?<strong>Chapter 194:</strong>


    Embarrassment flickered across her face as she tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “Kristopher dropped me off before heading to the office. I thought I’d take a walk, digest my meal, and perhaps find some nighttime inspiration.”


    Nate saw his opportunity. “In that case, I know a ce at Orkset Tower with a breathtaking view and delightful sweet drinks. I saved you once—surely a dinner isn’t too much to ask in return?”


    Refusing would make her appear ungrateful. Even if Nate wasn’t stalking her, his persistent kindness suggested hidden motives. Perhaps this was a chance to probe his true intentions.


    Carrie’s smile was light, calcted. “Since you put it that way, this meal should be on me. Shall we take a cab?”


    “My car’s right over there,” Nate gestured, revealing a sleek teal Aston Martin.


    As Carrie settled into the passenger seat, an unsettling sensation of being watched crept over her. She scanned the bustling street through the window but saw nothing suspicious.


    Orkset Tower stood as a metropolitanndmark, its 160 stories piercing the city’s skyline. Amercial behemoth, it housed everything from dining establishments to entertainment venues, with a crowning observation deck that promised panoramic views of the urbanndscape.


    Nate guided Carrie to the 150th floor, where astronomical rent allowed only a single French revolving restaurant to upy the entire level. The space breathed luxury, transforming mere dining into an experience of refined elegance.


    Crystal chandeliers hung like liquid starlight, their authenticity setting them apart from mere ss imitations. Delicatempshades cast rippling patterns across the room, evoking the sensation of an underwater pce. A young woman in an ivory gown yed a white grand piano, her melody floating through the space like a gossamer thread, weaving an atmosphere of ethereal sophistication.


    “The same private room as before,” Nate instructed the waiter, his tone brooking no argument. “I’m here with a friend to enjoy the view.”


    gα?ησν????s?cо??, your storytelling home


    The waiter, ever professional, wore an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid that room has already been reserved, Mr. Crawford.”


    Embarrassment flickered across Nate’s face. He nced at Carrie, then addressed the waiter with barely concealed impatience. “Any other room with a view will do.”


    The waiter bowed slightly. “Unfortunately, all the rooms with views are fully booked. Only the inner rooms or the main hall are currently avable.”


    Carrie, eager to avoid the intimacy of a private room, quickly chimed in. “The main hall sounds perfect.”


    Nate nodded, conceding to her preference. “Alright, the main hall it is.”


    “Please, follow me,” the waiter said, gesturing gracefully toward their table.


    As they walked, Nate motioned toward the coveted private room, exining, “That room has the same view as the observation deck. I’ll bring you back another time when it’s avable.”


    The waiter, maintaining his politeness, added, “Today’s guest is a celebrity. They made the reservation a day in advance.”


    Nate let out a derisive chuckle. “A celebrity? What kind of star would waltz into a ce like Orkset Tower on a busy night? Don’t they worry about being mobbed by their adoring fans?”


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