The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet



Ethan knew Lydia was strong-willed; trying to talk her into something usually backfired. So, he pinned his hopes on the waitress, signaling her with a look.

The waitress, a veteran in the place, knew how to read the room. Catching Ethan's cue, she quickly told Lydia, "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but our dining room is fully booked."

Lydia frowned, "When I walked in, I saw plenty of empty tables."

"Those tables were reserved for guests who haven't arrived yet. They'll be here shortly," the waitress explained with a calm that belied her fib.NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.

Lydia, who had grown up in a small farming community, understood hardship. Why make life difficult for a waitress?

"Fine, we'll eat here," Lydia finally conceded.

It was just a meal. As long as she didn't dwell on Ethan's intentions, the setting was no big deal.

Just a stream and some roses-hardly intimidating.

Lydia walked back, her steps firm on the cobblestone path, and took a seat at the table under the gazebo. Ethan, seeing Lydia settle down, gave the waitress a grateful look and joined Lydia at the table.

The waitress, pleased with Ethan's approval, approached with the menu, "Miss, please, your order."

Lydia quickly picked a couple of dishes and handed back the menu.

As the waitress turned to leave, Ethan called, "Wait, let me see that."

After adding four more dishes, he handed back the menu, "All set."

"Hold on!" Lydia called out, clearly upset. "There are only two of us. Can we finish six dishes?"

“We can leave what we don't eat. Two dishes seem too plain," Ethan explained.

Lydia frowned. She didn't want to lecture him, but his behavior was irksome.

"What do you mean leave what we don't eat? That's wasteful! 'Every morsel is hard-earned,' don't you know?" Lydia said, irritated.

Having been raised by her grandparents who were farmers, Lydia knew the value of every grain.

To waste food was to disregard the farmers' hard work. Ethan, used to his ways, felt guilty after Lydia's rebuke, especially knowing her rural background.

"Right, right, my mistake," Ethan admitted, symbolically tapping his head, and quickly told the waitress, "Cancel those four dishes I ordered."

The waitress nodded, "Sure thing."

Once the waitress left, Ethan apologized in a softer tone, "Lydia, I'm sorry. wasn't thinking. I'm not usually this wasteful; I was just nervous about making sure everything was perfect for

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"Nervous about what?" Lydia responded, clearly not in the mood.