Scott had chosen a warm, atmospheric restaurant.

Inside, the décor leaned into soft earth tones. Gentle light filtered through ornate chandeliersb, /bcasting a dreamy glow across the space. A few colorful, vintage–style oil paintings hung on the walls adding a yful artistic ir to the otherwise tranquil

ambiance.

Scott held Tiana’s hand, while Charlotte walked in with Jodie.

A server led them to a table by the window with a perfect view. At the center of the ss round table sat a petite bouquet of fresh flowers, delicate and fragrant.

The two little girls sat close together. Scott and Charlotte took the seats beside them–close enough that their shoulders nearly touched.

ssical piano music flowed softly through the air, warm and smooth.

After ordering food for the girls, Scott passed the menu to Charlotte. She looked up and met a pair of deepb, /bunreadable eyes.

The moment caught her off guard. Her smile faltered and slowly disappeared.

Not far away, Sean was standing still, his gaze fixed on her. There was something unreadable in his expressionb, /bhis eyes deep and intense.

Beside him stood a tall woman with a curvy figure and long, wavy hair.

Even after all these years, Charlotte recognized her instantly. She was Megan Stone.

Charlotte remembered what Lena had told her. Megan had returned to the country for Sean. Her chest tightened, but she quickly looked away, keeping her expression calm.

Scott had noticed the couple too.

He nced at Sean, a subtle smile ying on his lips. “What a coincidence, Mr. Jasper. Is this your girlfriend?”

Sean’s expression darkened. His voice was cool as ice. “No.”

Megan stepped in smoothly, shing a bright smile. “Hi, I’m Megan Stone. I’m Sean’s…‘”

She paused, eyes flicking subtly toward Charlotte.

“…friend.”

Charlotte’s expression remained unreadable, but inside, a ripple passed through her.

She called him Sean.

Charlotte lowered her gaze to hide the flicker of emotion in her eyes.

”

“It’s been a long time, Charlotte. Do you remember me? We met once years ago,” Megan said, smile bright.

Charlotte nodded politely. “I remember. It has been a while. Hope you’ve been well.”

Sean walked over and dragged a chair from the next table, seating himself right beside Charlotte without asking.

Megan followed.

“Miss Riley,” he said coolly, “how’s the progress on the Jasper Corporation’s cases?”

Charlotte kept her tone neutral. “Everything’s in order. I’ve been reviewing the files yourpany sent. All supporting materials have been organized and reviewed twice.”

The table wasn’t that big to begin with. Now with five people crowded around itb, /bthings felt a little cramped.

+25 bBONUS /b

Still standing, Megan gave a lightugh. “Sean, it’s after hours. Can’t business wait? Let’s grab another table. Charlotte’s on a date. We shouldn’t interrupt.”

Sean’s gaze darkened further. He nced at Charlotte, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. “A date?”

Charlotte frowned. “It’s just dinner.”

Her reflexive denial softened the look in his eyes, but the jealousy didn’t fade.

He had only looked away for a second, and Scott had already whisked her off to dinner.

He nced at the two little girls sitting across the table and instantly understood that Scott had used the kids as a pretext to see

her.

“Alright, Charlotte, I know you’re shy.” Megan reached for Sean’s sleeve and said sweetly, b“/bCome onb, /blet’s not bother them anymore.”