Bowen dispatched Samson to pick up the guests at the airport.
The dinner was set at a characteristic restaurant on the outskirts of the city.
When Aubree arrived with Vincent and the others, she noticed chickens and ducks kept in fenced areas in the courtyard.
‘I always thought someone like Bowen would book five-star hotels or restaurants for business meetings, she mused. ‘Never expected him to be this characteristic.
But then again, Aubree thought, ‘It makes sense since Bowen and Aidan are friends.’
“Hi, Mr. Turner,” the owner greeted them with a broad smile. “Everything’s all set.”
When his gazended on Aubree standing beside Bowen, his smile grew even wider.
Aubree coughed awkwardly.
Why is he smiling like that?’ she wondered.
“Much appreciated,” Bowen said.
The owner ushered them inside. “No trouble at all, pleasee right in.”
They had barely settled into the private room when Samson ushered in Aidan and I, a pair of foreigners.
The man, Aidan, was dressed in a gentlemanly manner and carried a walking cane. Just a half-step behind him trailed I, who looked far more yful-with twin braids and blinking eyes, she looked just like a doll.
“Bowen, I miss you so much,” I beamed, a radiant smile spreading across her face as she flung herself into Bowen’s arms.
Caughtpletely off guard, Bowen instinctively nced at Aubree, who merely nced back, showing no further reaction.
Bowen’s heart sank as he noticed Aubree’s indifference. Applying more force, he pushed I away and, speaking in perfect ent, said, “I, that was highly improper.”
“Bowen?” I instantly wilted, her whole demeanor deting.
Aidan’s gaze shifted from Bowen to Aubree, a thoughtful gleam deepening in his eyes as he gently pulled his sister back to his side. “I, what exactly did you promise me before we came?”
“My apologies, Aidan.” I lowered her head.
Among those present, Aubree probably had the weakest Odiondian. It was a bit of a struggle for her to follow, but she could still make out what was being said.
“You must be Miss Miller. My sister is quite vivacious-please excuse her manners,” Aidan said in Lumanonish.
Aubree was surprised. ‘I didn’t expect Aidan’s Lumanonish to be this fluent-his pronunciation is impable,’ she wondered.
Bowen leaned in close to Aubree’s ear and murmured, “Aidan has quite a few Lumanonish business partners, so his Lumanonish is excellent. I can understand it but can’t speak it-so feel free to use Lumanonish.”
Bowen’s warm breath fanned Aubree’s ear. She couldn’t quite tell if she felt more ufortable or more shy. Turning her
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head away, she subtly shifted to the side.
Bowen caught every nuance of her reaction, a knowing smile ying on his lips before subtly fading away.
Bowen smiled at Aidan and said, “Aren’t you cager to try the local dishes here? I specifically chose this characteristic restaurant for you-the food here truly captures the authentic vors of Rithol City, and they use meticulously chosen ingredients.”
As he spoke, Bowen also ushered everyone to their seats at the table.
Aidan thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Even I, who had harbored a hidden hostility toward Aubree since they arrived, was now so absorbed in the simple but delicious dishes that shepletely forgot about her.
“This is so good. Lumanonish cuisine is absolutely amazing.” I eximed, her eyes wide with delight as she savored the ordinary yet vorful food.
“Aidan, that’s so unfair. You never brought me to Lumanon before,” she pouted.
Aidan looked at his sister indulgently and smiled. “Well, you can eat to your heart’s content while you’re here.”
I didn’t hesitate. “I want Bowen to keep mepany.”
“That depends on whether Bowen is willing,” Aidan replied, still smiling.
Bowen never minced words when rejecting I. “My staff can y host in my ce.”
I scrunched up her face in disappointment, but quickly brightened at the thought that having some food was better than
none.
After dinner, it was time to get down to business.