Chapter 436
Aria looked up to see Owen staring straight ahead with a composed expression, putting on an act of complete unfamiliarity.
One guy said, “Ms. Saxon, we’re from Ward’s Winery, here to deliver your wine.”
“Thanks,” she said.
She relaxed her hand, opened the door, and said, “Just leave it by the entrance, please.”
“Have a nice day, Ms. Saxon.”
As the bodyguard left, Aria reached to close the door but met with unexpected resistance. Looking up, she found her hand caught in Owen’s firm grasp.
Owen said, “Come over to my place for dinner. Afterwards, I’ll help you put away the wine.”
“Sure,” Aria agreed with a smile.
Aria closed her door and headed straight to Owen’s place.
She propped her chin in her hand and lazily looked toward the kitchen.
The kitchen had a glass door that muted most sounds, but Aria could clearly see Owen’s busy figure moving about inside.
In court, Owen exuded an intimidating aura–every word carried weight, his razor–sharp logic leaving opposing counsel scrambling in retreat.
It was hard to imagine this same man now wearing an apron and stir–frying with practiced ease.
Owen seemed to sense something and turned around, locking eyes with her.
He curved his lips into a gentle smile as he gazed at Aria, his eyes brimming with warmth.
In high spirits, Aria took out her phone and transferred 100 thousand dollars to him.
Then she sent Derek a quick text. [You there yet?]
Derek replied instantly, [Yeah.]
[Hey Aria, been so busy lately I forgot to ask–how far have you and Owen gotten?]
Aria: [Why are you asking?]
Derek: [That morning, I saw Owen in our living room and sensed something was off. Wouldn’t it make more sense for him to call you if he wanted to invite you for breakfast? Showing up at our place unannounced is just weird. I didn’t even hear the doorbell or any knocking.]
Derek: [You were acting super sus that night, constantly pushing me to go back to my room.]
Derek texted: [Be honest. Are you two dating behind my back?]
Aria thought of their contract. Being lovers by agreement didn’t really mean they were actually together.
Aria replied: [We’re not dating.]
She typed: [I’m his sugar mama…]
[Boss alert! Gotta dash!] Aria hesitated, then deleted the words before she could hit send.
Soon after finishing cooking and tidying up, Owen went over to Aria’s place and neatly arranged all the wine from Ward’s Winery in her wine cabinet.
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Chapter 436
Only after he got home did Owen pull out his phone and see the bank transfer notification.
Owen texted Aria. Did you just transfer me 100 thousand dollars?]
Aria: Yeah. Just feeling generous today.]
Owen replied: (Got it, Ms. Saxon! Payment received–your devoted servant will make sure you get your money’s worth.]
Aria couldn’t help but chuckle at his reply.
The next day was Saturday.
They headed to the nearest movie theater.
Owen bought popcorn and drinks while Aria held their tickets, waiting in line to get them checked.
The theater lobby was buzzing with noise, but Owen could just make out some gossipy chatter nearby.
Someone whispered, “Wow, that couple is seriously good–looking!”
“Yeah, they’re both good–looking, but the guy is such a clueless dude–he’s got a drink in one hand and popcorn in the other, not even thinking of holding his girlfriend’s hand! If it were me, I’d be glued to her 24/7!”
Owen overheard the two young girls and thought, ‘I’d love to hold her hand too, but we’re not officially together yet. Working on it.’
After getting their tickets checked, Aria and Owen headed inside together.
James, holding Emma’s hand as they made their way through the crowded theater, chattered on, “Honey, it’s pretty packed today. If you don’t feel comfortable, we could always rent out a private screening.” Noticing that Emma seemed distracted and hadn’t responded, he looked up and asked, “What are you looking at?”
Emma snapped back to reality and, a bit excited, tightened her grip on her husband’s hand. “I just saw two people. They kind of looked like Owen and Aria!”
She only caught a fleeting glimpse of their figures from behind in a flash and couldn’t be sure.
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