Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Selina was utterly dumbfounded, staring at Francis with a mix of disbelief and forced humor. "Mr. Johnson..."

"Yes?" Francis leaned back in his chair, looking at her with an amused expression.

"You must be joking," Selina said with a nervous laugh, her face losing color.

Was he really expecting her to foot the bill?

"Joking?" Francis let out a quiet snort through his nose, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

"Didn't you say on the phone that you'd treat me to dinner?"

"Well... yes, I did, but..." Selina stammered, shaking her head, "I didn't say

anything about coming to The Cozy Corner!"

"What's the issue?" Francis asked, his eyes slightly lowered, but his demeanor still managing to be intimidating.

"Given my status, inviting me out for dinner implies a place like The Cozy Corner, doesn't it? Didn't you realize that?"

Selina was shocked, her face turning pale. Francis shifted his gaze away, uninterested in her protests.

He instructed the waiter, "Make sure she pays. No tabs allowed. If she doesn't settle the bill today, call the cops."

"Yes, Mr. Johnson."

started to realize what was happening. She glared at Francis with anger. "You did this on purpose!

his head dismissively.

it."

retorted, not entirely clueless. "I get it

this because I

respond. Knowing his temperament, the fact that he had entertained her antics for this long showed remarkable

word, he turned and

down her face. "This is too much!

It was $32,000!

$32,000. If you can't pay, perhaps you could call someone for

།

was pale and defeated. Sure, her family could cover $32,000, but if they found out she spent that much on

please hurry," the waiter urged patiently. "If there's

call

wait! I'll

...

listened to the entire exchange. She was silent for a moment, processing everything she heard. She handed the phone

towards the entrance. "Ms. White, Mr. Francis is

up as Francis approached, their eyes meeting. He quickened his

reached her, stopping in