Stephen stood surrounded by a group of men in polished suits.

The private room where Tessa had dined in was on the first floor. From the looks of it, Stephen seemed to have just finished his meal and came downstairs.

Stephen walked closer as he spoke.

Tessa greeted him with a smile. “Stephen, what a coincidence. I’m treating my colleagues to dinner here tonight.”

stephen knew Tessa had joined Shelton Law Fin.

He nodded slightly. “How was your test day? Are you settling in well?” he asked, his expression gentle.

“Mm, everything’s fine,” Tessareplied. She left out the part where Yasmin and a few colleagues took advantage of her generosity.

“Is your dinner ending soon? I can give you a ride home,” Stephen offered.

Tessa shook her head. “It’s still early. You go ahead tist.”

“Alright. This place is far from your home. Did you arrange for the driver to pick you up?

“No, I plan to stay at the apartment nearby tonight,” she replied.

“okay. Be careful, Tess,”

After she hummed her response and said goodbye to Stephen, Tessa returned to the private room

When dinner ended, she went to the cashier to settle the bill, only to be informed that it had already been paid for.

Who else could it have been but Stephen?

She took out her phone and sent him a message.

“Thanks, Stephen.”

His teply came almost immediately. “There’s no need to thank me.”

Another message followed. “Tess, are you done? I’m waiting at the open parking lot to the left of the exit. I feel uneasy about you going home alone at night.” Warth spread through Tessa’s chest as she read his text.

“I’m almost done. I’ll come shortly,” she replied.

Her colleagues began to pile out of the private rooms.

Some of her male colleagues were thoroughly drunk, so Tessa helped by arranging rides home for them. Yasmin drove here and was perfectly sober. She got into her Honda Civic and rolled down the window. “Ms. Yates, I’m heading off first. You’ll be talding a cah, right? Bye,” she said with a smug smile.

Tessa maintained her polite smile and

Ireplied, “Bye.”

Everyone had left, and only Jasmine remained.

“Where do you live? I’ll help you get a ride,” Tessa offered.

Jasmine shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I rent a place nearby. I’ll just walk home.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?” Tessa asked in concem.

“Of course! The streets are bustling with food tracks right now. It’s only half a mile away. Don’t worry!”

“Alright then, I’ll see you tomorrow, Tessa responded.

Jasmine started to walk home. Suddenly, she tumed back and ran up to Tessa.

“Ms. Yates, thank you so much for today,” Jasmine said, looking a little shy. “You’re really kind. I heard you don’t have an assistant yet. If you need any help, just

Tessa chuckard warmly and replied, not course.”

Cher Jasmine left, Tessa walked to the open parking lot where Stephen was waiting for her.

Se climbed into his car and gave lim the address of her apartment. The building was just a few minutes’ drive away.

When they arrived, Stephen stopped the car at the entrance

“I’m going to live here from now on. It’s more convenient for work. Tessa told him.

Stephimnodded. “Okay, I’ll make up to will oftenL’

“Okay. 1’1 head up now. Bye, Keplen

As Tessa reached for the car door, her plunge buzzed,

She glanced at the screen, and her brows furrowed at the message.