Chapter 383: Maya Torres Snapped Her Laptop Shut and Stretched with a Satisfied Sigh

"Done!" Maya Torres snapped her laptop shut and stretched with a satisfied sigh.

Seven empty soda cans littered the desk.

Noah Kessler grabbed his jacket. "Let's go. Dinner's on me."

Clara Whitmore exchanged amused glances with Maya. Neither hesitated.

With their long-term collaboration ahead, there'd be plenty of opportunities to return the favor.

At the French restaurant—

Crystal chandeliers scattered prismatic light as a violinist played "Wedding in a Dream."

"Do you have a reservation?"

"Under Kessler. Booked last night."

Noah showed the confirmation code on his phone.

The waiter bowed and led them to a window table.

Clara scanned the menu. She'd been here before with clients—this award-winning restaurant cost half a month's salary for the average office worker.

Maya ran her fingers over the gilded cutlery, then suddenly pulled out her phone to photograph the bread basket.

"For my dad," she explained sheepishly. "He always says city folks eat fancy."

Noah's gaze flickered.

Her family situation seemed...

"What does your father do?" he asked casually.

Maya paused mid-filter adjustment.

That hesitation made the other two tense.

"Mom stays home with my brother. Dad..." She scratched her head. "Watches warehouses in our fishing village. Does some fishing when there's time."

A rundown village. Left-behind family. Surviving on odd jobs—

Clara clenched her napkin. Raising such a bright daughter in those circumstances spoke volumes.

"I'll bring you fresh shrimp next time!" Maya suddenly leaned in. "Dad catches mantis shrimp that dance!"

Noah's Adam's apple bobbed. "Order anything tonight."

"Really?" Maya's hand shot up. "Waiter! Three tomahawk steaks!"

She clarified: "Three per person."

Noah's fork clattered onto his plate.

When the dessert cart arrived, Clara silently pushed her mousse toward Maya.

"You're not having any?" Maya already had a heaping spoonful.

Noah added his sugar-dusted pancake to the offering. "Slow down. Don't choke."

"Mmmph..." The girl's cheeks bulged like a chipmunk's, her eyes crinkling into crescents.