?Chapter 809:


    She wouldn’t let them be burdened with the cost.


    Inside the private room, Dani smiled. “Tonight, everything’s on me.” As she stepped out to give instructions to the front desk, ensuring no one else would pick up the tab, she overheard Cedric’s considerate words.


    Leaning on the railing, she looked down at Cedric below, her lips curving into a soft smile.


    At the dinner table, the atmosphere was light and rxed.


    Cedric sat beside Dani, sipping on the oatmeal while the others dug into their meals.


    One of the employees, noticing this, asked, “Mr. Phillips, why aren’t you eating these delicious dishes?” Cedric shot them a sharp, pointed look.


    The employee shifted ufortably, ncing at Cedric’s secretary, who sat nearby.


    The secretary let out a smallugh. “You don’t get it, do you? The oatmeal was made by his wife. It was brought in this morning but dyed by all of you. Even though it’s cold now, it’s still just as delicious.”


    Laughter rippled around the table at thement.


    Cedric, lowering his head, quietly resumed eating, the yful banter not quite reaching his focused demeanor.


    When the meal came to a close, Dani and Cedric were thest to leave.


    Dani could feel the weight of Cedric’s unspoken words.


    If they didn’t resolve whatever it was today, he wouldn’t go home.


    g?????0ν??????.??????, ???????????? ????????


    They made their way to a cafe downstairs.


    Cedric ordered himself a coffee, and Dani, an orange juice. “What do you want to say?” Cedric asked, his tone unusually self-assured.


    Dani sat up straight, her expression turning serious. “I’m here to take you home.”


    Cedric nced at her, his gaze lingering on her bright eyes, which shimmered even in the dim light of the cafe.


    He took a slow sip of his coffee, then, in rhythm with the soft background music, drawled, “Do you n to keep things from me until I’m upset, only to coax me into letting it go each time?”


    Dani’s response was firm. “No.”


    Cedric’s gaze sharpened. “So, you’re nning to be honest with me?”


    Dani’s answer was equally resolute. “No, not that either.”


    Frustration flickered in Cedric’s eyes. “I don’t understand why you’re unwilling to tell me your ultimate goal. Dani, you can’t expect me to live in constant fear that someone I love might vanish.”


    His voice was strained, as if he were battling something deeper. “Am I truly so untrustworthy in your eyes?”


    “I have my reasons.” Dani paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air before continuing. “Can you wait a little longer?”


    Cedric’s lips twisted into a self-deprecating smile, a mix of sarcasm and resignation. “Do dare say no? If I say no, will you just walk away again?”


    Dani fell silent.


    A bitterugh escaped Cedric, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “So why did youe to me today? To offer me oatmeal and think that’s enough? Dani, do you really think I’m some child who can be soothed by food?”


    Dani paused, the tension between them thickening.


    After a long silence, Cedric waited with bated breath, every second stretching between them. Finally, Dani’s voice broke the quiet.


    .


    .


    .