Anastasia grabbed her jacket from the couch, slipping it on as she said, "No need for us to clean up. Jarod will handle it. He might not even be in Riverdale anymore. If I''m right, he''ll reach out today or by tomorrow morning at thetest."


    Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Jarod.


    She shed the caller ID at Henry with a smirk. "Speak of the devil."


    Her vibrant red lips curved into a smile, a captivating sight that could ensnare anyone''s attention.


    Henry was momentarily taken aback by her striking beauty, but he quickly regained hisposure and chuckled. "Impressive."


    A smart and beautiful woman was undeniably enchanting. Henry admired Anastasia but knew better than to entertain any romantic ideas. He was well aware that Anastasia belonged to Herman. Whether Herman was present or not, she was out of his league.


    Unaware of Henry''s thoughts, Anastasia answered the call. Jarod''s voice came through, trying to sound conciliatory. "Ms. Anastasia, are you done with work? I''m downstairs at your office. How about we grab ate-night snack? Last night''s incident was aplete misunderstanding, all thanks to that scoundrel Tristan ruining my reputation. I''ve already dealt with him."


    "Not interested," Anastasia replied coolly. "I have no idea what happened with Tristan. As forst night, Mr. Jarod, I remember it all too clearly."


    She was intentionally distancing herself from the situation. Whatever Jarod had done to Tristan was not her concern; she was merely a ''victim'' in all this.


    "Come on, Ms. Anastasia, it really was a misunderstanding. Don''t hold a grudge over this," Jarod insisted, eager to stay on Anastasia''s good side. It wasn''t just her looks and intelligence; it was also because she was backed by Elysian Technologies.


    Even without Herman, Elysian Technologies remained a powerhouse. Now that Anastasia was a widow, Jarod was eager to make a good impression on her.


    Anastasia''s voice turned icy. "Mr. Jarod, are you implying I''m holding a grudge? If that''s the case, there''s no need to coborate on the South Bay Project anymore."


    "No, no, let''s definitely coborate," Jarod hurriedly said. "Ms. Anastasia, I''m sincere about this. How about we discuss the South Bay Project over dinner? I''ll concede two percent of the profits as a gesture of goodwill. Consider it my apology and an offer of friendship."


    Anastasia was taken aback. Giving up two percent of the profits meant billions. She''d intended to use this situation to make Jarod back down, but he''d exceeded her expectations.


    Feigning contemtion, she replied evenly, "If Mr. Jarod is that sincere, then I''ll see you in a bit."


    Jarodughed warmly. "I''m right outside your office. Juste out the front door, and you''ll see me."


    He''d done his research, knowing Anastasia was at the office, which was why he was waiting at the entrance to catch her.


    Anastasia ended the call without another word.


    Henry offered, "Ma''am, would you like me to apany you?"


    "Yes, thank you for workingte tonight," Anastasia replied, not wanting to meet Jarod alone.


    Downstairs, Jarod stood by his car, eyes fixed on the office entrance. In an attempt to make amends, he''d even brought a gift.


    After about ten minutes, Anastasia and Henry emerged.


    "Ms. Anastasia," Jarod greeted with a broad smile, moving forward eagerly. "I


    apologize forst night. Here''s a little something as a peace offering."


    He presented a pearl ne, evenrger than the one Katelyn had once given Anastasia.


    Anastasia didn''t


    ept it, her


    expression indifferent. "I appreciate the gesture, but you can keep the ne. After all, Mr. Jarod has already conceded two percent, how could ept such an expensive gift?"


    Jarod understood. It wasn''t about the cost; Anastasia simply didn''t ept gifts


    from men other than Herman.


    "My apologies for the oversight," Jarod said with a grin. "I''ve already reserved a


    table. Would you like to join me in my car, Ms. Anastasia?"


    "My driver is waiting over there," Anastasia replied. "I know a great diner that serves deliciouste night snacks. Would you like to trydt, Mr. Jarod?"


    "Absolutely," Jarod agreed. "Lead the way, Ms. Anastasia."


    Anastasia gave Henry a knowing look, and they both got into a ck car parked by the curb.


    Tony was already waiting.


    Once inside, Anastasia instructed Tony to head to the Night Market, a ce she used to frequent at Blossom Lane.


    She nned to take Jarod to a street food stall.


    Memories of Herman flooded back to her. She remembered the times they had set up a stall at the Night Market, and even after moving to Southridge Estates, they''d often visit to enjoy snacks and milkshakes together.


    The night sky asionally lit up with streaks of light from nes, as the airport


    wasn''t far off.


    Night deepened.


    Just before dawn, a nended, and passengers began to disembark.


    Herman exited the terminal alone and hailed a taxi.


    "Where to, sir?" the taxi driver asked.


    Herman wasn''t sure, so he casually replied, "I''m a bit hungry. Anywhere with good food and a lively atmosphere?"


    "Got just the ce for you-Blossom Lane Night Market. It''s close by and bustling at this hour," the driver suggested.