Chapter 221: Garden Feast and Family Expectations
Chapter 221: Garden Feast and Family Expectations
(Third person’s POV)
That evening, Ethan Quinn invited them to a well–known private restaurant nestled within classical werewolf gardens. The restaurant was set within traditional landscaping, with bluestone paths leading deeper into the
tranquil setting.
Pavilions with upturned eaves dotted the landscape, surrounding a serene pond where water lilies floated and koi swam lazily. The gentle ripples on the water’s surface caught the fading light, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with their earlier carnival excitement.
As the group arrived in the twilight, golden sunlight bathed the garden in a soft glow. Rebecca Frost paused at the entrance, her eyes wide with appreciation.
“This place is absolutely beautiful,” she breathed, taking in the elegant architecture and carefully manicured
grounds.
Ethan Quinn smiled proudly at her reaction. “The restaurant isn’t open to the public. It belongs to a friend of
mine.”
Lily’s eyes narrowed playfully, her earlier reconciliation with Ethan making her more comfortable with teasing.
“A female friend, I suppose?”
Ethan quickly shook his head, recognizing the dangerous territory he was entering. “No, no. The owner is Tyler Davis, a male classmate from university who specializes in contemporary cuisine.”
Gabriel Andrews nodded in confirmation. “I know Tyler. He pursued further. culinary studies abroad after
graduation. His food is exceptional.”
Lily’s suspicion melted away at the explanation. “Only male staff serve here too,” Ethan added reassuringly. “Tyler and I have been here before, just the two of us.”
The clarification seemed to satisfy Lily completely, and she linked her arm through Ethan’s as they continued
down the bluestone path.
Reaching the moonlit pavilion, they found the table already set with steaming dishes. The thoughtful gesture
by Ethan to cater to their hunger after a long day at the carnival was evident in every carefully arranged plate.
“Perfect timing,” Connor Rivers observed, his arm still protectively around Olivia Winters‘ waist. “I’m starving
after all those rides.”
Before they could settle down, Ethan pulled out his phone. “Let me call Tyler to come greet everyone properly.”
Within minutes, Tyler Davis appeared from the kitchen area. He was tall and lean with an athletic build, his short tousled hair and striking features embodying the confident charm of a successful young entrepreneur.
“Everyone, this is Tyler Davis,” Ethan announced. “Tyler, meet my friends.”
Tyler’s eyes immediately found Rebecca, and his expression brightened noticeably. “It’s a pleasure to meet
you all.”
Lily, still in a playful mood from their reconciliation, stepped forward with a mischievous smile. “Tyler, you’re
quite handsome Are you single?
Ethan’s face darkened instantly. He quickly wrapped his arm around Lilys shoutters, petting her doser The Is Lily, my girlfriend‘
Tyler chuckled at the obvious display of possessiveness. Tucky man, Ethan She’s beautiful”
After a round of introductions, the group settled in to enjoy the meat. The contemporary opathe Bedug to Gabriel’s praise, with each dish perfectly prepared and artfully presented
As the dinner concluded amidst laughter and chatter, Lily proposed their next destination. Let’s head to a her for drinks. The night is still young!”
Gabriel Andrews immediately declined, his arm tightening around Sophie Shaw’s shoulders Sophie has early
classes tomorrow morning, and it’s already getting late
Sophie nodded shyly, her large eyes reflecting fatigue from their long day. I should get home soon?
Gabriel stood, helping Sophie to her feet with unusual tenderness. Before leaving, he turned to Rebecca with
a meaningful look.
“Rebecca, you should call Sophie ‘sister–in–law‘ from now on.”
Sophie’s cheeks flushed pink at the suggestion, but she nodded shyly in agreement. Gabriel affectionately embraced her before their departure, his protective gesture speaking volumes about his serious intentions.
After they left, Lily immediately turned to Rebecca with sparkling eyes. “Your brother is completely smitten!
I’ve never seen Gabriel act so protective.”
Rebecca agreed, her expression thoughtful. “His feelings for Sophie are definitely different from his past relationships. He’s never introduced anyone as a potential sister–in–law before.”
Turning to Olivia and Connor, Lily asked hopefully, “Will you two join us for drinks?”
Connor looked to Olivia for her preference, his amber eyes searching her face. Olivia wanted to spend more time with him, but the memory of her drunken behavior from their previous outing made her hesitate.
“I’m actually quite tired,” she said finally, not wanting to risk another embarrassing incident. “I think I should
head home.”
Lily’s face fell with disappointment. “If Olivia’s not going, then I’ll cancel the bar outing too. We should all
head home.”
The group began to disperse, with Tyler Davis personally escorting them to the garden entrance. His eyes lingered on Rebecca as they said their goodbyes.
The next day, Olivia returned to the Winters Family Estate for dinner. The familiar surroundings of her childhood home brought mixed emotions as she sat at the dining table with Richard Winters and Natalie
Winters.
During the meal, Richard casually inquired, “Olivia, how are you and that lawyer Adrian getting along these days?”
Olivia paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. “We’re just ordinary friends, Dad. Nothing more.”
Natalie Winters chimed in with a teasing smile. “Olivia, you can’t keep pretending not to notice Adrian’s affections. He’s quite taken with you.”
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Chapter 221. Garden Feast and Family Expectations
Richard nodded approvingly. “I’m impressed by him. He seems like a good match for you
Olivia set down her fork firmly, “I have no romantic interest in Adrian Sinclair. I’m focused on my career right
now”
Richard’s expression grew more serious. “Olivia, you’re twenty–seven years old. You should consider finding a
mate soon.”
“I want to focus on building my law firm,” Olivia stated firmly, her voice carrying the determination that had driven her professional success. “That’s my priority.”
Richard studied his daughter’s resolute expression. Though persistent by nature, he recognized the futility of pushing further.
“You have your own arrangements, that’s good,” he said finally, his tone accepting. “Dad just made a suggestion, let’s eat.”
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