When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0775

Willow said, “Then, I’ll go ahead and order!”

“Mm,” Hansel replied.

“Madam, I’ll have…” She listed off several dishes. Her familiarity with the menu made it clear she was a regular.

“… Trust me. It’s really delicious. It tasted even better than the high–end restaurants!” The waitress enthusiastically recommended the dishes.

Hansel occasionally acknowledged her, but his responses were distant and flat.

The smoky, charred aroma of the barbecue irritated his throat, and the bustling activity around him only added to his discomfort.

He glanced at the dishes brought to the table and immediately lost all appetite. He used to eat street food with Miranda when they first started dating. But now, everything felt off because Willow wasn’t Miranda.

Willow picked up a skewer and offered it to him with a smile. “Try this. It’s my favorite.”

Hansel didn’t take it.

She hesitated and said, “You.., don’t like this kind of food? I’m sorry, I didn’t think of that.”

She quickly put the skewer down and said awkwardly, “Let’s go somewhere else. You choose the location.”

“It’s not that. My stomach’s been acting up, so I can’t eat much of anything right now. You eat.”

“Ah… but I’ve already ordered so much…”

Hansel lost his patience. “If you can’t finish it, just throw it away.

In the end, Willow only ate a few skewers. The rest were left untouched.

After settling the bill, the owner came over to clean the table. Seeing all the leftovers, he sighed in disapproval. “Young people these days… if you can’t finish it, don’t order so much. Just because you’ve got money doesn’t mean you can waste food…”

say much

Hansel drove Willow back to campus, and his expression was neutral. He didn’t say and only responded when she asked something

As time went on, Willow fell silent as well. With no one initiating conversation, the atmosphere in the car became tense.

Hansel kept his gaze on the road ahead and seemed unaware of it.

Chapter 0775

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Willow looked out the window and watched the streets blur past in reverse. Her eyes were unfocused as if lost in thought.

As they passed a row of bars, she suddenly spoke up. “It’s still early. Want to grab a drink?” Hansel didn’t answer, but he pulled over. He led her into a bar called Golden Laurel.

“Mr. Johnson? It’s been ages since you last came. I almost didn’t recognize you. Same as usual? A bottle of brandy and Louis XIII?”

As soon as they walked in, the bar owner came rushing over like a dog sniffing out a familiar scent.

Considering Willow’s drinking tolerance, Hansel ordered something lighter. He just asked for a bottle of champagne and led her to a booth.

Willow followed closely behind.

The owner watched them walk inside with a knowing smile.

The bar manager leaned over and whispered, “It’s been over a year since he’s been here, right? I heard he broke up with his girlfriend and was really down about it. Bur a year… that’s a long time.”

The owner shot him a look. “What do you know? There’ve been rumors that he’s completely shut himself off because of his ex, but clearly, those rumors were wrong. Look at him now–out in town with a new woman.”

The manager said, “These scions have money, connections, and looks. There’s no way they’d get stuck on just one person.”

“Well, we have to treat them well tonight. Make sure we keep the cash flowing.”

The classic champagne was crisp and refreshing, with a slight tang. It was even better when chilled.

Hansel was used to stronger liquor. He found the smooth, mellow taste too mild. He drank slowly and took only the occasional sip.

In contrast

Willow was drinking this sweet wine for the first time. She quickly finished three glasses and was about to pour more.

He glanced at her and casually remarked, “Champagne can get you drunk too.”

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