Adrian’s affections. He’s quite taken with you.”

Chapter 221. Garden Feast and Family bExpectations /b

bRichard /bbnodded /bbapprovingly/bb. /bb“/bbI’m /bbimpressed /bbby /bbhim/bb. /bbHe /bseems like ba /bbgood /bbmatch /bbfor /bbyou /b

bOlivia set /bbdown /bher bfork /bbfirmly/bb, /bb“/bbI /bhave bno /bbromantic /bbinterest /bbin /bbAdrian Sinir/b. I’m bfocused /bbon /bbmy /bcareer right

bnow/bb” /b

bRichard’s /bbexpression /bgrew more seriousb. /b“Olivia, you’re twenty–seven years old. bYou /bshould consider bfinding /ba

bmate /bsoon.”

“I bwant /bbto /bfocus on building myw firm,” Olivia stated firmly, her voice carrying the determination bthat /bbhad /bdriven her professional sess. “That’s my priority.”

Richard studied his daughter’s resolute expression. Though persistent by nature, he recognized bthe /bbfutility /bbof /bpushing further.

“You have your own arrangements, that’s good,” he said finally, his tone epting. “Dad just made a suggestion, let’s eat.”

b1 /b