Chapter 241

Chapter 241:

As the waiter disappeared, Aiden turned to look at Tess’s wrist. “Dr. Newman, I noticed you aren’t wearing that bracelet today.”

Tess’s fingers instinctively brushed her bare wrist, and she forced a smile. “I was in a rush this morning. I must have left it behind.”

“Is that so?” Aiden’s tone held a subtle edge of suspicion. Realizing the tension, Tess quickly shifted gears. “Mr. Green, if my company makes you uneasy, you don’t have to stay. I only suggested this meal because I didn’t want you to feel obligated. Like I told you before—I saved your life because it was my duty. Nothing more.”

Her words rang steady, righteous even, and seemingly genuine. If Aiden hadn’t been so suspicious, a hint of guilt might have crossed his mind.

But the absence of that bracelet on Tess’s wrist, along with the flicker of hesitation, only fueled his doubt. Tess thought she had the playbook for dealing with wealthy, powerful men down pat—swiping pages from countless romance novels featuring domineering CEOs. But novels were just stories, and Aiden? He wasn’t a character she could predict. To him, she was already under scrutiny.

“My apologies if I seemed rude.” Aiden poured her a glass of water with a smooth, detached grace. “Let’s enjoy the meal. Since you’ve been eager to try this restaurant for quite some time, let’s not spoil the moment.”

Tess’s shoulders eased just a little. “Mr. Green, I know someone like you could have anything you want, but I’m happy with my simple life. I don’t need anything from you. I just hope we can be friends.”

Friends? Aiden’s eyes narrowed, and a flicker of cold amusement danced across his face. So, this was her game.

Gaining the friendship of someone like him wasn’t something done lightly, and Tess knew it. Her carefully crafted sincerity wasn’t fooling anyone—especially Aiden. He could see right through her carefully orchestrated act.

Just then, the waiter returned, setting down one perfectly plated dish after another.

Stay tuned for updates at gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm

Tess could hardly contain her excitement at the sight of the mouthwatering dishes, her eyes lighting up. But she knew she had to maintain her composure in front of someone as distinguished as Aiden.

“Dr. Newman, the food here is simply exceptional. You should give it a try,” Aiden said, flashing a smile.

“Absolutely!” Tess replied, her voice upbeat but still poised.

With Aiden’s approval, Tess elegantly reached for her fork, determined to keep her poise. But the moment the rich flavors hit her tongue, all pretenses vanished. A spark of delight lit up her face before she could reel it back in.

Aiden, however, took only a few bites before setting down his fork and knife with practiced ease. He dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin, his movements as smooth as ever.

Tess paused mid-bite, glancing at his plate. “Mr. Green, you’re hardly eating. You really must take care of yourself. As a doctor, it’s hard for me to watch someone neglect their health.” Her brow furrowed in disapproval.

It was a scene straight out of a romance novel—the well-meaning heroine trying to thaw the heart of the stoic, powerful man. Tess was sure she had nailed the performance. This had to be the moment when Aiden finally saw her in a different light—maybe even became intrigued.

.

.

.