Chapter 706

The waves lapped gently at the shore, and the fireworks show had brought out tons of tourists. The road ahead was totally gridlocked–we couldn’t get through at all.

Linda quickly apologized. “We actually had a reservation at a coffee shop up ahead, but it looks like the car’s not going anywhere in this traffic. It’s just a short walk from here.”

“Sure!” I nodded.

We hopped out of the car, and you could feel the heat lingering in the air–it was that time of year. Everyone was dressed in summer clothes, keeping it cool and casual.

The salty night breeze from the ocean was cool and refreshing.

Since I’d been in meetings all day, I was still in my business attire, with my long hair neatly tied up.

Linda walked beside me, sharing all sorts of stories about the local culture and traditions. I chatted with her politely, while our assistants and a few curious team members followed along behind us, just wanting to join in the fun.

Linda led us through the crowd and into a building by the beach. There was a coffee shop on the rooftop with a perfect view of the upcoming fireworks show.

Inside the elevator, Linda stepped aside to take a call, leaving her assistant to escort me up instead.

Meanwhile, the people around me got distracted by the bustling pedestrian street nearby and wandered off.

When we reached the floor, my phone suddenly rang.

I glanced at the screen–it was Edward calling.

While the assistant went to arrange the coffee, I stepped over to the floor-to-ceiling window and answered the call.

“I’m in the lobby. Come down,” Edward said, his voice low and impossible to read.

Before I could say a word, the night outside erupted in a cascade of fireworks, their explosions weaving together in the air.

The fireworks were brilliant–breathtakingly stunning.

“I’m not at the hotel,” I said.

“What’s that sound on your end?” Edward asked in a low voice.

“Someone’s setting off fireworks by the beach. They’re really beautiful,” I replied.

Edward let out a knowing “oh.” “That’s my ex-wife setting off fireworks for her boyfriend. Do you like fireworks?”

I couldn’t help but be surprised. “How do you even know that?”

Edward chuckled. “Jane’s company is opening a new mall, and the fireworks are just for the grand opening. I also know she took her young boyfriend along to watch.”

“Oh, got it.” I replied. “Guess I’ll hang out here a bit longer–maybe it’ll help me sober up.”

“I’m coming to find you,” Edward said, his voice growing noticeably heavier when he realized I wasn’t leaving right away.

“You better not come over. The traffic here is totally jammed,” I told him.

“The address. Now.” Edward suddenly got bossy, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I had no choice but to send him the location. Right then, the assistant brought over a pot of coffee and lit a candle underneath to keep it warm.

The rich aroma of coffee filled the air, and outside, the fireworks kept shifting into all sorts of shapes. The assistant stood by the window like a kid, recording everything on her phone.

Linda came up and greeted me, saying she had to head home for an emergency and left her assistant to keep me company.

Thinking about Edward coming over, I quickly asked her assistant to leave too, wanting to be alone. I settled back into the sofa, just soaking in the peace and quiet.

Down below, the crowd was packed like sardines, but up here, I had this whole huge space to myself. It really hit me—when you climb up in the world, money can buy you room to breathe and time that’s truly your own.

An hour later, Edward finally made it. You could tell the traffic had been a nightmare–he’d had to ditch his car outside the crowd and walk the rest of the way. The sea breeze had messed up his short hair, and he was in a black shirt, looking a little pale and worn out.

I opened the door and saw him standing there. A small smile tugged at my lips. “Mr. Jennings, you must be tired from all that walking. Come in and have some coffee.”

Edward stepped inside, and the next second, he grabbed my shoulders and pressed me up against the wall beside the door. “It’s really this hard just to see you, huh?”