Thinking of all this, Rebecca let out a helpless sigh and spoke into her phone, “Alright, just send me the address. I’ll head over in a bit.”
No sooner had Rebecca hung up than her four little ones burst into a flurry of excitement.
“Mommy, are you going to have dinner with Daddy?” Noah’s eyes lit up, brimming with curiosity.
“Is it going to be a candlelit dinner?” Ethan propped his chin in his hands, a dreamy look on his face.
“Mommy, is Daddy trying to win you back?” Evan tilted his head, peppering her with questions.
“Can I come with you, Mommy? I promise I’ll be on my best behavior!” Aiden tugged at the hem of Rebecca’s blouse, gazing up at her with pleading eyes.
Rebecca could only laugh and shake her head. “Daddy’s just taking me to meet a client. It’s strictly business, you little rascals—so no, none of you are coming along!”
At that, the four kids deflated like popped balloons, all letting out a collective, disappointed, “Ohhh...”
They had been picturing a romantic date between their mom and dad, only to have their hopes dashed by work.
“Oh well, guess we won’t be third wheels tonight,” Ethan sighed theatrically, trying to sound mature.
Rebecca couldn’t help but reach out and tap his nose affectionately. “Who says you’re a third wheel?”
Aiden blinked innocently. “I’m not a third wheel! I’m the proof that Mommy and Daddy love each other!”
Rebecca’s smile froze for a split second before it tightened into a thin line. These kids were getting more outrageous by the day.
“Alright, my darlings, Mommy has to work. You go home with Uncle Patrick and behave yourselves, okay?” she reminded them gently.

On the way in, Dylan briefed her on what to expect and the key points for tonight’s meeting.
Only then did Rebecca realize that the client they were about to meet was Lionel Olson’s older brother—Justin Olson.


Once inside, Justin stood to greet them, shaking Dylan’s hand with a friendly smile. But beneath that warmth, there was something elusive and hard to pin down.
The three of them took their seats as the server brought out the first course and discreetly left.
It didn’t take Rebecca long to realize that this meal was going to be anything but relaxing.

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