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."

what was happening. She glared at Francis with anger. "You did this

his head

it."

not entirely clueless. "I

doing this because I tried to flirt with you,

bother to respond. Knowing his temperament, the fact that he had entertained

he turned and

out, tears streaming down her face. "This is too much! Where am I supposed to get that kind of

It was $32,000!

you can't pay, perhaps you could

།

if they found out she

waiter urged patiently. "If there's no other option,

to call the

wait! I'll make a

...

having listened to the entire exchange. She was silent for

took it and nodded towards the entrance. "Ms. White,

their eyes meeting. He quickened his

as he reached her,