Patricia gently took Halsey’s hand in hers.


    “No matter what’s happened between you and Mr. Lane, we will always remember the kindness he’s shown us. How about this -you give him a call, see if he has some time. Your father and I want to invite him over for a meal to express our thanks.”


    Cyril nodded in agreement. “Yes, we’re nning to invite Mr. Lane out for dinner. Come to think of it<b>, </b>it’s been years since Ist saw him.”


    Shaun used to be Cyril’s student back when he was Dwight, and Cyril had always thought highly of him. Since Shaun had done a lot for the Lincoln family, this dinner was the least they could do.


    Madeline hadn’t been to school for the past three days. Over these years, the Lincoln family’s kindness had made her feel like one of them. With everything that had happened, she was determined to stay until the family got through this crisis before returning to the research base.


    “No need to invite Shaun to dinner. He helped because it’s what he should do. As long as our family gets through this safely, that’s all that matters,” Madeline said happily.


    Patricia smiled. “That won’t do. Mr. Lane helped us out of kindness; it’s not his job. We still need to show our appreciation.”


    Cyril added, “Maddy, we took you in as our goddaughter because we like you. We never wanted to use you to make your brother repay us. Even though he’s back now, I still think <b>of </b>you as our daughter.”


    Madeline nodded firmly. “Okay!”


    Cyril turned to Halsey. “What are you waiting for? Go ahead and call Mr. Lane!”


    He was urging her on.


    Halsey pulled out her phone. “Alright, I’ll call him.”


    “Go ahead.”


    She stood to the side and dialed Shaun’s number.


    After one clear ring, the call connected. Shaun’s deep, smooth voice came through. “What’s up?”


    His tone was yful, warm–almost like a gentle whisper right beside her ear.


    Halsey noticed how, over these three years, his voice had grown even more mature and maic–the kind that could make a girl’s heart race.


    “Mr. Lane, we’ve resolved the issues at thepany, and my parents want to thank you. I was wondering <i>if </i>you’re free. They want to invite you to dinner.”


    Shaun smiled in his voice. “They’re too kind. I was just doing what should.”


    “They insist on having dinner with you.”


    “Will you


    being as well?” he asked.


    Halsey’s heart skipped a beat. What was he getting <b>at</b>?


    “Of course I am. We all want to thank you.”


    Shaun’s voice held a teasing edge. “You sound so formal.


    <b>Halsey </bughed softly. “What do you <b>say</b><b>, </b>then? But if you’re too busy, it’s fine…”


    “<b>I </b>have time. How about tonight?”


    “Sure. I’ll tell my parents.”


    He replied, “Okay. Is there anything else you want to say?”


    Her heart fluttered. “What else?”


    “You haven’t forgotten our agreement, have you?”


    Halsey’s cheeks flushed bright red. “I haven’t! It’s just… I’m on my period.”


    “That’s okay. I can wait until it’s over.”


    “Alright. I’m hanging up now.”


    “Okay.”


    She ended the call, holding her phone as her heart pounded wildly. It had been three years, but Shaun could still make her feel butterflies.