Chapter 467

The conversation halted abruptly. Helen didn't respond, her fingers brushing against her earlobe in nervous distraction. Outside, Aurich was drenched in relentless rain. Purple lightning tore across the sky, and the city struggled with severe flooding. Cars were stalled and stranded in waterlogged streets, shops had shut their doors, and decorative trees were bent under the fierce wind. The roads were nearly empty. A waiter approached their table with an apologetic expression. "I'm terribly sorry, sir and ma'am. We've just been informed there will be a power outage soon. Given the storm outside, we'll need to close early and head home." "I understand," Julien answered, paying the bill. "Sorry for taking up your time." The restaurant had already been preparing to close when they arrived but had graciously served them anyway. Helen offered, "I can transfer the money for the meal to you." "No need." "Then… I'll treat you next time." She couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipat