In the end, Eleanor Sterling didn’t really kick Alaric Faulkner out.
After all, he had just rescued her, and turning against him immediately would be a bit heartless, given that he had done her a favor.
It’s just that her expression wasn’t too pleasant. Estelle Sterling handed the menu to Alaric Faulkner with a grin, looking quite fawning.
"President Faulkner, Sister Eleanor is treating tonight. Feel free to order whatever you fancy."
Eleanor shot a glare at Estelle. Was this brat itching for trouble? Did he think she had money to burn?
A man like Alaric Faulkner, president of The Faulkner Group, didn’t need her to treat him to a meal!
Alaric held the menu, looking at Eleanor with a meaningful expression, a faint smile on his thin lips, and he asked, "I heard Miss Sterling is celebrating a good occasion, hence the invitation? Seems I’m benefiting from this."
She remembered how she had complained in front of Alaric before and showed her low spirits.
Eleanor’s cheeks flushed, and she said, "It’s about the Sheffield Family’s daughter’s coming-of-age party. I heard someone invested in them, so I don’t have to be disqualified anymore."
She had made quite a lot of preparations this time, thinking she’d be disqualified.
Eleanor had been quite upset, feeling like her efforts were wasted. She was just about to use other methods, but unexpectedly, she was able to compete with Faye Sterling again.
Alaric sincerely said, "Congratulations."
Eleanor was taken aback for a moment, "Thank you."
She hadn’t expected to share her inner joy with anyone other than Estelle, even though she had always wanted to keep a distance from Alaric.
Oh well, it’s just a meal. She shouldn’t overthink it, and the awkwardness in her heart disappeared without a trace.
Estelle had already ordered many dishes. Alaric glanced at them and just casually added two items, not making Eleanor spend a fortune.
At this moment, the waiter brought the hot pot base.
A double-flavor pot, with both sides in fiery red color—one was spicy, and the other was extra spicy.
It was then that Eleanor noticed it wasn’t just her and Estelle dining together.
She quickly turned to Caleb Faulkner and asked, "Can you eat spicy food? If not, I’ll ask the waiter to add a clear broth pot."
He was originally dining with Eleanor, so having a separate hot pot wouldn’t make a difference.
Although Caleb had never eaten something so spicy, nor had he ever had hot pot, he still nodded, "I can."
After Eleanor finished asking Caleb, she immediately said, "Alright then, let’s start eating."
She completely ignored Alaric, whether he could handle spicy food wasn’t her concern; he was there just for a free meal anyway.
Estelle, a spicy food expert, saw Caleb struggling with what to do and enthusiastically helped him cook some food, placing it into his bowl.
At first, Caleb was sticking his tongue out from the spiciness, but gradually he got used to it, and he happily ate with Estelle, both of their mouths covered in red chili oil.
Alaric watched Caleb’s expression, his eyes flickering with contemplation.
Hot pot was something he had never taken Caleb to try before. Being busy with work, he hardly had time to accompany Caleb.
And Faye, his mother, wasn’t kind to Caleb either.
She only intended to use him, unlike Eleanor and Estelle, who interacted wholeheartedly. No wonder Caleb was drawn to Eleanor.
After the meal, Eleanor and the others were quite delighted, while Alaric didn’t eat much, not that Eleanor cared. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on NoveIＦire.net
The night was deep, and all the streetlights were lit.
The four walked out of the restaurant, and Alaric took the initiative, "Let me drive you all back."
Eleanor was just about to refuse when he saw through her intentions and promptly added, "You treated us to dinner tonight; driving you back is a fair reciprocation."
The reasoning was indeed quite fitting, and after thinking about it, Eleanor didn’t refuse.
Beside her, Caleb beamed with joy. Taking Alaric out indeed proved right; he could spend a bit more time with Eleanor.