Although Stephen had used work as an excuse to ask Tessa out for lunch, there were indeed a few other Jacobson Corporation cases that had yet to go to trial. So, Tessa brought those cases up during their meal.


    Stephen couldn''t help but chuckle. "Tess, we''re currently in such a romantic spot. Are you seriously going to discuss work with me here?"


    Tessa lowered her gaze, her expression calm. "Mr. Jacobson, you were the one who said you wanted to discuss the pending cases, no?"


    Stephen raised a brow at her. "Fine. Let''s continue."


    It was far better than sitting here with nothing to say.


    Tessa''s gaze was calm and focused when she went into detail about her work. Meanwhile, Stephen simply watched her speak in silence, his eyes filled with nothing but tenderness for her.


    Still, he seemed to be listening intently. It was as if he was genuinely treating her to a meal just so they could talk about their work.


    Tessa couldn''t help but find his behavior odd. So, she teased, "I thought you wouldn''t be interested in the conversation, Mr. Jacobson."


    Sure, they were talking about Jacobson Corporation cases, but he was the president of thepany. That meant that minor cases like these weren''t exactly part of his job description.


    Stephen''s expression grew solemn upon hearing her words. Then, he intoned seriously, "It''s because this is your work. It''s a job that you''re passionate about. I know you love it, so I paid attention. Tess, Ipletely respect and support any choices you make regarding your career."


    Tessa was somewhat stunned to hear him say those things. She didn''t expect Stephen to give her such an earnest response.


    Stephen''s words had seeded in touching a hidden corner of her heart, leaving ripples in their wake.


    She had to admit that she was warmed by his sincerity.


    After the meal, Tessa had to return to Everbright Law Group for work. Stephen also had to return to hispany to handle matters that needed his approval So, Stephen drove Tessa to thew firm and left immediately after.


    Tessa had to go all the way to a small county called Eraline for a hearing in early July.


    She had initially wanted to stay at Eraline for one night and return after the hearing concluded the following afternoon.


    Although the county was situated in a rather remote location, the scenery around it was breathtaking. As a result, the tourism industry in Eraline was booming, and there were plenty of inns and hotels avable.


    Since it was currently the holiday season, the room prices naturally skyrocketed. Those rooms usually only cost around two to three hundred dors. Now, they went up to over one grand per night.


    Even though the price wasn''t an issue for Tessa, it was still extremely challenging to book a room during this season.


    Fortunately, Tessa had connections and managed to get a room with two beds in one of the best hotels in town.


    Although the room she had gotten couldn''t possiblypare to a five-star hotel, it was still clean and decently furnished with all the essentials one needed during their stay.


    Tessa had brought Wynn along just to be safe.


    Yes, James and Jacqueline were no longer threats to her safety, but the county was remote, and she was unfamiliar with the ce. Plus, it wasn''t exactly safe for a woman to travel alone.


    The hearing was scheduled for 3:00 pm the next day.


    Since the case was ratherplicated, it was already 6:30 pm by the time everything was wrapped up.


    As Tessa sauntered out of the courthouse, she immediately spotted someone familiar standing in the distance. He was leaning against the car while on the phone.


    It was none other than Stephen. He was wearing a simple ck shirt and dark casual pants that entuated his long legs.


    The setting sun dyed the sky in various shades of orange and red, casting a golden glow over his figure.


    Now that he was standing there, everything else faded into the background. It was


    as if he were the most captivating sight in this sunset painting.


    It was indeed a pleasing sight to the eye. It was so pleasing that passersby couldn''t help but pause and take glimpses at him before going about their lives.


    As luck would have it, a curvaceous


    woman in a dress happened to approach him, attempting to charm him into a conversation. At least, that was the scene Tessa arrived at once she left the courthouse.


    She stopped a few steps away from Stephen.