Chapter 1016

“You haven’t forgotten our plans for tonight, have you?” Lester asked.
As Hailey was sitting on Jonah’s lap, she was close enough that every word of Lester’s carried clearly to him.
The moment Jonah heard “plans for tonight”, his cold gaze narrowed.
Hailey smiled as she replied, “Of course not. I promised to take you out to dinner tonight, and I’ve already made the reservation. I’ll send you the address later. I’ll see you there!”
Lester said, “As long as you remember. Well, see you tonight.”
After hanging up the phone, Jonah stared at Hailey and asked, “You have plans with Lester tonight?”
She nodded. “Yes. I ran into him on campus today. Honestly, I owe him-if it weren’t for Lester’s help, I wouldn’t have gotten into Aspenfield. I wanted to thank him, so I invited him out to dinner.”
Jonah understood she felt nothing more than gratitude. However, Lester’s feelings were another matter he clearly had a crush on Hailey.
In their circles, Hailey was the kind of girl men couldn’t resist and whom families never stopped vying for.
Jonah didn’t try to stop her. After all, Hailey was a person, not a possession. She had her own space and her own world outside of him.
He didn’t like the thought of her with other men, but love wasn’t about locking her away.
Love was about understanding each other, and he wanted a lifetime with her.
“Would you mind if there’s one more person at dinner tonight?” he asked. The question caught Hailey off guard. “One more person? Who?” she asked.
“I don’t have any plans tonight. Take me with you,” Jonah answered.
“You want to have dinner with Lester?”
Jonah nodded. “Why? Is that a problem?”
Hailey laughed. “Of course not! I’m just surprised. You’re not exactly the kind who enjoys being in a crowd!”
“That’s your friend, isn’t he? You should introduce him to me! And if Lester helped you, then I owe him too. I should thank him properly. Tonight, I’ll go with you.”
Hailey nodded. “Sure! Do you still have work to finish, Mr. Pilsner? If not, we can head out now.”
Jonah pulled her into his embrace and said, “I’m done. Let’s go.”
Half an hour later, their luxury car pulled up in front of Silverwood Grill. Jonah Hook Harley’s hand and led her
inside.

The place was buzzing, with tables filled and waiters moving quickly through the warm light of the dining room.
Jonah slipped his arm around her waist, guiding her forward as if shielding her from the crowd.
“Be careful!” he said.
Hailey laughed at his
“I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself-and the baby. No one’s going to bump into me
“Not while I’m here. I’ll protect you both,” Jonah said with a gentle smile.
Hailey felt her heart soften. Jonah would make a wonderful husband one day, and an even better father.
Soon, they reached the private dining room they had reserved.
After stepping inside, they found it empty. It seemed Lester hadn’t arrived yet.
“Lester’s on his way now, so he
probably will arrive anytime 1 Swall for him before we
said Hailey.
Jonah poured Hailey a glass of water and replied, “Alright.”
Just then, his phone rang. It was Jeremy calling.
Jonah had been out of the office all afternoon, so it was likely something he needed
to handle personally.
He said, “Hailey, excuse me. I have to take this call.”
Hailey gently replied, “Go ahead.”
Jonah stood, phone in hand, and stepped out of the room.
He had just left when the door opened again, and Lester walked in.
With a smile, Hailey said, “Lester, you’re finally here.”
Lester said, “I’m sorry, Hailey. Traffic was backed up, so I’m a few minutes late.”