Watson picked a restaurant with the perfect vibe-warm colors, soft golden lights spilling from elegant chandeliers, and a dreamy,forting glow that made everything feel a little magical. Vintage oil paintings with bold colors brightened the quiet space, giving it an artsy, inviting touch.

Watson held Julia''s hand, Allison held Lizzy''s. The waiter led them to a window seat with a gorgeous view, city lights twinkling beyond the ss. In the center of their round table, a dainty bouquet gave off a light, calming fragrance.

The two girls slid in next to each other, already whispering and giggling. Watson and Allison took their seats; the table was just small enough that they ended up shoulder to shoulder. Gentle ssical piano music floated through the air, wrapping them in a soft cocoon.

Watson ordered for the kids, then handed the menu over to Allison. As she looked up, her eyes suddenly locked with a pair of deep, unreadable ones across the

room.

She froze, her smile fading.

Joshua stood nearby, his gaze dark and intense. Next to him was a stunning woman-long wavy hair, curves in all the right ces, impossible to miss. Even after all these years, Allison recognized her right away: Carolyn.

Allison remembered what Olivia had said-Carolyn was back in town, and this time, she was here for Joshua. Something twisted in Allison''s chest, but she carefully looked away, keeping her face calm.

Watson noticed them, too. He shot Joshua a look, a teasing smile on his lips. "What a coincidence, Mr. Fisher. Is this your girlfriend?"

Joshua''s expression hardened, his voice colder than ice. "No."

Carolyn stepped forward with a bright, practiced smile. "Hi, I''m Carolyn. Joshua''s..." Her eyes lingered on Allison for a second before she finished, "friend."

Allison''s face stayed calm, but inside, her heart skipped a beat.

She called him "Joshua."

Allison dropped her gaze, hiding the quick flicker of emotion.

"Allison, it''s been forever! You remember me, right? We met years ago," Carolyn said, her tone sweet and familiar.

Allison nodded politely, just the slightest curve to her lips. "I remember. It''s been a long time. Hope you''ve been well."

Joshua, still looking like he''d rather be anywhere else, pulled over a chair from the next table and sat right beside Allison.

"Allison, how are those Fisher Corporation casesing along?" he asked, his tone brisk and businesslike.

Allison''s answer was cool and professional. "Everything''s on track, Mr. Fisher. I''ve reviewed all the files and gone through the evidence twice."

With Joshua joining, the little table suddenly felt crowded-five people squeezed close, knees bumping.

Carolyn stayed standing, still smiling. "Joshua, it''s after work. How about we leave the business talk for another day? Let''s go sit over there. Allison''s clearly on a date, we shouldn''t get in the way."

Joshua''s eyes narrowed, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as he looked at Allison. "A date?"

Allison frowned, quick to exin. "It''s just dinner."

Her automatic reply seemed to

soften something in Joshua. Still, he couldn''t quite hide his jealousy. In a

blink, Watson had managed to get Alliso out for a meal-using the

kids as cover, Joshua realized,

ncing at the two girls across the table.

Carolyn grinned and tugged at Joshua''s sleeve. "Come on, Joshua, let''s go."

Joshua shifted away, dodging her hand without a word.