Chapter 231 The Wrong ce, the Wrong Time


    The revolving restaurant, with its soft lighting and romantic atmosphere, was the perfect setting for dates. Jackson loved it. Practically bouncing with excitement, he urged, “Let’s go!” However, Anneliese hesitated. <i>Suggesting </i><i>another </i><i>restaurant </i><i>doesn’t </i><i>seem </i><i>like </i><i>a </i>good <i>idea </i><i>now</i>…


    At the same restaurant, Jonathan sat by the window, facing a young, elegant woman with striking features. But their conversation had nothing to do with romance.


    Amanda had recently won a prestigious soloist award abroad, hosted several sessful recitals, and even yed a musical prodigy in a blockbuster film two months earlier.


    Riding that wave of fame, she was now being courted to endorse one of the Fullbuster Family’s luxury brands. That contract was why they were meeting that day.


    Normally, Jonathan wouldn’t have needed to attend in person, but Amanda’s family had old ties with his. His grandfather had called personally, asking him to show her some courtesy. More importantly, Jonathan wanted to test Anneliese, so he hade himself.


    After signing, he gestured for Zion to put away the papers, then shot him a quick look. Zion caught the silent question and shook his head slightly. He hadn’t seen Anneliese.


    Jonathan’s expression didn’t change, but the air around him cooled. He lifted his phone again, opening WhatsApp to check the pinned chat.


    “Jonny, you seem distracted. Do you have something else to attend to?” Amanda asked lightly when she noticed him nce at his phone for the third time.


    He didn’t look up. “It’s fine,” he said casually, still staring at the screen.


    Zion, who had retreated to the side, cleared his throat heavily as if to draw attention. Jonathan’s <i>gaze </i>followed the sound to the entrance of the restaurant.


    There she was. Anneliese walked in, her slim figure unmistakable. A quiet, satisfied smile curved his lips–his bait had worked. His little mermaid had taken the hook.


    But in the next second, that smile froze.


    Because Anneliese’s eyes never even flicked his way. Instead, she turned, smiled warmly at someone behind her, and said something he couldn’t hear. Jonathan’s gaze shifted past her andnded on Jackson.


    Chapter 231 The Wrong ce, the Wrong Time


    40


    +10 Free Coins


    d in a hoodie, jeans, and a down jacket, the boy radiated carefree sunshine. Beside him, Anneliese with her simple student look–matched him like the perfect campus couple. Guided by a server, the two crossed half the restaurant and stopped at a table.


    Jonathan watched Jackson hurry to pull out a chair for her, practically tripping over his


    eagerness.


    “What are you looking at?” Amanda tilted her head into his line of sight, blocking it.


    Jonathan’s eyes cooled as he pocketed his phone. “I need to make a call,” he said evenly, standing before she could answer. With a polite nod, he walked away.


    Amanda pressed her lips together, irritation shing in her eyes. She set her winess down harder than she meant to, then reached for her purse. A passing server identally brushed against her shoulder.


    “Sorry, sorry!” the server apologized quickly. Amanda shot him a re, temper ring, but forced it back down. She was back in the country to step into the entertainment industry–she couldn’t afford a public scene.


    “It’s fine,” she said tightly, then rose to head for the restroom topose herself.


    Across the room, Anneliese had just settled in, removing her coat and scarf. After ordering, she also stood. “I’m going to the restroom,” she told Jackson.


    He smiled, nodding, watching her go. His heart raced as he imagined confessingter, wondering if it would scare her–or maybe move her enough to say yes on the spot. The thought made his ears burn red. His grin only widened, boyish and unrestrained.


    He regretted refusing the wine she had offered to order for him earlier, considering she’d be drivingter. Maybe a drink would help his courage. He was about to signal for a server when a hand appeared in front of him, fingers long and sharp, tapping twice on the table.


    Jackson’s gaze followed the hand upward: the cuff of a crisp white shirt, the gleam of a rose- gold watch, and finally a pair of cold, distant eyes staring down at him.