Chapter 153

After the server brought over the extra pudding, she bent down with a patient smile and started chatting with Nora. She gently reminded her not to eat too much at once, saying she could finish this one and come back next time for more. If she liked it, they’d be happy to have her again.

In the warm sunlight, the delicate lines of Aurora’s profile seemed to glow, especially when she spoke to Nora–her whole face lit up with a soft, heartfelt smile.

Leonard found himself staring, momentarily dazed. His heart skipped a beat without warning. Inside the restaurant, everything else faded into the background. In his eyes, there was only Aurora and his little sister. The warmth in Aurora’s voice, the kindness in her expression–it almost made the corners of Leonard’s mouth lift.

Maybe it was time for Nora to have a little more contact with the outside world.

“Lukey, you’re always working.” Wendy pouted, her full lips forming a perfect little frown, the innocence in her face marred by clear irritation. “I finally made it to Ravenshore, and you don’t even want to take me out for a bit?”

Lucas didn’t even look up as he replied from his seat, “As you can see, I’m swamped.”

“Busy, busy, busy–that’s all you ever say!” Wendy huffed in playful frustration. “Lukey, you can’t work yourself to death. Your health matters more than money.”

“And besides, the reason my brother sent me here was so you could take care of me and help me relax a little.”

That made Lucas pause. He looked up, eyes landing on a face that shared a faint resemblance to someone else–Wendy’s brother, Kenneth Shaws. Kenneth was one of his closest friends, a bond forged back when they were both studying overseas. They’d kept in touch all these years.

Since Kenneth wasn’t comfortable letting Wendy come back on her own, he asked Lucas to keep an eye on her. Of course, Lucas wouldn’t reject such a simple favor. He had promised with absolute certainty back then, “Don’t worry, your sister is like my own. You can trust me with her.” It was precisely because Lucas had said that so confidently that Kenneth felt comfortable sending Wendy to him. He knew his sister had a playful streak–that much was clear.

Thinking of the promise he’d made to Kenneth, Lucas felt there was no way out now. What was done, was done. He stood up, planning to have Desmond find something fun nearby. He’d take Wendy out for a bit.

Chapter 153

Seeing this, a bright smile finally returned to Wendy’s face. “I knew it! Lukey, you’re the best!”

Lucas didn’t respond, but the crease between his brows never eased.

Desmond, meanwhile, went off to make arrangements, but he couldn’t help muttering to himself. The moment he laid eyes on Wendy, he felt a headache coming on. He had just returned from Fortline and was hoping for a little breather. As long as he stayed out of trouble and didn’t upset the boss, life was manageable. But the second he got back, he ran into Wendy–the very definition of high-maintenance.

Desmond felt like the sky was falling.

Still, he had no choice. Orders were orders. Now he had to find a place that worked for just the two of them–and it had to suit Lucas’s style.

After some quick searching, Desmond finally settled on a nearby upscale restaurant.

Lucas spent the whole afternoon with Wendy, taking her around and eventually having dinner together. The entire time, Wendy never stopped talking, chirping endlessly in his car.

At the mall, she demanded the best service, and when the crowd got too much for her liking, she even insisted Lucas clear the entire floor.

Chapter 154