When Tessa felt embarrassed, she would involuntarily blush. She quickly shook her head and denied it. “You misunderstood. He is my business partner, not my boyfriend.”

The renovation worker scratched his head sheepishly. “Sorry for the misunderstanding. I thought he was your boyfriend. You two really look like a

couple.”

“No, no,” Tessa denied again.

Lester stood silently beside her, his expression somewhat indifferent.

Feeling a little awkward, Tessa stole a glance at him and noticed the subtle shift in his expression. She hesitated before apologizing. “I didn’t expect the workers to misunderstand. If this made you uncomfortable, I’m really sorry.”

Lester smiled and said in a teasing tone, “Are you that eager to distance yourself from me? You were quick to deny it.”

“Huh?” Tessa was momentarily stunned. “That’s not what I meant. I was just worried it would be awkward for you… and that you might misunderstand,” she explained quickly.

Lester raised an eyebrow, his smile deepening. “Misunderstand what?”

Tessa averted her gaze, pressing her lips together in silence.

Lester seemed to see right through her thoughts, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Afraid I’d think you like me?”

Tessa’s blush deepened. After a moment of hesitation, she hummed softly in acknowledgment.

Lester found her reaction amusing. “Do I seem like someone who is that full of himself?”

“That’s not what I meant. It’s just… I heard from Naomi and Sienna that many girls confessed to you, but you rejected all of them. I figured you might be tired of all the attention and dislike women showing interest in you.

“I was worried you might misinterpret my intentions… and then refuse to work with me. Do you get what I mean?” Tessa hurriedly explained.

Lester listened to her explanation, his eyes warm, then suddenly chuckled.

“What are you laughing about?” Tessa asked.

When Lester smiled, he gave off an air of warmth, like a gentle spring breeze.

His charm was entirely different from Stephen’s.

Stephen was like an unattainable flower on a high mountain, distant and unapproachable, always keeping people at arm’s length.

Lester, in contrast, was like the sun in early spring, warm, polite, and refined.

“I just think the way you’re so serious about explaining that you don’t like me is kind of cute,” Lester said with a smile.

Tessa was at a loss for words.

“Actually, you don’t need to explain. I know you’re not interested in me.”

Tessa blinked. “Huh?”

He had known for a long time. That thought lingered in Lester’s mind.

He almost asked the question he had been holding back for years.

Do you really not remember me at all?

But in the end, he swallowed the words. If he asked, he might lose the opportunity to work with her.

After showing Lester around the law firm, it was already mealtime.

Lester smiled warmly. “May I treat you to a meal, my dear business partner?”

Tessa agreed readily. “Sure.”

She had completely forgotten it was Valentine’s Day. Her mind was filled with work, and she planned to discuss their partnership over dinner and hopefully finalize the contract.

Since this was her first formal meal with a business partner, she felt it should be somewhat professional and not too casual. She chose an upscale restaurant nearby

As she and Lester walked into the restaurant, she looked up and unexpectedly met a familiar face-Stephen.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, his business attire only accentuated his noble air and strikingly handsome features.

Stephen’s gaze lingered on Tessa’s

face for a few seconds before shifting, his expression unreadable as his eyes landed on Lestero standing behind her.