Caroline’s POV
We made our way to the elegant restaurant on the third floor of the mall. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft lighting that created an intimate ambiance perfect for our group dinner.
After being seated at a spacious round table, we all studied the menus, discussing our favorite dishes. I settled on grilled salmon with asparagus, while Eleanor opted for her usual pasta primavera.
As I finished placing my order, Draven leaned toward the waitress and added, "And please include a chocolate cake for dessert."
My heart warmed at his thoughtfulness. He remembered my favorite dessert without my having to mention it. My feelings grew with each of these small gestures that showed how much attention he paid to me.
Ava beamed at us from across the table. "I can’t thank you all enough! With your purchases today, I’ve already hit my monthly sales target. Please let me treat you all to dinner tonight."
Eleanor quickly jumped in, "Don’t be silly! You don’t need to pay with all these gentlemen present." She shot Joseph a meaningful look.
Joseph caught her hint immediately. "Of course dinner’s on me! It would be my honor to treat everyone, especially my goddess." He winked at Ava, who blushed adorably.
We all cracked up at his dramatic act. Everyone was feeling pretty chill.
Once our food arrived, we all enjoyed the delicious meal along with some wine. Under the table, I felt Draven’s warm hand find mine, his fingers gently intertwining with my own. Rory stirred contentedly within me at his touch.
"Ava," Draven said after taking a sip of his wine, "do you enjoy working at the boutique?"
"I do enjoy it," she replied thoughtfully. "But it’s not my forever career. The hours can be exhausting, especially working weekends and holidays. And not all customers are as wonderful as these ladies." She smiled at us gratefully.
"Would you be interested in working with me at Thorne Enterprises?" Draven asked, surprising us all.
I thought what a wonderful opportunity this would be for Ava. Working at Thorne Enterprises had been an incredible experience for me, despite everything that had happened. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖
Ava looked touched but hesitant. "Draven, I appreciate the offer, truly. But I know you’re just doing this as a favor to Joseph, and I can’t accept that."
"I would never extend a job offer merely as a favor," Draven replied firmly. "I need a new executive assistant I can trust,my current one will be leaving soon. And since I’m still hoping Caroline will return to her position, your business degree would be incredibly helpful. The hours are weekdays only during business hours, and the compensation package is quite competitive."
Ava looked at me uncertainly, seemingly asking for my opinion.
"It’s an excellent opportunity, Ava," I encouraged her. "Working there really is wonderful, and there’s tremendous room for growth. You should definitely discuss the details with Draven."
"So now you want to steal both my employee and my goddess?" Joseph exclaimed with mock indignation. We all laughed at his theatrical protest.
The conversation flowed easily after that. Ryan was in the middle of recounting a hilarious story about the three of them getting drunk last weekend when I noticed three women approaching our table. Before anyone could react, they had practically thrown themselves onto the laps of Draven, Joseph, and Ryan.
I recognized one of them immediately—Ella Howard, daughter of Howard from Finance. My blood ran cold as I watched her drape herself over Draven.



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