[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-2603222E6F78-119":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},119,21,"Chapter 21: The Waiter With The Red Roses","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Lately, Delilah Kelly had noticed that Maximus Anderson’s mood had been steadily improving. She quietly reasoned that business at the Anderson Group must be booming.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Indeed, after weathering a devastating storm, the Anderson Group had not only survived but emerged stronger than ever. Under Maximus’s iron-fisted leadership, the company had shed its identity as a mid-tier firm, expanding rapidly until it was now a titan among the skyscrapers of Silver City.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Max, why don't we head to the Imperial Plaza for some steak on the terrace tonight? You’ve been so swamped lately, and you promised to spend some quality time with me. How about it?\" Delilah clung to his sleeve, her voice dripping with practiced sweetness as she gauged his mood.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sounds good,\" Maximus replied, checking his watch before finishing his breakfast coffee in one swift gulp. \"I’m tied up in a major board meeting this afternoon, but tonight works. Does that suit you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That’s perfect! Should I come by your office later?\" Delilah asked.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus paused, his expression shifting into a thin, tight-lipped smile. \"No. I’m not sure where I’ll be this afternoon. Once I’m wrapped up, I’ll have Samuel Murphy pick you up.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alright then, I’ll wait at home for you,\" Delilah promised, her tone bright.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m heading out now. Get some rest, and don’t worry about the housework—the cleaning lady is coming by. Don’t overexert yourself,\" Maximus added.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know, I know! Drive safe,\" Delilah beamed, standing at the doorway to watch him leave.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As soon as his car vanished from sight, the silence of the villa settled over her. She retreated inside and pulled out her phone, dialing a number with an expectant gleam in her eyes. The line clicked open. \"Hey, John? Yeah, it’s me. Do you have some time today?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A gravelly voice replied from the other end. \"Sure. Let's meet at our usual spot.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Great. I’ll be there in a flash,\" Delilah said, hanging up.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She sprinted to the bedroom, throwing herself into a flurry of preparation. Within minutes, she had meticulously crafted a picture-perfect look and dashed out the door.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">***\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A few days after the banquet, Rose Harrison received an unexpected invitation from Caspian Hughes. He claimed he had something important to discuss, and Rose, having no reason to refuse, gladly accepted.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The rooftop terrace at the Imperial Plaza was always a cut above the rest. Even on a standard workday, the space was dotted with young couples looking to soak in the city’s skyline. When Rose arrived, Caspian was already waiting.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Rose, over here!\" Caspian stood up, waving her over.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sorry if I kept you waiting, Caspian. You’re here quite early,\" Rose said, offering him a polite, reserved smile as she approached.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Not at all, I only just arrived myself,\" Caspian said. He held her gaze, his eyes radiating a gentle, lingering warmth.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A server appeared promptly at their table, a professional notepad in hand. \"Good afternoon. Can I start you off with something to drink?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Just an Americano for me, thank you,\" Rose replied with a nod.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right away,\" the server said, retreating into the crowd.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"How have you been, Caspian? Everything going well at the office?\" Rose asked, keeping the conversation firmly in polite territory.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Everything is fine, just the usual grind,\" Caspian answered vaguely.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As they spoke, their coffee arrived. Rose picked up her spoon and began to stir it absentmindedly, still wondering what exactly had prompted this meeting.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Rose,\" Caspian began, his voice dropping an octave, a faint, nervous flush rising to his cheeks. \"There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a long time...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh? What is it?\" Rose asked, tilting her head.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Across the terrace, a server appeared carrying an enormous bouquet of deep red roses, moving slowly toward their table. Caspian took them, his hands trembling slightly, and pushed them toward her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Rose, I’ve liked you for a very long time. I couldn't keep it inside anymore. Would you... would you be my girlfriend?\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272921912]