What is your intention behind saying that, Benjamin? What message are you trying to convey to Janie?

“Then, you order the food yourself. How am I supposed to know what you like to eat?” Emmeline threw the menu at Benjamin, visibly annoyed.

Benjamin had no other option but to pick up the menu, and then he lowered his head to carefully study the available dishes.

Janie was a little stunned by the sight of the two individuals before her. She couldn’t help but feel curious about the dynamics between Emmeline and Benjamin.

They appeared to be friends, but there was a certain intimacy between them that suggested they might be more than that. Yet, there was also a sense of distance between them that contradicted that notion.

It seemed like…their relationship was that of a superior and subordinate, with Emmeline in charge and Benjamin taking orders!

Oh my God!

Janie became a little panicked upon making this discovery. She quickly stood up and announced, “I need to use the restroom. Please feel free to order without me.”

Benjamin became upset when he noticed Janie had gone to the restroom.

“I must say, Ms. Louise, that you seem to have an excess of free time. Perhaps you should consider taking on more stunt double jobs if you have so much time on your hands. Why are you playing a joke on me?”

Emmeline pouted and said, “I made a promise to Janie. In any case, it’s high time you found yourself a girlfriend.”

“That is not related to you in any way!”

Emmeline glanced at him and retorted, “How is it not related to me? If you had a girlfriend, you wouldn’t have to keep staring at me.”

“Even if you want to push me away, you don’t need to use Janie as your shield, right?”

“I didn’t use her as a shield. I simply accepted her bribe, so I can’t refuse her request.”

“Accepting bribes?” Benjamin asked in astonishment, “How many millions are we talking about here, Ms. Louise?”

“It’s not a significant amount,” Emmeline responded, “Just a bouquet of flowers.”

“Flowers?”

“If you want flowers, just tell me how many you want! I’ll buy them for you,” Benjamin retorted.

If you want flowers, just tell me how many you want! I’ll buy them for you! Abel’s ears were privy to every word spoken, without missing a beat, as he stood behind the marble pillar with dragon motifs.

He looked at the mirror wall in front of him, and in the reflection, he could see Emmeline and Benjamin sitting together. Unfortunately, the pillar was blocking his view of Janie, so he was unaware she had gone to the restroom.

So, Emmeline, you’re on a date with Benjamin here? And talking about flowers with him? Well, I can get you flowers too, just tell me how many you want. And by the way, let’s not forget that I was the one who gifted you the entire garden on your rooftop!

“Lower your voice,” cautioned Emmeline in a hushed tone, “We don’t want Janie to hear us.”

“Why should we be afraid?” questioned Benjamin, his voice rising instead of lowering, “I’m more than willing to purchase flowers for you. And why can’t people hear about it?!”

“You’re impossible,” replied Emmeline in a hushed tone, “I don’t want your flowers. If you insist on buying them, give them to Janie instead.”

“Why?” Benjamin lowered his voice when he spoke this time.

“Because she loves you!” Emmeline whispered, “Can’t you see? Janie is a confident girl, yet the moment she saw you, she became nervous and didn’t even dare to order food!”

“I don’t need that, Ms. Louise! Whoever she loves has nothing to do with me!”

With anger mounting, Benjamin was about to stand up and leave.

Emmeline held onto the hem of his shirt and scolded, “Don’t you dare get up! Sit back down!”

Emmeline’s grip was surprisingly strong, and with just one pull, Benjamin was back sitting on his chair.

All the while, Abel had been observing them through the mirrored wall.

Emmeline, I can see that you and Benjamin are very close with all these antics! No wonder you didn’t want me to give up Ryker Group and take you away. You’ve had feelings for Benjamin all along! It seems your relationship didn’t just happen overnight. When did you two get together? I had no idea about this at all. Benjamin York of Adelmar Group, I declare war on you!

“Sorry,” Janie apologized as she returned from the restroom and resumed her seat.

With a subtle retouch of her makeup, her visage now bore a rosy hue, and the earlier tumultuous anxiety had dissipated.

“All the dishes you ordered are here,” the waiter announced. “Please enjoy your meal, everyone.”

Abel couldn’t see Janie from his vantage point, but the sight of Benjamin dutifully taking food for Emmeline didn’t escape his notice. His expression darkened at that point.

“What are you looking at, Mr. Ryker?” the deputy CEO beside him asked, perplexed.

“I’m observing the customer flow in this place,” Abel replied, “trying to see how it differs from our Nimbus Hotel.”

The deputy CEO was impressed and thought, “Mr. Ryker is truly exceptional. He never fails to think about how the Ryker Group can be improved, regardless of where he is.”

“You guys eat first,” Emmeline said, getting up, “I’m going to the restroom.”

Benjamin raised his gaze and looked her in the eyes, surprised.

Emmeline, are you doing this on purpose?

Emmeline mouthed a warning to Benjamin, “I want to see something come out of this!” and then quickly turned around and left.

Abel also got up from his seat and announced, “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

Without waiting for any response from the other guests at the table, he swiftly pushed his chair back and made his way toward the restroom.