The Replacement He Never Wanted
Addison was a little stunned, unsure why Ryan had chosen this restaurant. She walked forward several steps before finally reaching the entrance. Before she could step inside, a server was already waiting at the door. "Hi, welcome to the Summit Bistro." Addison gave a slight nod and entered without saying a word. The server walked beside her, offering a detailed introduction as they moved through the restaurant. "Our bistro is built along the mountainside, where guests can dine under warm lighting while listening to the waves crashing below. It's an experience that blends tranquility with a hint of adventure. "The cliffside view is our signature feature." Following the server's gesture, Addison glanced out the window. Below, the ocean roared against the rocks, sending a chill through her. She quickly averted her gaze. Halton was famous for its coastline.It seemed this restaurant was designed to combine the thrill of cliffs and the vastness of the sea, creating an experience centered around awe and excitement. Once the introduction was over, the server turned to her with a gentle smile. "Do you have a reservation?" "Yes, I do." "Perfect. Right this way." Just as Addison was about to follow the server to the front desk, the sound of quiet sobbing reached her ears. It was a soft, stifled cry—heart-wrenching to hear. She turned her head and saw a couple seated by the window. The girl, clearly overwhelmed by the steep drop outside, had gone pale and was now crying, visibly shaken. The young man beside her didn't seem too steady himself, but he maintained a brave front, offering tissues and holding her close in an attempt to soothe her. Addison raised an eyebrow at the scene. Looks like this place is on Halton's list of worst spots for a romantic date ...Seriously ... Of all the restaurants, why did Ryan pick this one? The server beside her showed no sign of surprise. Her expression remained neutral, and she continued smiling as she looked at Addison. "Did you reserve a standard table or a private room?" "I booked a private room." Addison passed her phone over, showing the reservation details Ryan had sent. "Got it. Let me check your booking." The server typed on the computer before pausing with an apologetic look. "Ma'am, at the moment, the only private room available is Winter's End." "Winter's End?" "That room is perched at the highest point of the cliff, making it quite steep. That's how it got its name ... " Before she could finish, Addison gestured dismissively. "That's fine. I don't mind." She had taken a moment to observe the scenery earlier. At first glance, it was daunting, but once she got used to it, it wasn't so bad. She could handle it."Alright, I'll get you seated now." The server nodded with a smile. Addison sat by the window, glancing outside while waiting for Lance. She glanced outside—the waves here were far more intense than the ones she had seen earlier. ... Lance was in the middle of leading a meeting when Addison's message popped up. He was caught between shock and excitement, almost feeling flattered by the unexpected text. For once, he smiled in front of his employees, sending a wave of unease through the room. Lance was not someone who smiled easily, especially during meetings. The employee giving the report clenched his mouse reflexively. He was certain his presentation wasn't impressive enough to warrant such an expression from Lance. His hands began to tremble, and when the mouse slipped from his grasp and hit the table, he braced himself for a reprimand. But to his utter disbelief, Lance merely gave him a faint smile and said, "Be careful."
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