Elena didn't think much of it; her hunger was becoming an undeniable distraction.
Victor noticed and smiled warmly. Without a word, he took her hand naturally, guiding her down the street.
Elena stared at their clasped hands, her cheeks warming.
His palm was warm, firm, and strangely comforting. The touch sent an unfamiliar flutter through her chest.
Victor seemed unaware of the effect he was having on her, though the slight upturn of his lips suggested otherwise.
They found a nearby restaurant — simple but clean and inviting.
"You can order whatever you want," Victor said, handing her the menu with a gentlemanly air.
Elena scanned the options and ordered two dishes and a bowl of soup.
Victor frowned. "That's all? Order more."
"No, it's just the two of us. We can't finish too much food. Besides, I know how hard it is to be a driver. Don't waste your money."
Victor's brows lifted in surprise. *Is my girlfriend trying to save money for me?*
A soft smile tugged at his lips. "All right, I'll listen to you."
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he pulled out a deposit card and handed it to Elena.
"This is my savings. Just a few tens of thousands of dollars. The password is the last six digits."
Elena blinked in confusion. "What are you doing?"
"In the future, my monthly salary will also be yours. I make around six grand a month — not much, but I'll work harder to earn more and give you a better life."
Elena stared at him, utterly stunned. They had known each other for barely two days, and he was offering her his life savings?
She shook her head vehemently. "Keep it for yourself. I have a job. I don't need your money."
Victor's gaze softened. "You're my girlfriend now. I want you to take care of my money."
Before she could protest further, he gently pressed the card into her hand.
Elena's fingers curled around it, her heart inexplicably warmed by his sincerity.
There was a saying that a man's heart was where his money was.
Victor wasn't wealthy, but he was genuine, and that meant more to her than material wealth ever could.
She had once believed Damian could give her a simple but warm life, but his ambition had blinded him, driving him to chase power at all costs.
Looking at Victor now, she felt a sense of security she hadn't experienced in a long time.
"Fine," she relented with a small smile. "I'll keep it for you. Let me know when you need some money."
Victor grinned. "Deal. Just give me some pocket money every month."
The food arrived, and they began eating.
Victor picked at his food, eating little, but his eyes often drifted to Elena as she ate heartily.
Their simple meal at the modest restaurant made them look like any ordinary couple.
But the scene didn't go unnoticed.
Waldo Jones, passing by, stopped in his tracks.
His eyes widened in disbelief.
Was that Victor Hale, the head of the Hale family, dining casually at a humble restaurant with a woman?
The sight was nothing short of shocking.
Victor Hale thought he was seeing things. He rubbed his eyes and confirmed it again.
It was indeed Damian Blackwell, the formidable head of the Blackwell family.
But who was the woman with him?
Victor's curiosity was piqued.
It seemed his boss had found himself some good luck in the romance department.
When Elena Cross finished her meal, she noticed that Damian hadn't eaten much. Her brows furrowed with concern. "Is the food not to your liking?"
Damian shook his head with a faint smile. "I'm still full from the feast last night."
Elena blinked, not immediately catching on. When the implication dawned on her, her face flushed bright red.
She wanted to disappear into the ground out of embarrassment. "Last night, did we…"
Damian leaned back in his chair, his expression playful. "Yes, we did."
Her heart raced, mortified by the confirmation. "I… I'm so sorry. I was so drunk that I don't remember anything."
Realizing how foolish her words sounded, Elena smacked her palm to her forehead, trying to compose herself.
Before she could regain her composure, a stranger approached their table.
"Damian?" Victor greeted cautiously, unable to resist coming over.
How could he just walk away after witnessing Damian Blackwell with a woman?
If the others in their circle found out, they'd be floored!
Damian's gaze remained cold and indifferent. "I don't know him very well."
Elena blinked in surprise at his curt tone, sensing the awkward atmosphere. "Is he your friend?"
"Not really," Damian dismissed casually, though he subtly winked at Victor.
Victor's eyes widened in shock.
They had been close friends for over a decade, practically brothers. And now Damian was brushing him off like a casual acquaintance?
But understanding the situation, Victor decided to play along.
"Yeah, we're just acquaintances," Victor said, barely concealing his disbelief.
He glanced at Elena and was momentarily stunned.
She had a natural beauty that outshone many women he had seen, even without makeup.
"I'm Victor Hale," he introduced himself politely.
Elena smiled politely. "Elena Cross."
Elena Cross?
Why did that name sound so familiar?
Before Victor could piece it together, Damian smoothly added, "She's my girlfriend."
Victor's jaw practically hit the floor.
"Girlfriend?"