Chapter 2106


    ?


    Ethan''s reply was straightforward: "I''m going home with you."


    Lydia frowned, staring at him in disbelief. What was he even talking about?


    "Are you short on cab fare?" Lydia asked, pulling out a wad of cash from her pocket. She plucked a bill from the stack and shoved it into Ethan''s hand. "Here, take this for the cab. Don''t worry about paying me back!"


    Lydia''s actions were smooth and swift. After stuffing the money into Ethan''s hand and pocketing the rest, she continued walking.


    Ethan, holding the $20 bill she had given him, didn''t even nce at it and kept pace beside her. "I''ve already told you, I''m with you now. If you''re going home, of course, I''ming with you."


    Lydia was so exasperated she couldn''t even muster the energy to argue. She just kept walking.


    Before long, they reached her apartmentplex, and the man behind her was still following.


    At this rate, he was really going to end up going home with her. This was utterly ridiculous!


    Lydia didn''t want Ethan to know where she lived. Otherwise, if he started showing up unannounced, she''d never have a moment''s peace. She wasn''t a fan of being harassed.


    Reluctantly, she stopped and turned to re at him. "So, you''ll stop following me if we grab a bite, is that it?"


    "You could say that," Ethan replied.


    Lydia struggled to keep her anger in check and said calmly, "Where should we go?"


    "We''ll need to take a cab. The restaurant''s a bit of a ride away," Ethan said with a smile.


    Lydia nced down at the crumpled $20 bill in his hand, snatched it back, and stuffed it into her pocket. "Let''s go then."


    Ethan''s hand was left empty, but his face lit up with joy as he hurried to keep up with Lydia.


    They hailed a cab to the city center,


    the most bustling area. A circr building, constructed entirely of ck ss and gleaming with


    name The Gourmet''s Delight theAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    etched above the entrance, stood before them.


    S


    This was a high-end restaurant, catering exclusively to the affluent. The luxurious exterior of the restaurant was a clear indicator of its opulence. "Let''s go. I''ve booked the best table," Ethan said.


    Lydia nced at him. His lips still


    bore a bruise and his white suit was stained with blood. Hardly the


    ???


    picture of elegance. She couldn''t fathom why he insisted on having dinner tonight! Showing up for dinner with a face full of bruises didn''t seem like a badge of honor to her.


    But then, she had never understood this man''s actions. From getting punched on their first encounter to his persistent pursuit, it was as if he had a masochistic streak!


    Lydia didn''t say anything more and walked straight in. Ethan quickly followed.


    At the entrance stood two young hosts, who greeted them with respect. "Wee, sir, ma''am, right this way, please."


    One of the hosts led Lydia and Ethan inside. The restaurant''s ambiance was elegant and upscale, with warm lighting that created afortable atmosphere.


    The host asked routinely, "Do you have a reservation?"


    Lydia walked ahead without a word, disinterested in making small talk.


    Ethan said, "Yes, it''s under the name of the ''Rose Garden'' room."


    "Ah, Mr. Crawley, right this way, please," the host said with increased politeness, bowing slightly and gesturing for Lydia and Ethan to follow.


    As they neared the room, someone familiar approached them.


    "Hello, David," Lydia greeted the maning toward them with politeness.


    David was an aide to Lysander, and out of respect for Lysander, Lydia naturally extended her courtesy to those in his circle.