Third Person's POV
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Catherine had the bodyguards dine in a nearby room while she waited by the window.
Soon, Jessica and Harley entered together—though they hadn't planned to arrive as a pair, they happened to meet downstairs.
"Catherine, long time no see," Harley said softly as he entered.
Catherine quickly stood and smiled, "Yes, it's been ages."
Jessica, wearing an "I'm just a bystander" expression, quickly smoothed things over, "Let's sit! I'll order the dishes, and you two chat away. But Blake won't get the wrong idea, right? I don't want to end up on the run!"
Catherine chuckled, "You're overthinking it. It's just a casual dinner among friends."
Harley's gaze lingered on Catherine for a moment.
Her elegance had only grown over time, and her delicate outfit highlighted her aristocratic aura.
"I never got the chance to congratulate you on your wedding and finding your biological father," Harley said straightforwardly, as if the familiarity between them had never faded.
"I did invite you to the wedding, but you couldn't make it," Catherine said with a tinge of regret.
"I was filming overseas at the time," Harley said quietly.
"You've been too busy lately; do take care of yourself."
"Your concern means more to me than anything," Harley said, lifting his water glass to take a sip.
Jessica sat beside them, quietly listening to their conversation.
"Do you remember the meadow behind our elementary school? I'm planning to buy it and build a house there. You could bring your kids to play," Harley said suddenly.
Catherine's eyes welled up instantly, "You still remember that offhand remark from our childhood?"
"I remember it clearly," he shrugged, "But the seller's been indecisive—we're still negotiating."
"Why? Is it a pricing issue?"
"Perhaps. I'll meet with them in a couple of days," Harley sighed, "No matter what, I have to get that land."
"Maybe that land holds special meaning for the seller too," Catherine said.
"But for me, it's a must-fulfill wish."
Jessica couldn't help but tease, "Never thought Harley could be so persistent! Everyone needs a dream or two. Life would be pretty dull without them."
Harley suddenly turned to Catherine, who flustered and avoided his gaze.
"Is there a possibility that there's someone identical to another person in this world? One can't stay single forever, right?" Harley said half-jokingly.
Catherine shook her head with a smile, "Don't think that way; it's unfair to others."
Catherine and Harley chatted about their childhood, keeping the conversation within the bounds of friendship.
Occasionally, Jessica chimed in with light-hearted remarks, her bright eyes darting between them.
Initially worried the atmosphere might turn awkward, she soon realized her concerns were unfounded—they were merely reminiscing about trivial memories.
As the dinner wound down, Catherine was the first to rise and take her leave.
Harley watched her go with a lingering gaze, several times on the verge of speaking but ultimately holding back.
Only after her figure vanished from sight did he slump back into his seat, looking utterly dejected.
Jessica stared at Harley in surprise—the man who hadn't touched a drop of alcohol during the meal now tipped his glass back and drained it in one go.
It seemed beneath his calm exterior, turbulent emotions raged within.
"Thanks, Jessica. I'll head out now," Harley said gratefully, then hurried off.
Left alone, Jessica shrugged and muttered to herself, "What just happened?"
In the car, Catherine couldn't help but smile as she recalled the conversation.
Harley's persistence remained unchanged. He'd remembered that childhood jest for all these years.
His obstinacy was endearing—she truly hoped someone who understood him could heal the wounds in his heart.
Her phone buzzed—Blake had sent a photo of Harley and Jessica walking side by side into the private dining room.
Catherine shook her head with a wry smile, knowing she couldn't hide anything from him.
She quickly typed out a message, "I'll explain when I get home, okay?"
"Okay," came the instant reply.
At nine in the evening, when Catherine returned home, the two children were racing around the living room.
Hedwig, in her cream-colored pajamas and clutching a teddy bear, her hair framing gem-like eyes, chirped, "Mommy! I'm playing hide-and-seek with Noah! Do you know where he's hiding?"
Catherine smiled and shook her head, "Why don't you go find out?"
The little one had no choice but to continue her search, calling out, "Noah! Where are you?"
"Catherine, you're back? Have you eaten?" Abigail descended the staircase, her voice laced with concern.
"I have. Aren't you tired from looking after the children?"
"Not at all! They're absolutely adorable," Abigail's face radiated happiness.
Though Catherine couldn't fully comprehend the joy of a grandmother's bond with her grandchildren, she still worried about Abigail's energy. "You've been busy all day. Why don't you rest upstairs? I'll put the children to bed."
Abigail's affection brought tears to Catherine's eyes—the love akin to a mother's filled the void in her heart.
Around ten o'clock, after her bath, Catherine sat on the sofa to handle some work.
The door suddenly swung open, and Blake's tall figure appeared in the doorway.
He swiftly undid his suit buttons, removed his jacket, and advanced with an elegant yet intimidating presence. "How does it feel to meet an old flame behind my back?"
His hands braced against the sofa back, pinning her in his embrace, his tone unmistakably displeased.