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 was hardly any trouble at all, no need for a

introducing Anne to Stoner from

couple seemed even younger than

a tall stature complemented by a scholarly charm, his

clad in a jade-green evening dress, her hair elegantly pinned up,

first glance, you'd believe her if she said she was

everyone took their seats, the meal

and after filling everyone's

water shall be returned with a spring.' This glass is for you, Mr. Gibson, in

York quickly interjected, his tone modest, "It's just York. No

York. Then I won't argue," Norris conceded

be toasting you..." York, well-versed in the social etiquettes of business dinners, navigated the conversation with

again, Norris raised his

"As a poet

for your single

who connect a steed with its rider deserve equal praise. So, this second glass, I

was delightful, and the drinks

rare for York to find himself in such a