Lester smiled and said, “Sure. It’s my honor.”

Tessa had always been a career-oriented woman, so she could not stop once she started talking about work.

Hence, Lester had definitely picked the right topic to start with, and they chatted throughout the entire afternoon.

In the blink of an eye, the sun gradually set, giving way to dusk.

Soon, Carla had finished preparing dinner.

Samuel and Marianne were attending a banquet that night, so they would not be home for dinner. Regardless, Carla had prepared Lester’s and Cassandra’s portions.

Cassandra and Lester got along well, and as Seline brought Cassandra down the stairs, she said, “Cassie, why don’t you have dinner at my place tonight? We can sit together.”

“Seline, I need to ask my mom for permission first. She’s waiting for me at home for dinner,” Cassie replied sweetly.

At that moment, Lester chimed in and said, “Your mom just called. She told me that you can stay here for dinner before heading back if you want to.”

“Really? Then, I want to stay here and have dinner with Seline,” Cassandra replied as her eyes brightened with excitement.

Seline cheered. “Yay!”

At the dinner table, the two girls sat side by side, while Lester sat across them, right next to Tessa.

He smiled and said, “I’m really sorry, Ms. Yates. I was so caught up with our discussion on the case that I lost track of time. I’m even freeloading now, having dinner at your place.”

Although he apologized and looked like he was feeling guilty, he was actually thrilled inside. That was the exact outcome he wanted.

Tessa smiled softly. “You don’t have to be so polite as it’s just a meal. Not to mention, I should be thanking you for today. It’s been so long since I saw Seline so happy.”

“Seeing the two children play together so happily makes me happy too,” Lester replied.

Once Carla served the food, Lester gave Cassandra a look.

Cassandra then looked at Tessa and smiled before she said, “Ms. Yates, can I take a photo with Seline?”

“Of course, you can.”

Then, Cassandra turned to Lester and said, “Lester, can you help us take a photo please.”

“Sure,” Lester agreed as he took out his phone and helped the two girls take a photo.

“The meal tonight looks delicious. Why don’t I take a photo of the food as well?” Lester exclaimed as he took a photo of all the food.

In the photo, Tessa’s side profile was “coincidentally” caught in the frame as well. Satisfied, he smiled and kept his phone away.

After dinner, Lester sent Cassandra home. On their way back, he asked, “Cassie, did you have fun today?”

“I did! I really like Seline.”

“Cassie, you did really well today. I’ll have that doll I promised to buy for you sent to your house tomorrow.”

Lester was referring to the plan they had made in advance regarding the photo. He had told Cassandra to find a way to ask him to take a photo of them. In return, he would buy her a cute limited edition doll she coveted.

Hence, she had agreed happily when she heard that she’d be able to receive the

doll she’d been dreaming of.

That night Lester posted the picture

to his Instagram feed. The caption

wrote, “Cassie met a new friend

today, and I got to crash their dinner.”

The first picture attached to the post was a photo of Cassandra and e Seline, while the second photo was a photo of the spread on the table that had “conveniently” captured Tessa’s side profile.

Tessa had even liked his post.

Soon, Henry had screenshotted Lester’s post along with Tessa’s like and sent it to Stephen. “What’s going on?”