Chapter 257

"Are you... hungry? There's a new Valmese restaurant on the second floor of The Lighthouse. Why don't you come up with me and have something to eat? I'll be meeting with Mr. Lynch Senior up there, so you can sit nearby, enjoy a meal, and keep warm." It was already late autumn, and even with the car's heater on full blast, it was still a bit chilly. Besides, like Samantha, Xander hadn't eaten much either. He initially intended to refuse, but seeing her smiling face made it hard to disappoint her. He responded vaguely, "I'll go up with you first. If Mr. Lynch Senior is okay with it, I'll stay. If not, I'll find a place nearby to grab a bite." Samantha agreed, "Let's do that then. We'll head up now." With that, she turned and entered the building He watched her figure for a brief moment before following closely behind her. She was increasingly concerned about him. He wondered when he would finally address their relationship openly. ... Harold and Ben had already been waiting on th