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."

glared at Francis with anger. "You did this on purpose! You set me up! This

shaking his head dismissively.

it."

retorted, not entirely clueless.

with surprise. "This is about Rebecca White! You're doing this because I tried to flirt with you, and you're

fact that he

a word, he

is too much! Where am I supposed

It was $32,000!

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

།

cover $32,000, but if they found out she spent that much on one meal, she'd be in serious

patiently.

call the

I'll

...

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

and nodded towards the entrance. "Ms. White, Mr. Francis is coming

their eyes meeting. He quickened

reached her, stopping in