Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 218

Since he couldn't get the perfect timing, he figured he might as well go early.

“Let’s have breakfast,” Daniel said, glancing at his watch with exaggerated nonchalance. “I haven’t eaten yet. Do you want to come here, or should I come to you?”

“Lunch. Just let me know if you’re free or not—don’t keep changing things around.”

Daniel gave a short, amused hum. “Three years and you haven’t gained a pound, but your temper certainly has.”

Even as he said it, his tone softened. “Whatever you want. Guess I’m just too easygoing for my own good.”

Amelia didn’t bother with a goodbye; she simply hung up.

Daniel didn’t mind being cut off. He strode into the conference room, practically whistling.

Anyone with eyes could tell he was in a great mood. No one knew who had called him, but the notoriously strict and standoffish boss was suddenly approachable—no biting comments, no nitpicking today.

The executives enjoyed the most relaxed weekly meeting they’d ever had.

Afterwards, Daniel returned to his office.

His assistant knocked, stepping in with a file to sign.

Looking around but not seeing anyone, the assistant called out, “Mr. Campbell?”

Daniel emerged from the lounge in a perfectly tailored suit, matching tie and cufflinks, hair meticulously styled, and a subtle, cool cologne lingering in the air. He was the picture of polish, right down to his shoes.

He hadn’t been wearing that at the meeting. Was the earlier suit dirty?

The assistant didn’t dare ask, simply laying the file on the desk. Daniel signed his name, then stopped him before he could leave. “Wait a second. Don’t go yet.”

The assistant tensed, running through a mental checklist—had he messed up a task, missed a meeting, or had his boss found out about that afternoon he’d skipped out last month?

Ten anxious minutes passed before Daniel reappeared from the lounge, now in a brand-new suit.

Adjusting his sleeves, Daniel asked, “Which one looks better—this one or the last?”

The assistant was too stunned to answer.

Daniel tried on three different designer suits, critiquing himself like a fussy client, only to end up choosing the very first one.

Amelia kept those words to herself. She was here for business, nothing more.

She ordered a two-person set meal, handed the menu back to the waiter, and was about to speak when her phone rang.

She answered, her expression shifting sharply after just a few words. Hanging up, she stood.

“Something came up. I have to go. Rain check.”

Daniel’s handsome face went blank for a moment. “You asked me here, and now you’re leaving?”

“Something came up,” Amelia said, already halfway out the door. “Next time, drinks are on me. But don’t order anything too expensive.”

All that effort dressing up, and Daniel hadn’t even gotten a second glance. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, “So what’s this, standing me up at the last minute?”

Amelia wasn’t planning to respond, but at that, she paused, turned, and looked him in the eye, her words deliberate and clear.

“And how many times did you stand me up before?”