Chapter 24
Alexander laughed, as if guessing Lily's thoughts. "I'm not a pervert who monitors people. I can see and hear with my own eyes and ears."
He suddenly poked Lily's stomach, making her giggle as she dodged the tickle. That's when Lily realized her stomach was rumbling with hunger.
Alexander took her to the Sky Garden Restaurant, halfway up the hill. Famous throughout town, the restaurant was known for its unique design and magnificent view.
In a society where Asian cuisine signified high-class status, Sky Garden also served Western cuisine, a specialty of their senior chefs. The restaurant offered something for everyone, representing a variety of cultures.
Of course, it was pricey, beyond the means of some. Even so, most diners needed reservations, even those with VIP seating.
Lily watched a woman across from them gracefully accept the menu and hand it to her companion. Waiters served them immediately upon their arrival, indicating a prior reservation.
"You can order first," Alexander said.
"What cuisine would the lady prefer? We have specialized menus for you to choose from," the waiter offered attentively.
After a moment's thought, Lily replied, "How about American cuisine?"
She looked up at Alexander. "Are you accustomed to this type of cuisine?"
"I'm fine with anything," he said casually.
It wasn't that Lily was a picky eater, but the prices on the menu were shocking. She knew it was expensive, but not this expensive. Even though she wasn't paying, the prices stung.
"What's the matter?" Alexander asked, noticing her hesitation.
"I-It's nothing. I'm just a little spoiled for choice," Lily said, half-jokingly, though her difficulty choosing was evident.
After studying her, Alexander addressed the waiter. "Please serve some of your signature Western dishes for now. She'll look at the rest later." "Of course!" The waiter promptly took their order, and Lily gratefully accepted. With Alexander ordering for her, she needn't worry. She closed the menu, relieved to avoid the daunting prices. She wasn't poor, just unaccustomed to such luxury. Nathaniel's emphasis on frugality during their entrepreneurial years had instilled lasting habits. Habits, she mused, were a frightening thing.
The restaurant's service was swift. Shortly after Lily took her first bite, her phone rang. Olivia's name appeared on the screen. Lily apologized to Alexander, answered the call, and listened.
"Lily, I've applied for leave," Olivia announced.
"Did he approve it?" Lily guessed, noting the cheerful tone in Olivia's voice.
"He approved it immediately! You were right, Lily. He probably wants me far away. He even gave me extra days off when I said it was a vacation. You knew he'd been waiting for this!" "I know." Olivia's voice was loud enough that Alexander likely heard. Lily cleared her throat, embarrassed. "Then go and have fun!"
"Come on, Lily, how can I vacation at a time like this? Don't you need me to stay and help? I can be your witness if Nathaniel tries to blame everything on you!"