46- DINNER TALKS

LILA

The dinner table was not only occupied by Amanda and Blaise as I had expected, but it also hosted a gathering of others, including Leo, Agatha, Sasha, Ace, and Dr. Richard. I stifled a sigh as they all rose from their seats, offering me polite bows, and resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I realized that the evening had just taken a turn for the worse. Blaise, being the gentleman, stood up and extended his hand to me, guiding me to a seat situated between him and Ace. Only after we were settled did the others take their seats.

However, I was not comfortable sitting beside Ace. Amanda was a journalist on the prowl for a story and possibly seeking to rekindle her connection with Blaise. She would undoubtedly be quick to spot any unusual tension between Ace and me and spin it into a scandalous, sensational story. I tried to maintain an air of normalcy by offering Ace a gentle smile.

"Shall we begin, everyone?" Blaise chimed in, trying to infuse enthusiasm into t