Following Bet inside, Yvonne discovered it was an exclusive restaurant. There was no sign outside; it only served regrs.


    "Mr. Thompson, you''re here!" The owner, a plump and friendly-looking woman in her early forties, greeted them with a smile. Her gaze shifted to Yvonne, and she teased, "Is this your girlfriend? She''s absolutely beautiful."


    Bet smiled, his features softening. "The usual, please. Oh, and hold the seafood. My girlfriend is allergic."


    "Got it. You two head on up to your room, and I''ll get everything arranged right away."


    Bet led Yvonne into a private room on the second floor.


    The room''s decor had an old-money aesthetic. Yvonne walked over to a record yer, put on a ssic jazz record, and a smooth melody filled the air.


    The old vinyl record had a unique charm.


    Yvonne sat on a nearby sofa, resting her chin in her hand and humming along to the music.


    The restaurant wasn''t crowded, so the food arrived quickly. They had ordered four dishes and a soup, all exquisite and delicious.


    "These are all the house specialties. See what you think," Bet said, picking up his fork and serving some food onto Yvonne''s te.


    Yvonne had only eaten one meal that day—airne food. Even in first ss, it had been less than impressive.


    She took a bite of the sweet and sour ribs; they were genuinely delicious.


    "This ce opened four years ago, and almost all the signature dishes are your favorites. Back then, I used to think that if you were still around, you would''ve loved it."


    Bet continued to serve her food as he spoke.


    "Mm, it''s really delicious." Yvonne''s eyes curved into a smile. "Bet, I''m here to stay now."


    Bet''s hand paused for a moment before he continued serving the food.


    Neither of them mentioned what had happened at Noah''s house, as if it were of no consequence.


    After they finished their meal, Bet drove Yvonne back to her downtown apartment.


    Since she had luggage to carry, Bet walked her all the way to her door.


    "Noting in for a bit? Is Mr. Bet Thompson such a perfect gentleman?" Yvonne teased, standing at the doorway with


    yful smile.


    Suddenly, Bet''s arm wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her against him


    as he lowered his head for a deep kiss.


    When the kiss ended, both were left a little breathless.


    Yvonne''s breathing was ragged. Bet looked at her with restraint and said, "I have to get back to the base. Be good now, and don''t tempe me


    Bet waited until Yvonne was safely inside before he left.


    His car had just pulled out of theplex when he received a call from Noah.


    Noah: "Are you with Ms. Jones?"


    Bet: "I just dropped her off."


    Noah: "You and Ynda were together for quite some time, and Karina always saw her as a future sister-inw. We thought you two had just had a fight and broken up


    So Karina wanted to y


    peacemaker. She never expected it


    to backfire so badly."


    Noah: "Karina can be thoughtless, but she means no harm. I apologize on her behalf to both of you."


    Noah: "Bet, bring Ms. Jones over again when you have time. I''ll have Karina cook personally to make it up to her..."


    Noah''s tone was a mixture of exnation and apology, both sincere and urgent.


    Bet was driving, so he listened patiently until Noah finished before replying calmly, "We''re family. You don''t have to do all this."


    Noah added a few more pleasantries, which Bet answered perfunctorily before ending the call.