James quickly stopped Amanda, offering a somewhat helpless explanation:
"Sis, there's nothing going on with that woman. I just bought a custom Porsche from her and chatted a bit."
"I didn't ask, so why are you rushing to explain?" Amanda replied with a slight smile, casting a sideways glance at James.
"I just didn't want you to be upset," James said, trying to show his concern.
"Don't worry, I'm not upset at all," Amanda replied softly, her smile seemingly genuine.
Still, James was internally exasperated, thinking: Come on, if you're really not upset, give me back those lost affection points!
Hearing it was about the Porsche, Tailsa felt a twinge of jealousy, chiming in with a sarcastic tone:
"Oh, look at you, James! Just bought a car for someone yesterday, and now you've got dinner plans with them tonight."
Fearing another dip in affection points from Tailsa, James decided to lay everything bare and said,
"It's not what you think. She owns a restaurant, and I just casually mentioned that I'd stop by, so she invited me for tonight."
"And you just go because she asked?"
"Well, I was worried I might go hungry if I didn't," James joked.
"Hah, as if!" Tailsa replied, rolling her eyes but then suddenly suggested,
"We haven't ordered food yet, right? How about we all go and meet her?"
James felt his dilemma intensify.
Bringing two girls to a first dinner meeting was surely going to tank Monroe Anne's affection points.
How would he ever win her over after this?
And her unique skill and rewards seemed pretty usefulâHear a Woman's Heart, a skill that could make charming other girls significantly easier in the future.
James hesitated for a moment, then turned to Amanda,
"Sis, do you really want to eat at her place?"
Amanda replied nonchalantly, "It's up to you; anything's fine with me."
From her tone, James could tell she had a preference for going.
After a brief moment of thought, he decided to put Monroe Anne's quest on hold.
Winning over the nearly blossoming relationships with Amanda and Tailsa seemed a wiser first step.
He decisively dialed Monroe Anne,
explaining away the earlier hang-up as accidental. He mentioned they'd be coming by for dinner soon, all five of them.
Since he wasn't currently interested in pursuing Monroe Anne, this was just going to be a simple meal. Nothing else to worry about.
On the other side, Monroe Anne reflected on the phone call.
She had originally thought James was interested in her and would come alone for dinner.
Now hearing he'd bring four others, she speculated that he might be bringing a bunch of his rowdy friends to drink and force her to entertain. But regardless, she had already prepared hostesses for the evening, so there was no need to worry.
Confident as ever, Monroe Anne instructed her staff to get ready for their guests.
James was in Amanda's car, with Tailsa squeezing into the backseat to play with Timmy.
The group arrived first.
Jay Johnson followed behind in his own car, delayed by a couple of red lights.
Despite being such a big, rugged guy, his driving was surprisingly gentle.
Situated beside the riverfront, Drunken Fairy Restaurant dazzled under the night's glow, offering picturesque views accompanied by sparkling lights that reflected off the water.
An exquisite blend of tranquility and elegance, the environment was breathtakingly beautiful.
The three-storey restaurant exuded a blend of modern Chinese elegance with a touch of historical charm and luxury.
A hostess guided Amanda to find a place to park before greeting them with a smile, asking if they had a reservation.
After James mentioned his name, the hostess looked surprised.
Tonight's special guest specified by the owner was arriving in such a modest car?
Still, she said nothing out loud.
James noticed Amanda's car was used and resolved to get her a better one in the coming days, even considering upgrading Jay Johnson's ride.
Following their guide, the group entered the restaurant.
Monroe Anne was waiting anxiously in the lounge.
Hearing over the staff's walkie-talkie that the party had arrived, she stepped out to greet them at the reception.
Seeing a sharply dressed young man and two beautiful women approaching, Monroe Anne was stunned.
She hadn't expected the man who'd spent $300,000 to arrange dinner with her would turn up with two beauties in tow.
What was he thinking? Bringing his own drinks and company?
Her shock deepened upon spotting a little girl accompanying them.
Bringing your wife and kid along to meet another woman?
No matter how handsome, wasn't this a bit too cocky?
She couldn't help but take a closer look at James. Well-dressed, poised, and while not the handsomest, he had a certain charm about him.
He looked young, yet the lines of history in his eyes added an aura of maturity and steadinessâespecially when he flashed a doting smile at the little girl, embodying the perfect husband stereotype.
Lost in her thoughts, Monroe Anne regained herself only when she met James's direct gaze. She hurriedly approached, extending her hand.
"Lord King, is it?"
Feigning preoccupation with carrying Timmy, James didn't reciprocate the handshake, merely nodding with a slight smile. "Hello, Ms. Anne."
Standing tall at 5'6" and wearing four-inch heels, Anne just reached his shoulder.
Her delicate features, reminiscent of classic film starlets, were highlighted by alluring almond eyes under gracefully arching brows.
The sheen of her lips was as striking as her whole presentation.
In an ensemble of a white blouse and tight, black skirtâgiving away nothing but the contour of her stunning figureâshe was truly the epitome of elegance.
Her long golden waves cascaded down her chest, glimmering under the opulent lights, capturing all eyes.
Her beauty was distinct from Amanda's cold allure or Tailsa's sweet charm.
Hers was the kind that stirred a primal desire in menâthe tantalizing allure of pure sensuality.
James felt a flicker of desire but quickly masked it.
He wasn't ready to get too involved with her yet.
Amanda and Tailsa exchanged a glance upon seeing Monroe Anne, reading the apprehension in each other's eyes.
James had mentioned her as "the boss lady," and, by all appearances, she was a stunner.
A mere three rounds with her and any man would be at her mercy.
For her part, Monroe Anne felt awkward.
James's cold reception had left her hand hanging. It was a first for her, being refused a handshake by a man.
With her stunning looks, she usually commanded some level of respect and deference from men, but today was different.
Trying to recover, she pulled back and flashed a smile at Timmy,
"Lord King's daughter is so pretty; she'll definitely charm her way into hearts when she grows up."
James remained unphased, offering no response.
He was treating Monroe like an NPC with a quest marker overhead, waiting to be activated after the main story.
Amanda picked up the thread, smiling warmly, "As long as she's not knocking others down in the process."
Relieved that someone responded, Monroe Anne chuckled in mock surprise,
"Is our little darling so fierce?"
"Timmy's a good girl, not fierce at all!" Timmy piped up in her adorable voice.
Monroe Anne chuckled with envy, adding a compliment,
"Lord King and his wife are truly blessed. She's both sweet and adorable."
Thinking that Amanda was James's wife and Tailsa the third wheel, Monroe Anne was swiftly corrected:
"There's a misunderstanding, Ms. Anne. I'm his sister."
Monroe quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry, my mistake."
Tailsa eagerly added, "And I'm his sister too."
Surprised and confused, Monroe Anne wondered what the purpose of this family gathering was.
A matchmaking event?