Chapter 66
Chapter 66:
Luckily, Sophie had built a strong relationship with the workshop team, and thanks to a few friendly favors, her custom ring was finished even before Mr. K’s prestigious order. Mr. K’s piece just needed one last round of inspection before delivery.
With everything moving ahead of schedule, Juliet handed out a surprise bonus to Sophie.
Sophie’s fingers couldn’t help but seek out the velvet ring box hidden deep in her bag the moment the bonus hit her palm. She scrolled through her contacts, heart fluttering as she stopped at Adrian’s name. After taking a steadying breath, she pressed call.
“Hello?” Adrian’s deep voice answered, calm and clear, the faint hush of an office in the background.
Sophie’s voice dropped to a gentle murmur. “Um… I just got a bonus, and I was wondering if you’d let me take you out to dinner tonight p>
There was a short pause, the faint sound of shuffling papers on his end. “Tonight p>
She fiddled nervously with the little jewelry box, opening and shutting it. “I mean, if you’re too busy, we can always do another day p>
Adrian’s tone shifted, a playful note slipping in. “Passing up a dinner invite from you? Not a chance. Just tell me where to meet you p>
𝘙𝘦а𝘥 𝗐𝗂𝘁𝘩о𝗎𝘁 𝗂𝘯𝗍𝘦𝘳𝗋𝗎р𝗍𝗶𝗈𝘯𝘀 𝗈𝗻.с𝗼𝘮
Sophie’s cheeks flushed. “Let’s go to Solis—the restaurant near my office. I’ll see you there p>
After hanging up, she tucked the box back in her bag and took a moment in front of the mirror, smoothing her hair and catching her own reflection. There was a glow in her eyes and an irrepressible smile tugging at her lips. She gave her cheeks a quick rub, hoping to calm the excitement before she stepped out.
Sophie barely had time to check her reflection in a shop window before Adrian showed up at the mall entrance.
She jogged over, a little breathless. “Is your office really this close? How’d you get here so fast p>
Adrian, caught off guard by her question, cleared his throat to mask his unease. “I just happened to be nearby running a few errands p>
He studied her for a beat, then changed the subject, his tone almost teasing. “Didn’t expect I’d get a dinner invitation from you, honestly. Especially since I haven’t exactly been much help with your career lately p>
Sophie caught the hint of jealousy in his words and couldn’t help but smile. So he was still holding onto that little grudge about Sarah getting her dinner first. If only he knew she had been waiting for the ring to be finished, not playing favorites.
She rolled her eyes, grinning. “Sure, Sarah landed me a part-time gig. She’s been amazing p>
Adrian’s mouth twisted in a faint pout. “Right. I guess that means I’m out of the running for best supporter—no dinner needed p>
He turned as if to leave, but Sophie grabbed his sleeve before he could take another step. “Come on, I’m just messing with you p>
Her voice softened. “If it weren’t for you making sure I had real food every day, I’d never have the energy to get through work p>
Adrian arched an eyebrow. “Is that all p>
Sophie’s fingers traced his cufflink, her gaze a little shy. “And about that night I promised not to drink too much and totally broke my word p>
She tugged his sleeve gently, her voice barely above a whisper. “Tonight’s dinner is me saying I’m sorry. Forgive me p>
A smile finally broke across Adrian’s face, and he let her lead him toward the restaurant, his earlier sulking forgotten.
As they strolled side by side, Sophie leaned closer and whispered, “This place is pretty legendary in town. I’ve never actually eaten here before. I used to just look in through the windows and dream about it—it always seemed way out of reach p>
Adrian almost made a crack about how even a Barnes could feel out of place, but when he saw the sparkle in her eyes and the way she nearly bounced on her toes, the joke died on his lips. Instead, he just smiled, quietly enjoying her happiness.
At the host stand, Sophie stepped up with a polite smile. “Hi, I have a reservation for two p>
The receptionist scanned the list and offered a regretful smile. “Welcome! You’re party number 132—there are two groups ahead, so it’ll be a short wait p>
“No problem, thanks,” Sophie replied cheerfully, steering Adrian to a pair of seats near the entrance.
They had barely settled in when a sharp, mocking voice rang out from behind. “Well, if it isn’t our shining star designer! What’s the matter, Sophie? Can’t afford a seat inside p>