Nina Sinclair and Julian Lancaster spent most of the day at the hospital with Grandma Shen. Only after repeatedly confirming that she was okay did Nina feel relieved.
Just as they were about to leave the hospital, Nina’s phone rang. It was a call from Joel Thatcher.
Julian, standing beside her, immediately noticed the name on the caller ID.
He narrowed his eyes slightly and said nothing, silently accompanying Nina.
It seemed Joel had been clinging to Nina quite persistently. Thankfully, they would be leaving Crestfall and returning to Veridia tomorrow.
Seeing Joel’s call, Nina thought something might have happened with her mother. She quickly answered, "Joel, why are you calling me? Is there something wrong?"
Joel’s voice came through, "No, Aunt Qing’s condition is very stable. I called you for something else."
Relieved that there was nothing wrong, Nina’s tension immediately eased. "Oh, that’s good. So, what did you want to talk about?"
Joel cleared his throat and said nonchalantly, "You got married quietly, and I haven’t officially met your husband yet. Given how close we are, shouldn’t your husband treat me to a meal?"
"Uh..." Nina glanced at Julian and said, "We can treat you to a meal. Let me check if he’s available."
Hearing this, Julian had a vague idea of what Joel said to Nina. He asked, "What’s up?"
Nina replied, "Joel said he wants you to treat him to a meal so he can get to know you better."
Julian’s eyes darkened slightly, showing a look of surprise.
Last time, Joel had already clashed with him, saying he wanted to compete fairly. Now, he could initiate a meal together, indicating some ulterior motive.
Though aware Joel might have bad intentions, Julian nodded in agreement, "Sure."
While they were talking, Joel had already heard Julian’s voice on the other end.
Yesterday, Julian had followed them quietly but didn’t make his presence known. Joel had no idea Julian had arrived in Crestfall.
Now, hearing Julian’s voice, he hurriedly asked, "Julian Lancaster is there? Is he right beside you?"
Joel grit his teeth, sneering coldly, "No time like the present. How about today?" The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the NovᴇlFirᴇ.ɴet
Today, he was determined to expose the true nature of this cunning wolf!
"Well..." Nina hesitated, unsure why Joel suddenly wanted Julian to treat him to a meal. She looked at Julian, seeking his opinion with her eyes.
Julian had already overheard Joel’s voice on the phone.
No matter what Joel planned, Julian wasn’t afraid at all. Bring it on.
Julian slightly curled his lips, smiling, "Dinner invitation, fine."
Nina had been hesitant, but hearing Julian agree, she stopped overthinking it and said, "Alright then. He said it’s okay to treat you to dinner. I’ll find a restaurant and reserve a table, then send you the location."
"No need, I’ve already reserved it. I’ll send you the address. You can just come over."
After saying that, Joel hung up without waiting for Nina’s response.
Soon after, he sent an address.
Nina glanced at it, not very familiar with the place, but it was a different story for Julian.
Celestial Pavilion was indeed a restaurant chain he invested in, sharing the same direction as The Flavor Crucible in Veridia. Joel’s choice to meet there for dinner was clearly significant.
Julian recalled what Sharon Lancaster said the other day, mentioning that Joel intended to reveal his identity.