Third Person's POV
"Take a look, see if there's anything you like to eat," Theodore said, gently handing the exquisite menu to Vanya, his eyes holding a trace of imperceptible anticipation and concern.
Vanya casually flipped through the menu, her eyes scanning the dishes listed. "I'll have everything Derrick mentioned!"
Upon hearing this, Theodore pursed his lips, revealing a faint smile.
He felt a sense of relief that Derrick's recommendations met her approval and a touch of pride in his comprehensive arrangements.
Sitting nearby, Derrick blurted out without hesitation, "I told you, Theodore's choices are definitely spot on! Those are all your favorite dishes, Ms. Dalton!"
Derrick was filled with satisfaction for his arrangements, thinking he made Vanya satisfied this time.
Vanya looked at Theodore with puzzlement, wondering how he knew her preferences so well.
Yet, Theodore seemed to have no intention of explaining. He just sat there. Actually, he was debating whether to reveal his private attention and effort towards her likes.
"Excuse me, sir, the kitchen just informed us that the crab bisque is no longer available. We can replace it with a dish of equal value. What do you think..." the waiter said cautiously, a hint of worry in his eyes, fearing to upset Theodore.
Derrick furrowed his brows, his face showing displeasure. "What's going on? I made a reservation in advance. How could it be out of stock?"
He inwardly fumed, thinking that he had always excelled in organizing various events and had never made a mistake in any dinner party under his charge.
This situation felt like a slap in the face, questioning his professional capabilities.
"I'm truly sorry. The crab bisque was pre-ordered by another table, and there was a mistake in the kitchen's count. We can compensate with two dishes. Please forgive us, sir."
"Is this about compensation? Which table ordered it? I'll talk to them!" Derrick said, ready to stand up, his anger reaching its peak, determined to salvage the situation and prove his infallibility.
Vanya interjected, "Forget it. We don't necessarily have to have the crab bisque, and I'm not particularly fond of the taste of seafood anyway."
In fact, she had ordered the crab bisque because Cliff liked it, and she had developed a liking for it as well.
However, she was quite averse to the fishy taste of seafood, and at this moment, she felt relieved, thinking it was a good opportunity to try something else.
"Just because I know you don't like the fishy taste of seafood is why Theodore specially ordered this crab bisque! I'm so mad!" Derrick looked quite upset, his chest heaving.
He was both surprised by Theodore's thoughtfulness and annoyed by the mishap during this dinner.
Vanya said to the waiter, "Replace it with a garlic baked king crab, please."
"Alright. I'll have the kitchen prepare it right away."
Vanya propped her cheek with her hand and looked at Derrick, softly saying, "King crab is better than crab bisque, right?"
She tried to use this statement to soothe Derrick's emotions and calm him down.
Hearing Vanya's words, Derrick's anger finally subsided, and his heart gradually returned to calm, finding Vanya's words reasonable.
"I'm going to the restroom. You two chat first."
Vanya stood up and as she reached the door, she bumped into a waiter carrying crab bisque heading towards the other end of the corridor.
"Miss, the restroom is this way," the waiter politely directed Vanya.
"Okay, thank you," Vanya said, walking slowly along the corridor in high heels.
When she reached the end of the corridor, her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a full table inside the private room at the far end.
It looked like a large business dinner. She felt a slight stir in her heart, with an inexplicable premonition.
"Miss, the restroom is this way," the waiter behind her reminded again.
Vanya turned her head and saw the restroom was around the corner.
Inside the private room, Cliff heard the movement outside, and he instinctively looked towards the door.
He only saw a flash of a wine-red figure passing by.
A strange feeling suddenly welled up in his heart, as if something had gently touched his heartstrings, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
"Alpha Cliff, Mr. Stephen is talking to you," Melinda whispered beside him.
Seeing Cliff's distraction, she felt a bit worried.
"Mm."
Cliff responded in a low voice, raised his glass, clinked it gently with Mr. Stephen, and took a sip of his drink, trying to refocus his attention on the conversation.
"Congratulations, Alpha Cliff!"
"Yes?"
Cliff's thoughts were brought back. He was puzzled, unsure of any recent significant events in the Todd family that warranted congratulations.
He pondered in his mind if one of the family's business projects had made a major breakthrough, but he had no recollection of it.
Mr. Stephen, with a knowing look, said with a smile, "The piece of land Mrs. Todd bought at the auction recently has been designated as a green space, with several billion in subsidies. The value of this land is immeasurable in the future!"