"Hello, Miss Evans," Piper said.

"Come on, sit down. Little Wendy, sit here," she continued, gesturing. "Come, let's not stand on ceremony. Do be seated. Gwenda, why don't you sit here?"

Piper deliberately seated Gwenda next to Samuel. Gwenda hesitated, glancing at Samuel before sitting down.

"Today's lunch is mainly to thank Gwenda," Piper announced. "So, you can order whatever you like later, dear."

Piper passed the menu to Gwenda, who chuckled. "I'm good. You don't have to accommodate me."

"It's fine, dear. Go ahead and order," Piper insisted.

"Okay," Gwenda replied, opening the menu.

Meanwhile, Tyrell and Imani were busy with their children. Piper leaned toward Samuel and whispered, "It may be Gwenda's first time in this restaurant. Do look out for her, will you?"

"Got it," Samuel murmured, sighing quietly. He didn't need anyone to teach him how to charm women; his mother was worrying needlessly.

"Miss Evans," Samuel said, smiling. "Would you like some recommendations on the spécialité de la maison?"

Gwenda, who had been wondering what to order, replied, "Sure. Thank you, Mr. Kinney."

"Just call me Samuel," he suggested.

"Samuel, then," she said softly. Her voice was so soft and sweet, it captivated him. Samuel's heart skipped a beat. Raising an eyebrow, he smiled. "Your voice is very pleasant."

Gwenda smiled politely. "Thank you."

"Do you like fish? The pickled fish here is good," he offered, beginning a conversation while they ordered. They got along well; Gwenda was outgoing, and Samuel was skilled at conversation.

The others watched their interaction, particularly Piper, who, delighted, leaned toward Tyrell and whispered, "Look how happy they are! I'm sure I've gotten my second daughter-in-law for real now."

"You're thinking too much," Tyrell said wryly. "Miss Evans is only being courteous. It's obvious she doesn't like him that way."

"Really?" Piper frowned. "Don't you dare say that! I think they're getting along just fine."

Tyrell smiled and said nothing. Piper glared at him, then turned to Imani. "Imani, you tell me. Do you think Gwenda is interested in Samuel?"

"Er" Imani glanced at her husband, then smiled faintly. "Mother, it's better to leave them alone. It's not good for us to interfere."

"Oh, come on, don't be a spoilsport! I really want Gwenda to be my second daughter-in-law."

Tyrell patted her shoulder. "Alright, Mum. It's time to eat."

"Fine, fine. Let's eat," Piper conceded.

Gwenda and Samuel chatted throughout lunch. Afterward, Piper asked Samuel to drive Gwenda home. Gwenda initially declined, but Piper was insistent, so she accepted the ride.

After saying goodbye to the others, Samuel glanced at Gwenda. "Don't mind my mother. She's just too enthusiastic."

"Oh, no. Piper is really friendly. I just didn't want to trouble you," Gwenda said, smiling faintly.

"It's not troublesome. I just returned from a business trip and have nothing to do. It's my honor to see you home," Samuel replied smoothly. "Besides, I just got back from a business trip and have nothing to do. It's an honor to give a lovely lady like you a lift."

Samuel's strategy was effective. Gwenda was no exception to his charm.

"By the way, you mentioned your studio. Take me on a tour sometime. I'm planning to invest in a film and television project; we might collaborate."

"You want to invest in film and television? Then we really should discuss it," Gwenda replied, intrigued.

Their conversation continued until Gwenda reached her company. Before she got out, Samuel smiled. "Let's exchange contact information. I'll discuss the project with you in person."

"Sure," Gwenda said, giving him her Instagram handle.

Watching her go, Samuel checked her profile. He smiled. She was unlike anyone he'd met before—definitely worth pursuing!