Chapter 0273
Ella POV
Our drinks came and went, and then came again, the four of us consuming more than I think we had initially planned. The conversation flowed easily, and once Carlos got over his nerves about Alexander, he proved to be both charming and unexpectedly funny.
Alexander participated in the discussion, but I could tell he was distracted. It crossed my mind that hearing Fiona and me discuss Diana carlier might have upset him, but if that were the case, he’d chosen to keep it to himself.
I decided not to push the topic further. I didn’t want to risk starting a fight–not after such a wonderful evening. I wanted the night to end on a positive note.
“So, what’s the next big social outing for the Blacks?” Fiona asked, her smile bright and mischievous.
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“I don’t know,” I said thoughtfully. “Everything’s been so chaotic lately–I guess I’ve lost track.”
“I don’t believe we have anything scheduled for a while,” Alexander said, pulling out his phone and scrolling through his calendar. “No, not for a couple of weeks,” he added, “which gives me time to get caught up at t office.”
“Of course, that’s what you would think,” Fiona said, rolling her eyes. “You finally get a break–possibly more time to spend with your beautiful new wife–and all you can think about is how you’re going to get caught up at work. You’re so predictable and boring, Alexander. When did you become like this?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Alexander asked, glaring at her.
“Are you saying he wasn’t always a workaholic?” I teased, pretending to be shocked.
“Believe it or not,” Fiona said, grinning, “Alexander actually used to be fun.”
“He’s still fun–sometimes,” I said with mock seriousness.
“He used to be fun all the time.”
“That’s hard to believe.”
“You two are hilarious,” Alexander said in a deadpan voice, his gaze shifting between us. “Do you have nothing better to talk about?”
“No,” Fiona said with a shrug, her expression unapologetic
The irritated look on Alexander’s face made me laugh, which only seemed to add to his exasperation.
“Excuse me,” a nervous young waitress said, drawing our attention. “It’s last call, We’ll be closing soon,” she added softly.
“Is it that late already?” Fiona asked, turning to look at the clock high on the wall. “Oh my gosh,” she exclaimed.” I’m so sorry, miss.”
“No, please,” the waitress replied nervously. “There’s no reason to apologize. I just wanted to let you know.”
“Thank you, miss,” Alexander said kindly. “We’ll take our ab.”
“Of course, sir,” she said, hurrying off.
“We’ve really pulled an all–nighter,” I said, stretching slightly.
“And not working for once,” Alexander agreed, a rare sinile tugging at his lips.
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Chapter 0273
+25 BONUS
I smiled back, delighted that he was joining in on the joking “We’ll have to try this again sometime.”
“I could be persuaded,” he said softly, his tone warm and inviting.
I felt my face heat slightly and hid it by taking one last swallow of my drink. Moments later, the waitress returned with our tab. Alexander paid for everyone’s drinks and left a generous tip.
Then, the four of us gathered our coats and headed outside.
“We’ll have to do this again sometime,” Fiona said as we reached the curb.
“Absolutely,” I agreed.
“Get home safely,” Alexander added, pulling Fiona in for a quick hug goodbye.
Fiona hugged me next while Alexander and Carlos shook hands. As Fiona and Carlos walked away, our car pulled up to the curb. Alexander opened the door for me, and I slipped inside, grateful for the warmth as the chill of the night crept in.
I leaned back in the seat, letting my head rest against the cushion and closing my eyes. I wasn’t asleep, just enjoying the quiet, when my phone buzzed. The sound cut through the stillness, and I immediately reached for it, curious who might be contacting me at such an hour.
Chapter 0274
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