After hanging up the phone, Zane walked over to me. "Can you accompany us there tonight?"

I inclined my head a little. "Of course."

Zane sat down next to me, taking the initiative to talk about Willow's grandparents.

He talked about the past with a tone of reflection. "Ever since Willow's mother passed away, her grandparents have been greatly affected. As such, their health deteriorated."

I wasn't sure how I could comfort him when I said, "Maybe if they spend more time with Willow, they'll get better."

A faint smile crossed Zane's face. "I hope so."

He got up, suggesting, "Let's go have lunch."

We didn't go to the cafeteria at the company today, either. Zane led me to a nearby restaurant and ordered a few dishes. He then remarked, "These are the restaurant's signature dishes."

Since he had worked in the area for years now, he was very familiar with the nearby restaurants.

I was in a rare, lighthearted mood for once. So, I said, "I'll give it a try."

"Hey, Zane! You're here for lunch as well? What a coincidence!"

Hearing the familiar voice of a woman, I turned to look.

Sasha had a hand covering her mouth, with a surprised look on her face. After she was kicked out of the company the last two times she came to see Zane, she finally learned her lesson and no longer sought him out. Nonetheless, she had not given up on him yet. Recently, she had been lingering near the company, hoping to run into Zane so that she could approach and engage with him.

In her mind, she was such a high-value woman that Zane would definitely be drawn to her and fall deeply in love with her if they just had more encounters.

Zane completely ignored her.

Sasha's gaze shifted to me, and she warily sized me up. "Who are you?"

"Me?" I was just about to introduce myself.

She frowned. "I've noticed that you've been coming in and out of the company with Zane recently."

That was indeed the case, so I didn't deny it.

Zane piped up, "Does that have anything to do with you?"

"Of course it does!" Sasha snapped without hesitation. "Zane, I'm currently pursuing you. Yet, you're getting so close to this woman! Have you ever shown me any respect?" Zane spoke in a much colder voice, "I've already made it clear to you that I'm not interested in building any relationship with you."

Sasha clearly did not expect such a response after all her efforts to pursue him. "Then, who do you want to build a relationship with?" Pointing at me, she questioned, "Her?" Zane didn't deny it, merely stating, "Willow calls her 'Mommy."

"What?" It was obvious that she didn't think Zane would reject someone like her and choose a woman with a lower status and position.

She took two steps back as she declared, "Fine! Just you wait!"

I turned to watch her leave before turning back to Zane.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Zane seemed completely unfazed. His expression was as calm as ever when he apologized, "Sorry, Anna. I dragged you into this just to make her stop bothering me."

I didn't really mind. "I mean, you weren't lying."

He just chose to share part of the truth.

Zane lowered his gaze, a faint smile showing on his face. "Yeah."

Once the dishes were brought to the table, he served me some food while explaining the restaurant's cuisine and the characteristics of each dish.

I accepted the food, sincerely asking, "Is there anything you don't know?"

Not only was he good at work and handsome, but he was also knowledgeable about food.

"Maybe it's because I have a bit of knowledge about everything that finding someone is challenging for me." Zane started to eat slower while I focused on eating. He then looked hesitant. "Anna..."

Puzzled, I looked up. "Yeah?"

Zane's eyes were as dark as night. He opened his mouth, but just as he was about to say something, he stopped himself. "It's nothing."

I was a bit confused, but I didn't dwell on it as I continued enjoying my lunch.