Chapter 645

chapter645

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Ms. Poole. I—” Emmanuel started to explain that he was already married, but Tia was too distressed to let him finish.

“My mother is insisting on this blind date, Emmanuel,” she pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation. “All I need is for someone to accompany me to the dinner so it doesn't look like I'm going alone. You don't even have to say a word if you don't want to. Please! Just for one hour!”

Even a man of Emmanuel’s resolve found it difficult to refuse a sincere plea for help, especially when it concerned the all-too-familiar pressure of family-arranged dates. Having experienced similar situations himself, he felt a flicker of empathy.

“Alright,” Emmanuel conceded, “but only for this one meal. And I have one condition.”

“Whatever you need!” Tia agreed instantly, her face lighting up.

He expected her to ask for details, but in her excitement, she seemed to take the deal as a total victory. She moved closer, looking relieved and genuinely happy.

Emmanuel maintained a respectful distance, offering a small smile. “Ms. Poole, we aren't at the restaurant yet. There’s no need to start the performance quite so early.”

“Oh, sorry! I just felt so relieved...” Tia replied, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.

“Well then, Ms. Poole, Uncle Manny, have a successful mission!” Tommy, who was remarkably observant for his age, realized he’d be out of place at a high-stakes dinner. He volunteered to wait at Tia’s home until they returned.

Emmanuel was already forming a plan. I’ll have Ryder come and pick Tommy up later, he thought. It’ll give him a natural reason to cross paths with Tia. He felt quite satisfied with his impromptu matchmaking skills.

As they drove toward the venue, Tia kept the conversation flowing. Eventually, Emmanuel found an opening to ask, “Ms. Poole, you’re accomplished and independent. Why is your family so concerned about your dating life?”

Tia offered a sheepish laugh. “To be honest, I’ve always been a bit of an idealist. I grew up admiring high-profile figures and celebrities—the kind of men who always look perfect on screen. Because of that, none of the men I meet in daily life ever seemed to measure up.”

Except for someone like you, she thought privately, though she kept the sentiment to herself.

“That’s a difficult standard to maintain,” Emmanuel replied seriously. “Real life doesn't have a production crew or professional lighting. Most of those public figures are carefully packaged for a specific image. Behind the scenes, they’re just ordinary people. Real reliability usually comes in a more modest package.”

Tia nodded, though her mind was racing. But you look exactly like the hero of a story, she thought stubbornly.

Seeing her nod, Emmanuel pressed his point. “What matters most for a lasting relationship is character and sincerity. Appearance is secondary. My cousin, Ryder, for instance—he’s one of the most reliable people I know. He has a very steady character.”

Tia was quick-witted enough to see where he was going. “I know, I know! I was probably too idealistic when I was younger. That’s why I’m twenty-seven and still dealing with my mom’s frantic scheduling. This time, she’s found someone who studied abroad and apparently comes from a very prestigious background. She told me if I don’t take this one seriously, I’m in huge trouble!”

In reality, Tia wasn't truly afraid of her mother’s scolding—she had been living independently since graduation. However, she saw this as a perfect opportunity. Not only could she spend time with Emmanuel, but she hoped having a ‘boyfriend’ present would discourage her date and finally put an end to her mother’s constant pressure. It was a tactical maneuver she hoped would solve three problems at once.

The two of them soon arrived at The Fabled, one of Yeringham’s most exclusive five-star restaurants. It was a venue reserved for the city's elite, known as a frequent meeting spot for the influential figures who shaped Yeringham’s corporate and social landscape.