Chapter 13 Dinner (I)

The gentle, lingering rain had persisted for an entire week, but it finally ceased. The asphalt road in front of the Skyview Towers gleamed with a fresh wet sheen.

"Mr. Sterling!" Lily Parker exclaimed as she spotted Julian Sterling emerging from his private elevator. She hurriedly clutched her shopping bag and approached him.

Julian paused, his gaze fixating on her. For a moment, he appeared to not recognize her, his eyes slightly narrowed, and a look of distant unfamiliarity settled on his face. After what felt like an eternity, a hint of a smile crept onto his lips, and he echoed her tone, saying, "Ah, Miss Parker. What brings you here?"

Although his words were accompanied by a faint smile, Lily couldn't shake off the coldness she felt from his voice. A sense of unease filled her, as if deep down she knew Julian was a man of danger, someone she shouldn’t mess with. Pushing away the intimidating aura he exuded, she handed him the bag, speaking slowly, "Thank you for lending me your