?Chapter 495:


    “Why did you show up out of the blue? You said you wouldn’t be around today,” Christina asked, eyeing him with open curiosity.


    Halfway into a turn, Dn froze and then quickly looked forward again, determined not to meet her eyes just yet. “I came to check on Chloe, but she’s already asleep,” he responded, the excuse tumbling out, barely believable but simple enough.


    A sudden longing for Christina had pulled Dn away from his work, and before he could stop himself, he was already out the door, chasing the chance to see Christina’s face. Nothing seemed to quiet the ache inside him quite like being near her. Every spare thought seemed to circle back to her, and the urge to see her never let up for long. If only Christina worked at hispany. If that happened, he could be near her all the time. Or maybe she didn’t need to work for him—just the thought of being in the same building, close enough to bump into her in the halls, brought himfort.


    Possible ways to convince her ran through his mind, each n more farfetched than thest. Of course, he needed an excuse that wouldn’t make Christina suspicious or push her away.


    Lost in these thoughts, Dn missed everything Christina was saying, her words slipping right past him.


    “Dn?” Christina’s voice gently pulled him from his thoughts.


    Blinking back to awareness, Dn realized she was standing close, her presence impossible to ignore. “Yeah? What’s up?”


    Dressed in a in white T-shirt and fitted jeans, Christina still carried herself with quiet grace and poise. Nothing extravagant was needed for her to radiate charm—her effortless elegance was always striking.


    “What did you say to me just now?” Dn asked, his voice low and smooth, genuinely appealing to the ear.


    A smile yed at Christina’s lips. “I said that it’s unusual for Chloe to turn in so early,” she replied, her gaze turning thoughtful. “I actually thought she was the one knocking earlier…”


    Midway through her words, she faltered, a hint of color rising in her cheeks. The moment wasn’t lost on Dn. Heat crept up his own neck, leaving him uncharacteristically unsure of what to say.


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    “So, are you nning to stay over tonight?” Christina ventured, breaking the awkward silence.


    “I still have some work to finish at the office—probably pulling an all-nighter,” Dn replied.


    A beat passed before Christina offered, “Are you hungry? How about we grab a bite together?”


    He didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, I’d like that.”


    Christina nced at him, her expression brightening. “Anything you’re craving in particr?”


    “I’m easy,” Dn said. “Just pick whatever you feel like.”


    A softugh escaped her. “I feel like going for something spicy. Is that alright?”


    “That works,” Dn replied, though he secretly braced himself—he’d never been a huge fan of spice, but he’d learned to keep up. By now, he could handle a bit of heat, and sharing a meal with Christina was worth it.


    “Perfect. Let’s get moving,” she said, energy returning to her voice.


    Although Christina had thought about driving herself, she rode with Dn since he offered to drop her off at the hospital afterward.


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