Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Ryan had brought a date to the hotel’s restaurant, but things quickly turned sour.
As soon as their food arrived, his date pulled out her phone to take pictures of the dishes, which irritated Ryan.
“Why are you taking photos? Haven’t you seen food before?” he snapped, causing his date to angrily put her phone away and stop eating altogether.
When they had almost finished their meal, the restaurant manager approached with a polite smile.
“Mr.
Hoffman, are you satisfied with your meal?”
“It’s decent.
The steak is perfectly cooked.
I’m quite satisfied,” Ryan responded, his tone still clipped.
His date, however, was less than pleased.
“What? I think it’s tough.
It doesn’t taste good at all.
” She dropped her fork with a loud clatter, her frustration obvious.
Ryan’s face darkened.
He shot a glare at his date, and his anger was palpable.
“Thanks for your feedback.
We’ll make some improvements based on your comments.
I’m really sorry that you didn’t enjoy the meal,” the restaurant manager said, bowing apologetically.
Ryan, clearly irritated, responded with a cutting remark.
“Don’t listen to her.
She probably forgot to wear her dentures today and can’t even chew through a piece of tofu.
”
The date flushed with embarrassment but kept silent, not daring to retort.
Ryan pulled out his wallet, thick with cash, and placed a wad of bills in front of the manager.
Digital payments were the norm in Savrow, but Ryan still preferred to carry cash.
“Here’s your tip.
I’d like to ask you about someone.
”
Ryan’s eyes were fixed on the manager, his voice dropping in intensity as he asked, “Is there an employee named Anna Brown in your hotel?”
The manager hesitated before answering.
“Mr.
Hoffman, KS World employees don’t accept tips from guests, so please take this back.
Also, there is no employee by the name of Anna Brown here.
”
Ryan’s face fell slightly.
“Really? How is that possible?”
He leaned forward, clearly frustrated.
“When I arrived, I saw her unloading goods at the back door.
How could you lie to me? You should check again before you answer me.
”
The manager remained calm.
“Sorry, Mr.
Hoffman.
I’ve been working here for 15 years and know all the employees.
No one by that name works here.
”
With that, the manager took his leave, leaving Ryan to stew in his thoughts.
Just as Ryan was still processing this, a familiar figure caught his eye.
Bella walked into the restaurant alone, her presence drawing his gaze.
She was surprised to see him, but her expression remained composed.
Bella had been married to Justin for three years, but she had never truly been treated as his wife—he never took her out or introduced her to his circle of friends.
However, she knew that Ryan was Justin’s best friend, though she never understood how the two could be so close given their differences.
At that moment, Bella was relieved that no other staff members were present.
If someone had approached and addressed her as “Ms.
Thompson,” her identity would’ve been exposed.
Ryan, however, seemed transfixed by her, his intense gaze following her every movement.
His date, noticing the change in his attention, clenched her teeth in jealousy.
The way Ryan looked at Bella was like he had just seen someone who captured his every interest.
Bella asked the waiter for a cup of coffee, then sat down, checking her phone as if she had no care in the world.
“Anna, what a coincidence! Are you here for lunch?” Ryan approached with a grin, clearly eager to engage.
Bella raised her eyes to meet his, her expression neutral.
“I’m just taking a break.
I work here.
”
Ryan raised an eyebrow but wasn’t deterred.
He already knew she worked there, but this gave him an excuse to continue the conversation.
To his surprise, Bella’s straightforwardness only intrigued him more.
“Tsk, tsk.
.
.
Asher really doesn’t know how to cherish women.
He should keep a beauty like you at home and give you whatever you want.
How could he let you suffer like this? He’s so harsh on you,” Ryan said, his voice laced with sympathy, though it held a certain teasing tone.
“Keep me at home?” Bella’s lips curled into a sardonic smile.
“Justin hid me away in a house for three years.
I’ve had enough of that isolation from the world.
Mr.
Hoffman, do you actually want me to repeat the same mistake?”
Ryan blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Her sharp words caught him off guard, but he quickly regained his composure.
“After I left Justin, I swore to myself that I would be an independent woman.
I would never be a housewife who stays at home all day.
I don’t mind suffering, either.
Mr.
Thompson is kind enough to give me the opportunity to gain work experience, and I’m grateful to him.
He respects my choices, so please don’t say that about him.
”
Ryan opened his mouth but was left speechless.
He smiled awkwardly, realizing he had overstepped.
Bella, sensing his discomfort, lowered her gaze and gave him a polite but firm dismissal.
“Mr.
Hoffman, your girlfriend is still waiting for you.
Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to strike up a conversation with another woman in front of her?”
“How is she my girlfriend?” Ryan responded, raising an eyebrow.
“We’re just having a meal together.
Does that mean if I kiss someone, I have to marry her?” He shrugged nonchalantly, but his eyes never left Bella.
