Jersey City really was a small world.
Charlotte never imagined she would run into Sean here.
Still a little dazed, she <b>heard </b>Scort speak up behind her. “Mr. <b>Jasper</b>. <b>What </b>a coincidence–are you dining here too?”
Sean’s tone was cool, his Expression <b>unreadable</b>. “Yeah”
Charlotte didn’t say <b>a </b>word. <b>She </b>walked right past him and into the restaurant without looking back
A server approached them, “Good evening. Table for two? Do you have a reservation?”
Charlotte responded calmly, “Yes, under the number ending in 0775.”
“Right this way, please.”
As she followed the server inside, Scott offered Sean a polite smile. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Sean stood frozen in ce, eyes lowered
It was Valentine’s Day.
“On a day like this, why would Lottie he having
ng dinner alone with Scott? Was it a date? he wondered.
His chest tightened. An overwhelming bitterness swept through him, wave after wave.
He stood <b>frozen</b>, throat tight, limbs numb, as if he had turned to stone.
Scort nced at him onest time before walking on. The dim, romantle lighting of the restaurant couldn’t quite hide the loneliness etched across <b>Sean’s </b>face.
Scott’s lips curved into a barely there smile.
He knew what Sean was thinking
A man and a woman having dinner alone on Valentine’s Day–it did look a lot like a date<b>. </b>
And Scott had no intention of correcting the misunderstanding.
With calm steps, he passed Sean and caught up with Charlotte.
In the private dining room<b>, </b>Charlotte sat quietly, eyes unfocused, lost in thought.
When Scott walked in, she didn’t even look up.
“Miss Riley.” He pulled out a chair and sat down.
Charlotte blinked, snapping out of it. “The menu’s over there. You can order.”
Scott smiled gently. “Alright.”
He didn’t ask unnecessary questions. He didn’t mention anyone he shouldn’t.
Charlotte quickly gathered herself and set the awloward run–in aside.
While they waited for the food<b>, </b>they picked up their discussion about the partnership.
“I have a friend who specializes in criminal defense, Scott said. “He’s been practicing for three years, same as me. If you’re open to it, I can bring him
Charlotte’s eyes lit up “sounds good. Let’s set up a meeting sometime and go over the details,”
Scott nodded. “Of course. We went
We went tow school together. You won’t need to worry about his credentials.”
Charlotte smiled. “If hees rmended by you, I’m sure he’s solid”
Of course, that was just polite talk. In truth, she was still cautious. After all, once they became partners, they would be in it together–sharing profits, risks, and responsibility She would need to do her due diligence
Scott’s tone stayed gentle. “I nt
n to invest thurry million and register <b>as </b><b>a </b>practicing attorney under the firm. We can sign the contract anytime.”
Charlotte smiled and reached out her hand. “I like how straightforward you are, Mr. Lucas. Looking forward to working with you
Scott shook her hand “Likewise.”
After dinner, he asked with a smile, “Today feels like a memorable day. Mind if we take a photo together, parmer?”
It wasn’t unusual for business partners to take photos after closing a deal, so Charlotte didn’t think much of it. She smiled and <b>said</b>, “Sure.”
Scott asked a server to take the picture.
In the photo, the two of them stood side by side, Charlotte looked into the camera, a soft smile at her lips.
<b>-25 </b>Bonus