Selina was utterly dumbfounded, staring at Francis with a mix of disbelief and forced humor. Mr. Johnson…
Yes? Francis leaned back in his chair, looking at her with an amused expression.
You must be joking, Selina said with a nervous laugh, her face losing color.
Was he really expecting her to foot the bill?
Joking? Francis let out a quiet snort through his nose, his gaze sharp and unyielding.
Didn’t you say on the phone that you’d treat me to dinner?
Well… yes, I did, but… Selina stammered, shaking her head, I didn’t say
anything about coming to The Cozy Corner!
What’s the issue? Francis asked, his eyes slightly lowered, but his demeanor still managing to be intimidating.
Given my status, inviting me out for dinner implies a place like The Cozy Corner, doesn’t it? Didn’t you realize that?
Selina was shocked, her face turning pale. Francis shifted his gaze away, uninterested in her protests.
He instructed the waiter, Make sure she pays. No tabs allowed. If she doesn’t settle the bill today, call the cops.
Yes, Mr. Johnson.
At this point, Selina started to realize what was happening. She glared at Francis with anger. You did this on purpose! You set me up! This is extortion!
Extortion? Francis chuckled, shaking his head dismissively. You’re overthinking
it.
No! Selina retorted, not entirely clueless. I get it now!
She gasped, eyes wide with surprise. This is about Rebecca White! You’re doing this because I tried to flirt with you, and you’re getting back at me for her!
Francis didn’t even bother to respond. Knowing his temperament, the fact that he had entertained her antics for this long showed remarkable restraint.
Without a word, he turned and walked away.
Francis! Selina cried out, tears streaming down her face. This is too much! Where am I supposed to get that kind of money?
It was ,000!
Ma’am, the waiter said politely, You owe ,000. If you can’t pay, perhaps you could call someone for help?
།
Call home? Selina’s face was pale and defeated. Sure, her family could cover ,000, but if they found out she spent that much on one meal, she’d be in serious trouble!
Ma’am, please hurry, the waiter urged patiently. If there’s no other option, we’ll
have to call the authorities.
No, wait! I’ll make a call!
…
Outside, Rebecca White held her phone, having listened to the entire exchange. She was silent for a moment, processing everything she heard. She handed the phone back to Sawyer. en FindNovel
Sawyer took it and nodded towards the entrance. Ms. White, Mr. Francis is coming out.
Rebecca looked up as Francis approached, their eyes meeting. He quickened his pace.
Rebecca, Francis said as he reached her, stopping in front of her.
Rebecca looked at him, her emotions a mix of gratitude and confusion.
Francis’s heart softened, and he gently cupped her face in his hands.
She… Rebecca’s eyelashes fluttered, and she muttered softly, She’s really insufferable!
Yeah, Francis agreed, nodding. I know.
As the saying goes, a single act can
reveal one’s character. Her
half-sister trying to seduce her
fiancé was just the tip of the iceberg.
Clearly, Rebecca had endured much more over the years.
Moreover, her father, Kearney, hadn’t defended her at all the last time they were at Galloway’s.
You’ve been through a lot, Francis murmured, his fingers brushing against her cheek. I stood up for you. Does that make you feel better?