Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 501

Madge had a simple rule of thumb when it came to dining out: "If you're unsure what to order, go for the most expensive. Price might not represent everything, but at the very least, it's a gesture of sincerity." And sure enough-

When York heard the name of the restaurant, his eyebrows raised in mild surprise. But then, he quickly reasoned it out and found nothing odd about it.

After all, this dinner was meant as a token of gratitude, so it was bound to be something special.

Friday evening rolled around.

York Gibson arrived ten minutes early, only to find that Roseanne Cole and her family were already there, waiting in the private dining room.

Originally, Roseanne had also invited Leda Reynolds, but work had kept her busy with two consecutive days of overtime, leaving her no room to join. "Really not coming? York will be there," Roseanne had teased.

Leda rolled her eyes, huffing in feigned indignation, "So what if he is? Does that mean I have to go?"

"But aren't you guys dating? After dinner, he could play the knight in shining armor and drive you home."

"Pfft, who needs his ride? I've got my own car! Besides, we're just a faux couple, you know that. And here you are, poking fun at me..."

Inside the dining room-

And Mrs. Cole, this is too kind. It

Norris Cole said with a warm handshake, "Thanks to you introducing Anne to Stoner from

couple seemed even younger than York had

tall stature complemented by a scholarly charm, his demeanor

her hair elegantly pinned up, she stood by Norris's side with

she said she

took their

and after filling everyone's glasses, he first raised his to

returned with a spring.' This glass is

"It's just

Then I won't argue,"

Cole, it's I who should be toasting you..." York, well-versed in the social etiquettes of business dinners, navigated the

again, Norris

a poet once

your

these streets.' They say Stoner was Anne's benefactor, but I believe those who connect a

dinner was delightful, and the

find himself in such a relaxed dining