Chapter 12 Declan Invites for Dinner
The next morning, Jennifer had scheduled a meeting with attorney Louie Hopper to discuss unfreezing her company's funds. After reviewing the documents, he assured her it wouldn't be difficult, and it could be resolved within a month. Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Mr. Hopper."
As she walked out of the law firm's building, Jennifer sighed softly, finally feeling some good news. Suddenly, a flashy Maserati pulled up in front of her. Declan Ross inside flashed a bright smile and waved at her. "Jennifer, is that really you?"
Declan was two years younger than Jennifer. They had attended the same high school. He had always admired Jennifer's gentle beauty, but by the time he got into her university, she was already with Eugene.
Declan, handsome and cheerful, had dated several girls over the years. But when he heard that Jennifer and Eugene had broken up, he couldn't help but feel excited.
Jennifer smiled. "Hey, Declan! I thought you hadn't graduated yet. What brings you here?"
Declan walked up to her. "My dad insisted I intern at the law firm. He thinks it’ll be good for taking over the company later. What about you? Why are you here?"
Jennifer told him she was meeting with Louie. Declan's smile widened. "What a coincidence! He's my cousin and my mentor. I'll keep an eye on him for you. To celebrate this coincidence, how about I treat you to dinner?"
Of course, it wasn't a coincidence; Declan had orchestrated Louie taking Jennifer's case.
Jennifer hesitated, but Declan's enthusiasm was hard to resist. When he put on a pitiful expression, she couldn't say no. After getting in the car, Declan tried to buckle her seatbelt for her, but she quickly stopped him. "I can do it myself. You don't need to be so courteous. It makes me a bit nervous."
During her years with Eugene, Declan had rarely been around, and her impression of him was just a well-behaved underclassman.
Declan's broad smile softened slightly. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind. What do you feel like eating?"
Jennifer replied, "Something light would be nice."
Declan agreed immediately, saying he wasn't picky. They chatted about school stories on the drive, and Jennifer began to relax. He drove slowly, often glancing at her through the rearview mirror. She was still as beautiful as ever, though there was a bit of sadness in her eyes. Eugene was a fool for letting such a wonderful woman go!
During dinner, Declan brought up her case. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I might not be as professional as Louie, but I am studying law, and I don't charge consultation fees!"
Jennifer's smile became more genuine. "Thank you."
Since Eugene had turned against her, many mutual friends refused to see her, and she kept running into obstacles with the company's problems. Declan was the second person to offer help.
When it came time to pay, Jennifer insisted, "Let me treat you! Otherwise, how could I keep asking for your help?"
Declan's eyes sparkled, and he didn't refuse. But after she paid, he suddenly pulled out two tickets to a bowling club. "Since you treated me to dinner, let me take you out for some fun!"
Jennifer was tempted. She had been under a lot of stress lately, and Declan's suggestion brought back memories of carefree school days. They went to the club, which was lively and filled with stylish young people.
Declan taught Jennifer how to bowl, explaining everything from grip to technique in detail. He demonstrated three times, scoring two strikes! Jennifer was impressed and clapped her hands. It seemed simple, and watching the pins fall was oddly satisfying!
When it was her turn, Jennifer found the ball quite heavy and hard to control. It veered off course, knocking down only two pins on the far left. She bit her lip in frustration, trying to figure out what went wrong.
Declan clapped. "That was great! Many people score zero their first time."
Jennifer asked, "Really? But you made it look so easy."
Declan adjusted her grip. "Your hands are small. It's better to use a smaller, lighter ball." With his guidance, Jennifer managed to knock down most of the pins. She happily high-fived Declan.
Just then, a couple walked in, the man in a suit and the woman in a Chanel outfit, looking out of place. They were Eugene and Aria. Aria had complained that fine dining was boring, so Eugene brought her here.
Jennifer was focused on her game, trying to knock down the last pin. Declan noticed them first and greeted them warmly. "Aria!"
The Ross and Clark families had business dealings, and Declan and Aria had hung out a few times. Aria was surprised by Declan's enthusiasm but happily pulled Eugene over. "Declan, you're here too! Let's play together." She squeezed Eugene's hand, seeking his opinion. Eugene's gaze, however, was fixed on Jennifer, who was concentrating on her throw. Why was she with Declan?
Jennifer looked up in frustration. "Just one pin left. You can have it." Then she saw Eugene's displeased expression, and her smile froze.
Eugene asked, "What are you doing here?"
Declan quickly explained, "Jennifer is my client. I'm just trying to win her over." His words protected Jennifer's privacy and clarified their relationship.
Eugene sneered. "You? What can you do for her?" He turned to Jennifer. "Jennifer, I advise you to use your brain and not get fooled."
Aria sensed the tension and tugged Eugene's hand. "Eugene, do you know her? Who is she?" Eugene had always been polite in front of her, and this was the first time she saw him speak so harshly.
Eugene was about to say Jennifer was a woman who wouldn't leave him alone.
Declan smiled brightly. "Jennifer is a very important friend of mine. Right, Eugene?" He emphasized "important," and Aria immediately understood that Declan liked Jennifer. She teased, "Ms. Brown is indeed kind and beautiful. I can see why you'd like her. Eugene, don't badmouth Declan in front of his friend."
Eugene turned to her, his expression softening. "Whatever you say." Aria saw the affection in his eyes and felt sweet inside. Eugene really only had eyes for her, not even a hint of interest in other beautiful women!