Chapter 18_ HIS BETROTHED

As Kate gently elbowed Ace, she inclined her head towards a specific direction. Following her lead, he turned to see what had caught her attention.

"Can we sit close enough to eavesdrop?" Kate asked, her eyes glimmering with curiosity.

"Absolutely," Ace replied, motioning for Kate to follow him through a curving path, expertly navigating through the restaurant to avoid being spotted by anyone, particularly Lucas. Finally, they arrived at a nearby table, conveniently concealed by a large pillar.

"Here should do just fine," Ace remarked confidently.

"Oh, that's a brilliant idea," Kate chimed in absentmindedly, her ears now fully attuned to Lucas's table.

"I know what I'm doing," Ace reassured her with a wink as they took their seats.

As the two of them settled in, soft laughter resonated from Lucas's table as Elizabeth coyly whispered something to him. Kate sidelong glanced at them, just in time to witness Elizabeth reach for Lucas's hand, only for the latter to pull away, crossing his