She couldn’t say anything.
She had no choice but to sit there—tense and silent—as Alexander settled beside her.
Once everyone had finally settled, Irvin suddenly let out an exaggerated laugh, clearly trying to smooth over the strange tension hanging over the table.
“Mr. Graves, it’s really nice to see you join us,” he said warmly, lifting his glass. “I honestly didn’t realize Freddie wasn’t joking when he said you were coming for dinner.”
“I was nearby,” Alexander replied flatly.
That was all.
No smile. No elaboration.
The air at the table thickened for a moment—heavy, awkward. People exchanged quick glances, unsure how to continue. Then, slowly, conversation resumed in cautious tones. Chairs shifted. Cutlery clinked softly.
Just then, the waiter arrived with the menus.
Irvin immediately straightened. “Give the menu to Mr. Graves first,” he said eagerly. “He’s our special guest tonight.”
The waiter nodded and handed Alexander a tablet.
Alexander accepted it—then, without hesitation, tilted his head slightly toward Mia and spoke in a low voice meant only for her.
“What do you want to eat?”
He shifted the tablet toward her.
Mia stiffened instantly.
As if a switch had been flipped, the table went silent again. Conversations died mid-sentence. Forks paused halfway to mouths. Eyes turned toward them.
Whispers spread in hushed waves.
“What’s going on between Mia and Mr. Graves?”
“They definitely know each other…”
“Look at the way he’s talking to her.”
“She just joined—how does this even make sense?”
The murmurs grew louder, more curious, more speculative.
Mia’s chest tightened painfully. Heat crept up her neck. She pushed the tablet back toward him with a tense movement.
“You’re the guest, Mr. Graves,” she whispered sharply, keeping her head down. “Please choose for yourself.”
She wished she could disappear into her seat.
Alexander took the tablet back calmly.
“I’ll order your favorites,” he said evenly.
He lowered his gaze and began tapping the screen.
Mia’s face burned.
That single sentence made everything unmistakably clear—they were not strangers.
