Chapter 316

Orion slid the menu back across the table, a casual gesture as he said, “Let her pick.”

The manager at The Cozy Corner Bistro raised an eyebrow in surprise at Lemira, who seemed a bit out of place. What was her connection to this gentleman?

Quickly regaining composure, the manager asked, “The usual wine for the table?”

Orion declined without a beat, “No wine today; let’s go with some fruit juices.”

Acknowledging with a nod, the manager took the menu and carefully exited the private dining room.

Orion turned his attention to Lemira. “So, what’s up with calling Thaddeus out for lunch?” He knew Lemira well enough to know she wouldn’t ask Thaddeus to lunch without a good reason.

Lemira paused before revealing, “I’m now the team leader for Orvin Team.”

“Congratulations, Lemon! That’s great news, definitely calls for a celebration.”

Lemira nodded in agreement, “Yeah.”

Orion watched her. “That’s it? Nothing else?”

“Nope, just a lunch. You two are pretty much my only friends here.” Lemira tactfully avoided mentioning her investment plans.

Halfway through the meal, Thaddeus stepped out to take a call. As Lemira poked at her food, she stole a glance at Orion, only to get caught in the act.

Orion met her gaze calmly. “You have something else on your mind for Thaddeus, don’t you?”

“You got me. Actually, I wanted to discuss some artificial intelligence stuff with Thaddeus. Given Asher might make a move against Maple Group, we need to strategize.”

“Don’t worry about it. Thaddeus isn’t a fool.”

Feeling a bit guilty, Lemira simply sipped her water to hide her nervousness.

“How’s school? Settling in okay?”

“It’s good. Made some new friends, started a new life. Just like you said, college life is indeed more exciting!” Lemira’s voice brightened up at the mention of school, a smile spreading across her face.

Suddenly losing interest in the conversation, Orion stood up. “You seemed interested in the garden earlier. Want to take a walk?”

“Sure,” Lemira was eager for a distraction.

They walked down to the garden, keeping a respectful distance between them—not too close, not too far. Lemira quickened her pace, intentionally widening the gap.

Admiring the garden, she commented, “This place is so picturesque; feels like every photo taken here would be perfect.”

Orion, a few steps behind, slowly described the scenery around them. Reaching a small bridge, Lemira noticed the pond below with its goldfish swimming lazily.

“Watch out for the moss; it’s slippery.”

As soon as Lemira nodded, she slipped, but Orion quickly caught her wrist, stabilizing her. Flushed, she muttered, “Thanks.”

Orion released her hand. “No need to thank me. Just didn’t want you to scare the fish.”

“Thanks for coming out here to tease me!” Lemira rubbed her wrist, finding the sarcastic Orion easier to be around.

After their walk around the garden, they returned to where they started. Someone approached them from the corridor, heading straight for Orion. “Bro, what are you doing here?”

Lemira recognized the young man approaching them. It clicked. “Are you Matthew Everhart, captain of the Reapers?” But why was he calling Orion ‘bro’?

Matthew’s mouth fell open in surprise upon seeing Lemira. “You’re SweetLemon, the streamer?” But why was she dining with his brother at the Bistro? Were they on a date? By any chance, were they heading towards marriage?

Lemira was puzzled. “You know me?”

“It’s hard not to!” Future sister-in-law, indeed!