Chapter 0633
Alden and Serenity exited the Palmer Group building, the tension from their earlier “altercation” significantly eased. Serenity felt more comfortable around him now, while Alden, with his trademark charming smile, continued to catch the admiring glances of every woman they passed in the hallway. Serenity, noticing this, smirked and commented:
“You’re quite the popular guy around here with the ladies.
“I’m just polite,” Alden replied nonchalantly.
“How polite?” Serenity teased, locking her gaze on him.
“Polite enough to know what to say—and what not to.”
“Are you calling me nosy?”
“No. But as they say, a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.”
“I wasn’t talking about everyone. I meant the ladies,” she clarified.
“Well, in that case, I don’t talk about them either.”
“But I can see how they look at you, like they’re saying, “Take me now.“”
“Serenity…” Alden said, his composure faltering for the first time. “I’m just a man, and I have… needs. God, what am I saying? Stop getting into my head!”
Serenity laughed as she saw Alden–usually so confident–blushing from the unexpected turn in their conversation.
“You’re adorable, Alden. You’re such a… sweet boy.”
“Sweet boy‘? ‘Boy‘?” he repeated, feigning offense.
“Fine. Man, then,” she corrected with a grin.
As they reached the car waiting for them outside, Serenity’s eyes widened at the sleek, high–performance vehicle.
“Wow! This is… incredible! I’ve seen cars like this at races, but I’ve never been in one. Can I drive it?” she asked, her excitement evident.
“Eh… No, no, no. I don’t let anyone touch my car. It’s a thing of mine.”
“Come on! Nothing’s going to happen to it.”
“Mmm… still no.”
*Please?”
“Serenity, I’ll let you drive any of my other cars. But this baby? No way.
Reluctantly, Serenity climbed into the passenger seat, deciding not to push further. After all, they weren’t that close yet. Still, she found herself smiling inwardly. Earlier that day, just being near Alden had made her hands and legs shake. Now, she was the one making him stumble over his words.
“What would you like to eat, Serenity?” Alden asked as he started the car.
“What’s nearby?”
Chapter 06.13
“A few restaurants… Italian, Thai, French. What do you like?”
“You know what I haven’t had in a long time?”
“What?”
“A burger and a beer.”
“Seriously? That’s what you want? If Maximus finds out I took you for burgers on your first day, he’ll hang me from the tallest tree he can find.”
“Maximus isn’t here. And don’t tell me he’s never enjoyed something as delicious as a burger,” she said, licking her lips playfully.
“Serenity! Don’t do that!” Alden exclaimed, flustered.
“Do what?”
“That… thing with your lips. Don’t do it, especially not in public.”
“So… where should I do it?” she asked innocently, her tone mischievous.
“Let’s just get your burger. We’ll talk about this later,” Alden replied, shaking his head as he drove toward a burger joint.
When they arrived, Serenity burst out laughing at the scene. The place was casual and bustling with people dressed in jeans and t–shirts, while she and Alden looked completely out of place in their polished, formal attire.
‘Serenity, are you sure this is the place?” Alden asked, clearly uncomfortable.
“Yes! You’ll love it.”
“Fine… It’s been ages since I had a burger.”
“Really?”
“I live a busy life, Serenity. I’m rarely home, always traveling. When I do get time, I spend it with Ethan. And as a kid, his diet is pretty limited–pizza, ice cream, popcorn, and healthy meals. I barely ever have time for something like a burger and a beer.”
“Well, then you’re going to love this place. Loosen up-maybe even take off your tie.”
“Why?”
“You look a little older today. Aren’t you only 23, according to Maximus?”
“When did Maximus tell you my age?
“Oh, I asked him earlier–via text.”
“Wow. You really are curious, aren’t you?”
“A little,” Serenity admitted with a wink as she propped her elbows on the table and rested her face in her hands. ” Have you decided what you’re going to order?”
“Uh… no. The menu?”
“It’s up there,” she said, standing beside him to point at the board on the wall.
Serenity was enjoying herself. It amused her to see Alden–a man who had intimidated her just hours earlier now fidgeting and visibly out of his element. Even here, in a setting far removed from his world, his politeness
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Chapter 0633
never faltered.
“So, Alden, what do you do in your free time–besides taking care of Ethan?” she asked as they waited for their food.
“Why do you ask?”
“Just making conversation.”
“Well… when I do have free time, I like to sleep, read a book, maybe enjoy a drink.”
“Really? You don’t
You don’t go out?”
“Go out?”
“Yes. Dancing, hanging out with friends–adult stuff.”
“Adult stuff“?”
“You know what I mean. Dating? Relationships?”
“No. I don’t have time for a relationship. And don’t forget I’m divorced.”
“That’s not a reason. Just because you’re divorced doesn’t mean you can’t have a relationship.”
“Well, my time is divided between Ethan, my mother, my father, my grandfather, and work. Whatever’s left, I use to sleep. That’s my life.”
“I thought you’d have a more exciting life.”
