CHAPTER 102: BIRTHDAY INVITATION

Ever since Zane joined the company, he had never seen Steven so nervous. Whether facing a big-name celebrity or a highly challenging project, he always seemed to have everything under control. But now, even though Cecilia hadn’t even done anything yet, she had already made him nervous. It was undeniable that she had something special about her.

Having his thoughts seen through, Steven cleared his throat quickly as he returned to his usual calm demeanor.

“You talk too much! It’s just a simple meal, what’s there to be nervous about?”

Zane shrugged while muttering, “If it’s just a simple meal, then why did you wake up at five in the morning to get ready and drag me out of bed right after I fell asleep? I’m so tired..."

As he was mumbling, they heard the sound of Cecilia’s car downstairs. Steven immediately sat up straight.

"Hold that yawn and get ready!"

Zane instantly snapped into action mode, hurrying to the door in preparation to open it for Cecilia.

As soon as she stepped into the restaurant, she was stunned by its elegant decor and design.

The cream-colored theme was simple yet grand, with flowers adorned everywhere and adding a touch of romance. It beautifully balanced the domestic subtlety with international grandeur, perfectly matching the restaurant’s name.

“Great taste. My house abroad is about to be renovated soon. It would be nice to chat with the owner of this restaurant about it...”

Thinking this, she decided to see if she could meet the owner after the meal to discuss the renovation. As she walked further, she ended up at the door of Steven’s private dining room.

The entire second floor of the restaurant was booked as a private room, so she nodded as she confirmed that this was indeed Steven’s work. He still loved to book the whole place, but that was good, as there would be no outsiders to disturb them; she could enjoy a fully immersive time with Alex.

Just as she was about to push open the door to the private room, the door suddenly opened as Steven stood there while smiling at her.

Cecilia glanced at the determined-looking Zane and Steven, who seemed to be posing. She was a little puzzled.

‘What’s with these two? Is all this really necessary?’

She looked down at her simple white shirt and casual jeans, then walked over to the dining table and sat down as if nothing had happened.

Zane hurried over to pour water for the two. Steven said as he looked at her, “Long time no see, Ms. Morrison.”

She almost choked on the water she had just sipped.

‘It hasn’t been that long, has it? Didn’t we just see each other a few days ago?’

She decided not to respond to him and instead glanced around.

“Where’s your son?”

Steven signaled to Zane with his eyes, and Zane pretended to use a sad tone as he replied, “Mr. Lawrence, the young master insisted on going to the Tech Museum this morning. I couldn’t stop him...

“It’s my fault for not being able to bring him back. You can punish me however you see fit!”

Steven almost glared at Zane, just about to scold him. However, Cecilia intervened.

“Never mind, it’s fine if he doesn’t come. Kids are like that; they’re quite stubborn.”

She was a little disappointed upon hearing that Alex hadn’t come. Still, thinking about how Emma was also like that—suddenly wanting to do something and couldn’t be pulled back even by eight oxen—she didn’t feel too bad.

Besides, Alex’s stubbornness was quite similar to her own, suggesting he inherited more from her. This thought, along with the fact that there were plenty more chances in the future, comforted her.

Steven nodded, lips curling instinctively while Zane looked rather pleased with himself.

He had anticipated that Cecilia would inquire about Alex’s absence, which was why he and Zane had planned this little act.

Zane looked at Steven expectantly, seeking some praise.

‘How was it? My performance wasn’t bad, right?’

Steven raised an eyebrow at him.

‘You’re shameless enough to ask how your acting was? With you only being able to do killing and slashing talk, you really should cut down on watching trashy drama next time!’

Zane scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly.

‘I only got a little too into the role...’

As the two exchanged glances, Cecilia’s stomach growled. She looked at the bare dining table and spoke up.

“Mr. Lawrence, you didn’t invite me to a meal just for water, did you?”

Steven almost couldn’t maintain his composure as he hastily signaled to Zane. Soon, waiters came over with a variety of dishes.

She began to enjoy the feast eagerly, soon awed by the food.

Savoring the foie gras, she was impressed by its creamy, ice-cream-like texture. Complemented by the sweet and sour plum sauce, it was utterly satisfying with every bite!

Seeing that Steven hadn’t eaten anything, she quickly speared a piece of foie gras with her own fork and placed it on his plate to share her delight.

“You should try this—it’s really good!”

Zane was alarmed, stepping forward hurriedly.

“Mr. Lawrence doesn’t eat offal...”

But Steven stopped him, picking up the small piece of foie gras with his fork and putting it in his mouth.

“Hmm, not bad at all...”

Zane stared wide-eyed at him in disbelief.

Steven never ate offal; one bite and he was likely to throw up. Not to mention, he was a clean freak; he never ate anything offered by someone else. Today was truly a revelation!

Despite that, Steven felt none of the usual revulsion as he chewed on the foie gras. Instead, everything seemed perfectly sweet, completely losing track of what he was actually eating.

After they both finished eating, a waiter came forward and handed Steven the bill.

“Mr. Lawrence, here is your bill.”

Cecilia noted that she had eaten most of the food, while Steven had barely taken a few bites. Considering that she was interested in meeting the restaurant’s owner, she reached out for the bill.

“Let me handle it.”

“Just charge it to Mr. Lawrence’s account,” Zane instructed the server.

“This meal was my invitation, so there’s no reason for you to pay,” Steven stated, looking at her.

She shrugged, not insisting further. They both weren’t hurting their wallets over such a meal; she could just repay the favor in the future.

Plus, it would give her another reason to see Alex.

However...

“Mr. Lawrence has an account here. Seems like you’re well-acquainted with a certain person here...”

Her words carried a teasing undertone regarding his acquaintance with the restaurant owner. However, by the time those words reached Steven’s ears, the meaning shifted.

‘What does she mean by that? Is she getting jealous?’

Steven displayed a meaningful smile.

“It’s only for business needs. Why does it bother you?”

Zane had once mentioned that dragging things out between two people would eventually lead to something; this was how it went in all his dramas.

Cecilia mentally rolled her eyes, stopping the conversation. Asking Steven was less direct than inquiring from the service, as he talked in too many circles.

“It’s getting late. Mr. Lawrence, don’t you have other matters to attend to?”

He glanced at his watch. Indeed, he had spent all morning getting ready and waiting for her, resulting in some work backlog. After some thought, he stood up.

“Then, feel free to make yourself at home, Ms. Morrison.”

She nodded.

Zane suddenly remembered something and approached Steven to say, “Mr. Lawrence, your birthday is the day after tomorrow. Are we holding the banquet as usual?”

Seeing that he never seemed to mention that point when talking to Cecilia, Zane decided to lend him a hand.

Steven nodded. This was something Zane managed every year; it didn’t require his inquiry. Why was he bringing it up now? He clearly hadn’t grasped Zane’s intentions yet.

However, Cecilia was more perceptive.

“Your birthday is the day after tomorrow?”

Steven nodded.

“Am I allowed to come?”

He was a little surprised, but also somewhat delighted.

“Of course.”

So, she really liked him quite a bit, being so... forward.

“Your son will definitely be there for your birthday, so I’ll get to see him!”

He was speechless.

‘Why are we still talking about my son’s matter...’

“Bring your daughter as well.”

“Oh, and don’t bring any gifts.”

Cecilia hadn’t planned on bringing a gift, but now that Steven mentioned it, it made her feel obligated.

Choosing gifts for others was quite a troublesome task, and she preferred to avoid that hassle. Sending a transfer seemed more straightforward, but how could he possibly lack money?

Or... maybe she could have Emma say a few auspicious words as a gift once the time comes!