Between her nocturnal restlessness and her daytime obligations managing the Simmons Group and navigating Nalaâs complexities, she had indeed overlooked her commitment.
Kyson, noting Lucindaâs silence, offered an understanding excuse.
âIâm aware of your ambitions, which extends far beyond being the wealthiest in Cadiered.
If youâre available this evening, perhaps we could have dinner together?â
âSure, Iâll speak to Nathan about choosing a restaurant and get back to you in half an hour,â Lucinda responded.
This dinner was a gesture of gratitude towards Kyson for his help with the children, and Nathan, without hesitation, agreed to the plan and even assisted in selecting the venue.
Within half an hour, everything was arranged.
To ensure Kyson wouldnât feel out of place, Lucinda extended an invitation to Noelle as well.
The dinner setup-Lucinda and Nathan, Kyson and Noelle-promised a pleasant balance.
Nathan and Kyson arrived at the restaurant in their respective cars, while Lucinda and Noelle joined them shortly after, fashionably late.
As the two women approached, they noticed Nathan and Kyson waiting by the entrance, their impressive statures making them stand out as if they were part of the welcoming committee, drawing admiring glances from passersby.
Kyson, spotting Lucinda, quickened his pace to meet her, his attention solely on her.
He smiled, âLucinda, your day must have been packed.
Are you feeling alright?â
Before answering, Lucinda glanced at Nathan, who wore a somber expression at the restaurantâs door.
âIâm fine,â she assured Kyson.
âI managed to finalize an investment deal earlier.
Noelle has embarked on a new career path and will undoubtedly face her own set of challenges.
â
With that, she and Noelle moved to join Nathan, their steps in sync.
Noelle subtly stepped back, aligning herself with Kyson.
Nathan, holding Lucindaâs hand, couldnât resist a playful jab.
âMr.
Shaw, weâre here because weâre showing you our gratitude, yet I canât help but notice youâre not wearing the watch I got you.
Didnât you like my gift?â
Kyson glanced at his wrist, where a less prestigious watch bore minor scratches.
âThe watch you gave me holds too much value.
I fear ruining it, so it stays safe at home, like a cherished possession.
This oneâ¦â
He observed the wear on his everyday watch, reflecting, âI once thought Iâd dislike anything not pristine.
But Iâve learned to appreciate the beauty in things that bear marks of use.
It took meeting someone special to change my perspective.
â
Nathanâs expression darkened, a frown creasing his brow.
Though the meaning behind Kysonâs words might elude others, Nathan sensed a deeper implication, chilling the air between them.
Lucinda, sensing the tension, intervened to lighten the mood.
âLetâs not linger outside.
Noelle and I spent the day working.
Weâre quite hungry.
Letâs head in and see whatâs on the menu.
â
They proceeded to a private dining area within the restaurant, where the seating arrangements naturally fell into placeâLucinda and Nathan together, with Kyson and Noelle adjacent.