Chapter 166: Chapter 168

Chapter 168 Jack glanced at Garrett’s phone. It was indeed a message from Alice.

A wave of irritation washed over him. He checked his own phone; his last conversation with Alice was when he was discharged from the hospital. He sensed her desire for distance.

He’d noticed how much stronger she’d become, so he’d respected her wishes and hadn’t contacted her. It Was the right thing to do, yet. he knew something had changed.

Jack’s brow furrowed in weariness. “What do y you think?”

“Of course, I’m going. Little Lemon’s my friend. What’s the big deal about dinner?”

Jack tapped the desk. “Pear Garden. Put it on my tab.”

Garrett stretched out the word. “Little Lemon’s treating me to dinner, and you’re paying? Can’t I afford it?”

“Just do it!”

“You’re not coming?”

Jack was a little frustrated.“No. She invited you.”

Garrett stood up, grabbed his coat, and checked his reflection in the mirror. Jack couldn’t take it anymore.“Are you going or not?

Stop admiring yourself!” Jack picked up his files but couldn’t focus.

Garrett coughed. “You really aren’t going? We’re all friends. It’s no big deal to have dinno together. Just say you happen to be around!”

“Fine. Your way.”

Jack immediately put down his files, grabbed his coat, and also stood in front of the mirror.

Garrett was pushed aside, rolling his eyes. Seriously, that accident years ago was the driver’s fault, not yours. Just explain it to Little Lemon.”

Garrett had recently heard Jack’s account of the car accident. It had nothing to do with him.

Jack straightened his clothes.“You guys think it doesn’t matter from your perspective. But Alice? She lost her parents!”

Garrett fell silent. That’s true!”

Alice was the biggest victim of that accident!

Pear Garden.

Alice got out of her car at the entrance, discovering it was a low–key courtyard, not what she expected from a restaurant..

A waiter approached. “Ms. Alice?”

“Yes.”

“Please follow me.”

Alice followed him inside, impressed by the elegant, antique decor.

2 Chapter 108 She arrived at a second–floor private room, where the waiter served fruit and pastries. She hadn’t planned the meal; Garrett had recommended this place. The Alice took a picture from the window.

“Little Lemon, what are you taking a picture of?”

Alice turned and saw Jack. He’d come along.

atmosphere was lovely.

She paused.“The view is nice. We “Team building? Sure. Put it on my tab!”

can have team–building dinner here.”

Garrett looked at Jack. Someone else was picking up the tab!

Pear Garden wasn’t a place anyone could just walk into. But with Jack there, wasn’t this Little Lemon’s private garden?

Alice glanced at Jack, who was dressed casually, his handsome features slightly aloof.

She explained, “I thought you were busy, so I didn’t invite you.”

“No problem. Jack won’t mind. He happened to be here, so he joined us. You don’t mind, right?”

Alice shook her head.“We’re all friends. Of course not.”

The manager approached, standing respectfully beside Jack. Mr. Wilson, the usual?*

Jack looked at Alice. What would you like to eat?”

“Whatever you usually order should be good.”

Jack handed the menu back.“Whatever she wants.”

The manager glanced at Alice, surprised. He’d never seen her before. What was her relationship with Mr. Wilson?

He quickly looked away. “The usual drinks?”

Jack refused.“No alcohol. Juice and sodas.”

The manager nodded and left.

Jack looked at Alice. “Why did you ask Garrett out?”

He knew Alice; she wouldn’t ask Garrett for dinner without Alice paused.“I’m the Cloud University team captain now.”

“Congratulations, Little Lemon! That calls for a celebration.”

Alice nodded.“Right.”

Jack looked at her. “That’s it? Nothing else?”

“No, just dinner. You two are my only friends.”

Alice instinctively omitted the investment matter.

Midway through the meal, Garrett took a call and left.

reason!

Alice Was eating when she secretly glanced at Jack, and he caught her. Jack looked at her calmly.“You have something else in mind for Garrett, don’t you?” “You figured it out. I actually wanted to talk to Garrett about the AI project. My brother might farget Maple Leaf Corporation, so I need to plan ahead.”

‘Don’t worry.

Garrett’s not stupid.”

Alice felt uneasy and took a sip of water to hide her nervousness.

“Are you settling in at school?”

“It’s good. I’ve made new friends, a new life. Just like you said, college life is indeed exciting and fulfilling!”

Her face lit up when she talked about school.

Jack suddenly didn’t want to hear this. He stood up. “You seemed interested in the courtyard. Want to take a walk?”

“Sure.”

Alice was happy to have something to do.

They walked down to the courtyard, side–by–side, but keeping a respectful distance.

Alice quickened her pace, subtly distancing herself.

She looked at the courtyard. The environment is so beautiful. Any picture would be great.” Jack walked a few steps behind her, slowly describing the scenery.

Alice reached an arched bridge, noticing goldfish swimming in the pond below. “There’s moss here. Watch your step.”

As soon as Alice nodded, her foot slipped.

Jack grabbed her wrist, steadying her. Her face flushed. Thank you.”

Jack quickly released her. You’re welcome. I didn’t want you to scare the goldfish.”

“Thanks for coming to personally traumatize me!”

Alice rubbed her wrist, thinking the sarcastic Jack was easier to be around.

They walked around the courtyard and returned to their starting point.

Someone approached from the covered walkway, heading straight for Jack. “Brother, what are you. doing here?”

Alice looked up and recognized the young man.

She said instinctively, “You’re John Wilson, the captain of the Blitzkrieg Team?”

Why did he call Jack “Brother“?

Mo stared at Alice, covering his mouth in surprise. “You...you’re the streamer ‘Lemon Sweet‘?”

Why was she having dinner with his brother at Pear Garden?

Were they on a date?

Were they secretly getting married?

Alice was surprised.“You know me?”

“Hard not to!” Future sister–in–law!