Chapter 828

James had already begun addressing the issues involving that worker. Hailey was feeling down, and Miranda, distressed over her daughter’s mood, decided to take her out for dinner. Both mother and daughter arrived at a private restaurant. Miranda pinched Hailey’s cheek gently and said, “Hailey, come on, smile. Girls who smile have better luck. You can’t go around looking gloomy like this.” Hailey didn’t want her parents to worry, so she forced a smile. “Got it, Mom.” “That’s better. Come on, let’s eat.” Just then, someone walked over.

“Hailey.” Hailey looked up-it was Lester Larden, son of the Larden family. Their families had always been quite close. Lester was the refined and gentlemanly type. He greeted them warmly, “Hailey, Mrs. Lambert , what a coincidence ! You’re both eating here, too?” Miranda nodded. “Yes. Lester, are you here with your parents? Lester pointed forward. “Mrs. Lambert, I came with my mom. She’s just ahead.” Miranda said, “Hailey, you stay and chat with Lester for a bit. —- T’ll go say hi to Mrs. Larden.” Hailey nodded. “Okay.” Once Miranda left, Hailey and Lester stood together.

He looked at her and said, “Hailey, you seem to have lost some weight lately. Is something bothering you?” Hailey shook her head. “No. I don’t think I’ve lost weight. In fact, I feel like I’ve gained some instead.” Lester smiled gently. “As timeless grace along the waterside, no veil nor blush her splendor seeks to hide.” That got a real smile out of Hailey. Lester was known in their circle as the most scholarly -the youngest professor of an Awhana League university . Hence, he tended to speak poetically. “Thanks for the compliment, Lester!” she said cheerily.

Hailey’s eyes drifted to a bookshelf nearby. On it was a book with his name-one of his publications. “Lester, is this one of your books?” Lester nodded. “Yes, but it’s on archaeology. I doubt it’d interest you much.” “T’ll still take a look.” Hailey reached out for it, but the bookshelf was a bit too tall. She rose on tiptoe but still couldn’t reach it. Lester reached over and grabbed the book for her. “Here you —- go, Hailey.” Hailey smiled. “Thank you, Lester.” Just then, Hailey felt a gaze land on her. She looked up and saw a tall figure at the entrance of the restaurant. It was Jonah.

To think he would be here too! He wore a black shirt and black slacks -the classic dominant CEO look. He really was like a walking mannequin. Wherever he went, he turned heads. Add that to his black cutout mask-low-key yet mysterious – and it was impossible not to notice him. Hailey didn’t know when he had arrived. Now, he stood near the entrance , his cool, sharp gaze fixated on her and Lester. Hailey’s heartbeat quickened. Just then, a few businessmen walked up beside Jonah. “Mr. Pilsner, this way, please.” They were heading in her direction.

The hallway was narrow, and as the group approached, Lester gently took Hailey’s arm and said, “Careful , Hailey. Step back a bit so no one bumps into you.” Hailey held the book in her arms and stepped back slightly. At that moment, Jonah and the group of businessmen passed by. —- One of them noticed her. “Prof. Larden! Ms. Hailey!” Lester greeted him. “Mr. Parsons.” Jonah paused and looked at Lester. “He’s a professor already at such a young age?” Theodore Parsons nodded. “That’s right. Lester here is one of the most accomplished scholars in our circle. I’d say he and Ms.

Hailey make quite the match, don’t they?’ Hailey didn’t want to greet Jonah. After all, last night, she had thanked him once again, and that really was her way of saying goodbye. 4 Since he had a new girlfriend, whatever existed between them was over.