The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Ethan knew Lydia was strong-willed; trying to talk her into something usually backfired. So, he pinned his hopes on the waitress, signaling her with a look.

The waitress, a veteran in the place, knew how to read the room. Catching Ethan's cue, she quickly told Lydia, "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but our dining room is fully booked." Lydia frowned, "When I walked in, I saw plenty of empty tables."

"Those tables were reserved for guests who haven't arrived yet. They'll be here shortly," the waitress explained with a calm that belied her fib.

Lydia, who had grown up in a small farming community, understood hardship. Why make life difficult for a waitress?

"Fine, we'll eat here," Lydia finally conceded.

It was just a meal. As long as she didn't dwell on Ethan's intentions, the setting was no big deal.

stream and

back, her steps firm on the cobblestone path, and took

waitress a grateful look and joined Lydia

approval, approached

of dishes and handed back the

leave, Ethan called, "Wait, let me see

he handed back the

clearly upset. "There are

what we don't eat. Two dishes seem too plain," Ethan

lecture him, but

you mean leave what we don't eat? That's wasteful! 'Every morsel is hard-earned,' don't you know?" Lydia said,