?Chapter 291:


    By five o’clock, she’d wrapped up her work and headed straight to the restaurant where she and Sharon had agreed to meet.


    The ce exuded old-world charm—warmmplight flickered along shadowed hallways, lending the whole space an air of quiet intimacy.


    Ste found herself smiling at the thought of having a date somewhere so inviting.


    She ran her fingers over the ornate, carved door handle before pressing it down and slipping inside.


    The room beyond was filled with the low hum of conversation—and, to her surprise, a crowd of young men.


    From across the room, Sharon shot to her feet and waved enthusiastically. “Stel, over here! Come join us. I gathered these gentlemen just for you—take your pick, see if anyone piques your interest.”


    The table erupted in cheerful greetings as the men vied for Ste’s attention, each eager to make a memorable first impression.


    “Wee, gorgeous! You like tall? I’m practically a basketball yer.”


    “Hey! I’m an artist—some say I’m the best-looking guy in the studio, too.”


    “Hi there! I’m everything you could ask for—rich, loyal, generous. Ask anyone.”


    Ste’s head spun slightly under the onught of charm.


    Every man at the table brought his own ir: some exuded boyish confidence, a few had the unpolished edge of a bad boy, others looked polished and refined, and one or two wore an easy gentleness that felt oddly soothing.


    Each smile seemed to promise something different.


    As she scanned their faces, her gaze paused on a man at the far end of the table.


    Something about his sharp profile and easy posture tugged at her memory—she was sure she’d seen him somewhere before.


    L?t??t ?hαpt?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.????m


    Across the room, Shaun caught Ste’s eye and waved, his smile warm and a little too familiar.


    “Ms. Gilbert, we meet again,” he said, his tone smooth and confident.


    Ste blinked, momentarily thrown. Shaun Smith?


    Memories of theirst encounter flickered through her mind. What was he doing here?


    “I couldn’t stop thinking about you afterst time,” he continued. “I even dreamed about you, if you can believe it. So when Ms. Mitchell mentioned she was organizing this mixer, I made sure I was on the list.”


    Before Ste coulde up with a polite reply, Sharon chimed in with a grin. “Stel, you two clearly have some chemistry. Why not have a drink together?”


    Ste felt the awkwardness creeping in. But with everyone watching and the situation already a little tense, she picked up her ss.


    .


    .


    .