?<strong>Chapter 406:</strong>


    Taking Camille’s arm, she whispered, “Let’s head home for dinner.”


    In the meantime, Kristopher had barely stepped into the mall when the buzz of a gathering crowd caught his attention. Familiar voices drifted through themotion, tugging at the edges of his memory. He turned to Oliver, who immediately understood the unspokenmand. “Mr. Norris, I’ll check what’s happening up front,” Oliver said briskly before weaving through the crowd.


    Kristopher stood rooted to the spot, his gaze scanning the scene when a figure in white materialized before him. “Kristopher, what brings you here?”


    Instinctively, he stepped back, his eyes meeting a girl dressed in a white tracksuit, her face obscured by a hat, mask, and oversized sunsses. Yet, despite theyers of anonymity, he recognized her instantly.


    “Lise,” he greeted awkwardly, ncing toward the crowd. “Are you here for a meal?”


    Lise’sugh carried a bitter edge. “Kristopher, why does it feel like we’ve be strangers?”


    His tone softened, attempting to smooth the moment. “You’re overthinking again, Lise. Your heart condition doesn’t need the extra strain.”


    Always her heart. That cursed, fragile heart. Lise’s hands clenched into fists, caught between gratitude and a deep-seated resentment. To Kristopher, her heart seemed the only thing worth his concern—never her.


    She drew a deep breath, her voice deliberately tinged with vulnerability. “Kristopher, I was hoping you could do me a favor.”


    The unusual approach made him raise a brow. “What is it?” Kristopher said, furrowing his brow reflexively.


    “I’m joining a show called Weekend Party…” Lise paused in the middle of her sentence.


    She scanned the bustling crowd and gestured toward a quieter corner. “It’s too crowded here. There’s a restaurant nearby that’s quite nice, and they have private rooms. How about we head there for some food?”


    Kristopher gave a brief nod and started walking in the direction she had indicated. Lise trailed after him, her steps deliberate, and lightly tugged at his sleeve. He noticed her gentle pull and slowed his pace, his gaze flicking to her hand. After a moment’s hesitation, he didn’t pull away, instead allowing her to guide him toward the restaurant’s private room.


    Once seated, Lise picked up the menu and began introducing various dishes as she selected them, her voice animated and cheerful. She ordered seven or eight items before sliding the menu over to Kristopher with a warm smile. “Kristopher, have a look. Is there anything else you’d like to add?”


    Kristopher took the menu from her, nced at it briefly, then closed it and ced it back on the table. “I’m not hungry. This will do.”


    “Alright, let’s stick with these,” Lise told the waiter before turning back to Kristopher, her expression softening into a shy grin. “I always end up wanting to try everything, but I can never finish it all. And you know how much I hate wasting food.”


    Kristopher’s tone was even as he replied, “Except for those two vegetarian dishes, the rest can be packed and reheatedter.”


    Lise’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she teased him, “Kristopher, you don’t even pretend to indulge me anymore. You used to say you’d help me finish everything.”


    Kristopher paused mid-motion, his hand lingering over his ss. Then, with measuredposure, he set it back on the table. “I’m not in the mood to eat today. Besides, when you head off to Izrosa, who will finish your leftovers then?”


    .


    .


    .