?Chapter 307:


    When they reached the restaurant, the server greeted them with an apologetic smile. “I’m really sorry—all our private rooms are taken. But we do have arge open seating area avable if that’s alright.”


    Elbert and the team looked around the open space and quickly nodded. “That’ll work just fine.”


    With the whole team together, the meal felt light and easygoing, and Ste didn’t feel awkward at all—she blended in naturally, enjoying the moment just like everyone else.


    At a quiet table across the restaurant, Doreen epted the neatly cut steak Marc had ced on her te.


    She said, “Thank you, Mr. Walsh—you’re such a gentleman. I asked you to dinner today to properly thank you for your help earlier. I believe in settling debts quickly—I hope that makes sense to you.”


    Marc sat across from Doreen, a quiet wave of nostalgia creeping in.


    Ste never liked owing people anything either.


    Looking at Doreen now—her voice soft, her manner thoughtful—it felt like speaking to a version of Ste from another time.


    “Mr. Walsh, I’ve heard you manage the entire Walsh Group yourself,” Doreen said with a gentle smile. “That must be exhausting. Do you even eat properly?” She hesitated, then added, “If you don’t mind… I could bring you lunch sometime. I’ll cook it myself. No additives, just something clean. A small thank-you for everything you’ve done for me.”


    Marc watched her smile, noticed how her eyes curved when she spoke—and for a brief second, his mind drifted to the way Ste used to look when she brought him meals, always so careful, so attentive.


    “There’s no need,” he replied after a pause. “Your hands are too delicate for kitchen work.”


    Thepliment caught Doreen off guard.


    No one had ever said anything like that to her.


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    The warmth in his words lingered in her chest, but before she could say more, a ripple of movement drew their attention toward the southeast corner of the restaurant.


    They both turned. Ste. She was seated a short distance away.


    Doreen watched as her smile faltered for just a second. She lowered her head briefly, then raised it again, calm andposed.


    She spoke with innocent curiosity. “Mr. Walsh, isn’t that Ste over there? Don’t you want to go say hello?”


    Marc frowned slightly. His eyes narrowed as he saw Ste speaking with William, a flicker of difort shing across his face. “No.”


    Doreen gently nudged his hand. “Come on. What are the odds you’d run into her here? Why waste the moment?”


    She kept her tone light, almost teasing. Her goal wasn’t to push him toward Ste out of kindness—but to draw closer herself.


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