Chapter 203

Susan's heart skipped a beat. Alexander Grant's sudden confession caught her completely off guard.

She appreciated his trust, but being pursued by such a powerful man would only make her a target.

She had no desire to become every woman's enemy in the city.

More importantly, her heart had long turned to ashes.

"Mr. Grant, we're not compatible." Susan despised playing with people's emotions. She preferred clean breaks.

"Right now, I just want to focus on work and secure a stable future for Daniel."

That blind date had only happened to appease Benjamin Nash. With her broken body, why burden someone else?

"Daniel needs a father." Alexander's intense gaze seemed to pierce through her soul. "And I'm the best candidate."

"I know you need time. I'm willing to wait."

Susan took a sip of water. She couldn't deny his logic—Daniel did need a father. With the Grant family's influence, they could protect Daniel even if she were gone.

But she couldn't be that selfish.

"Mr. Grant, I appreciate your affection, but this really isn't possible."

The timely arrival of steaming dishes broke the awkward silence.

Susan eagerly placed a piece of fish on Alexander's plate. "Try their boiled fish—it's deliciously spicy!"

The memory of Nicole forcing her to swallow live fish still haunted her. Yet the aromatic scent made her mouth water involuntarily.

She loved fish soup, and this restaurant's broth was exceptionally flavorful.

But her stomach couldn't handle it now. She could only stare longingly.

Alexander wasn't surprised by her rejection. Amused by her craving, he carefully deboned the fish and placed tender white flesh in her bowl.

When she hesitated, he arched an eyebrow. "Too good to eat?"

"I... can't handle spicy food." Suppressing her desire, she picked at some stir-fried vegetables instead.

Alexander frowned. She'd clearly praised this restaurant's signature spicy fish before—a regular wouldn't suddenly develop an aversion.

"How is it?" Susan watched him with hopeful eyes.

Her restrained longing tugged at his heartstrings. The poised woman had such an adorable side.

"Delicious." He took another bite truthfully.

Susan smiled contentedly, as if tasting it herself.

Alexander's heartbeat quickened as he studied her. He knew—he could never let this woman go.

"Did you attend high school nearby?" When she nodded, he suggested, "Show me after dinner."

Susan instinctively wanted to refuse. Not just to maintain distance, but because her swollen ankle throbbed painfully.

"Sorry, my foot hurts. I'd like to rest early."

Alexander set down his chopsticks, eyes dropping to her visibly swollen ankle beneath the sock.

Compelled, he knelt and grasped her foot.

Susan's eyes widened. Though the restaurant was empty, this crossed all boundaries.

"Mr. Grant, please—"

"Stay still." His firm hands massaged through the fabric.

Susan wished the ground would swallow her. As she struggled, an enraged voice exploded:

"What the hell are you doing?!"

She turned to meet Andrew Lucas's bloodshot eyes.

Andrew trembled with fury. Learning Susan had brought Alexander to their old dating spot nearly made him destroy his office.

Worse—she'd taken their usual table!

He'd rushed over restraining his rage, only to see her serving Alexander like some doting wife!

He used to pick bones from her fish, spoon-feed her soup, treasure her like porcelain!

Now she was publicly seducing another man! Alexander's hand was in her sock!

What next? Couldn't they wait?!

"Susan!" His fist slammed the table, scalding soup splashing unnoticed on his skin. "That desperate for a man? Can't even keep your clothes on in public?!"

Susan coldly withdrew her foot. "Mr. Lucas, what we do is none of your concern!"