Chapter 202

Susan Thompson never planned to have dinner with Alexander Grant.

The Diao Chan costume change required eight different looks, each demanding full hair and makeup redo. By the time they finished the final stills, the sunset had painted half the sky crimson.

Her nearly healed ankle throbbed faintly after the day's exertion. All she wanted was to return to her apartment, soak in a hot bath, and collapse into bed.

Stepping out of the studio, she spotted Alexander leaning against his car.

Remembering she owed him a meal—and considering he was Benjamin Nash's grandson—Susan took a deep breath. Tonight would settle that debt.

Someone of Alexander's status belonged at places like Elegant Joy. But after encountering Kevin Oak there last time, Susan couldn't stomach returning.

Alexander seemed to read her mind, leading them to an unassuming eatery.

Susan froze at the familiar sign.

This Sichuan restaurant near her high school was where she and Andrew Lucas used to splurge on boiled fish every week.

"You've been here before?" Alexander noted her distant expression.

"Yes." She traced the menu absently. "Came often with friends during high school."

Her finger paused at the boiled fish section. "Their signature dish. Excellent flavor."

"Your choice tonight." His gaze remained on her face. "I defer to the expert."

Susan ordered from memory, deliberately avoiding the stir-fried bamboo shoots she once loved. Now the dish only brought painful recollections.

The owner recognized her immediately. "Susan! Still as beautiful after all these years!" Her eyes flicked to Alexander. "And this is—"

"He's not—"

"I'm her boyfriend." Alexander's deep voice cut through, firm and deliberate.

Susan nearly knocked over her water glass, staring at him in shock. He simply offered one of his rare smiles.

The owner beamed. "I knew such a lovely girl would—"

Her words died as she looked past Susan's shoulder, expression shifting. Susan turned to see Andrew Lucas silhouetted in the doorway, his tall frame radiating icy tension.

The owner discreetly withdrew, leaving strained silence between the trio.

Before Susan could process Alexander's declaration, he spoke again. "Our blind date never concluded, Susan."

His quiet words carried clearly. "Because I'm currently pursuing you."

The statement detonated like a bomb in the small restaurant. Susan felt twin scorching gazes—one from Alexander before her, one from Andrew at the door.

Her fingers clenched the tablecloth unconsciously, her heartbeat threatening to burst from her chest.