The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

In the cutthroat world of business, it's your skills that count. Trying to cozy up to others only cheapens your worth.

Lydia was about to retort, "Then why, when you dine with me, do you flash that smug grin, Ethan?"

But the words caught in her throat before they could escape.

She could already foresee Ethan's response, claiming his demeanor shifted solely because it was her he was with. Such spontaneous declarations of affection were her kryptonite. Lydia fell silent, opting instead to dive into her meal with gusto.

Noticing her fervent focus on the food, Ethan presumed she was genuinely famished and chose not to disturb her further, leaving only the sound of their chewing to fill the charged atmosphere. Meanwhile, in another booth...

David and Rosalind sat opposite each other, enveloped in a similarly romantic ambiance.

Rosalind idly pushed around the food on her plate, voicing her melancholy thoughts, "Do you think I'm truly off-putting?"

meal, responded,

dinner had caught him off guard; only upon arrival did

he even denied any romantic involvement with my sister Harper right in front of her. It's my lack of spine that's dragged her into this mess

Lysander, Rosalind was understandably downcast, eager to

pouted, a mix of self-pity and annoyance coloring

only I had been more assertive, perhaps won Lysander's affection, then Harper wouldn't

like that. Love can't be forced. Lysander probably sees you more as a sister, which is why romance hasn't blossomed. It's

were comforting, and

playful smile dancing on her

heart

moment, he felt an unexpected shyness, unable to meet

eyes, brimming with a lively intelligence, seemed