Chapter 17
The group of five left the Epicurean Club together.
Luna’s phone burred with an incoming call—it was Owen.
Hey. Owen whatsup?” Eliana answered
Owen’s warm, familiar voice came through the line. “Eliana, how’s your first day going! Do you like Ionstead University?”
“Of course, I love it!” she said cheerfully
Thear some background noise. Are you not on campus?” Owen asked, a trace of concern in his tone.
Before Eliana could explain. Thomas snatched the phone from her. “Yo, Owen! It’s me, Thomas. Don’t worry about Eliana. After the freshman party, we took her out for a bit of fun. We’re planning to hit up a hotpot spot later. Relax, I’ll make sure she gets back in one piece
Elana didn’t have many friends since moving to Dratora City, so Owen felt reassured hearing that Thomas was with her.
Still has protective instincts kicked in. Thomas, don’t take her anywhere sketchy. If you do
sme on. Ohren“ You think I’d dare? It’s not just me and Eliana. Cameron’s with us too. We’ve got everything under control, Thomas replied. half–joking.
“Cameron’s there? Alright, then. Just make sure she’s back by nine.”
“Got it. Relax, man. Talk later! Thomas hung up, handing the phone back to Eliana. “All sorted”
Om might have had his doubts about Thomas, but hearing Cameron was with them completely put him at ease.
Meanwhile, Owen’s confidence in Cameron wasn’t misplaced. Unlike most of Dratora City’s wealthy young men, Cameron had a squeaky–clean reputation. He was the kind of guy who wouldn’t touch smoky bars or sleazy joints with a ten–foot pole.
Cameron & family background was unique compared to Thomas and the rest, whose families were all in business. Cameron came from a prominent political family known for its strict principles.
The Wrights were practically royalty in the political world, and their family rules were notoriously rigid.
Growing up, Cameron had been groomed to follow the straight and narrow, with no tolerance for frivolity or vice.
Knowing Cameron was around. Owen had every reason to trust Eliana was in good hands.
Eliana took her phone and asked skeptically. “What did my brother say?”
Thomas smarked. “He said you’ve gotta be back by nine and that we should have a good time. He’s chill”
“Really?” Eliana’s brow furrowed, not fully buying it. Thongas never struck her as someone to take things seriously.
How could Owen say something like that? Elana asked inwardly.
“Come on. I’m your cousin! You don’t trust me! Thomas said, feigning hurt
ina muttered under her breath. Not when you’re this uncluble *
“What dad
| you say!” Thomas asked.
Eliana looked up with a bright smule. “Oh, nothing”
They arrived
the barbecue restaurant and booked a private room
Avthey settled into their seats, Thomas was about to sit next to Cameron when Cameron shot him a look of clear disdain.
Catching on munediately. Thomas turned to Eliana and said, “Eliana, why don’t you sit here?”
Eliana sitated. “Isn’t that your seat”
Thomas gently grabbed Eliana’s shoulder and guided her into the chair. “Just take it. No need to stand on ceremony with me”
Chapter 17
Once everyone was seated, they started ordering. They were very attentive to Eluna, asking her what she wanted. She mentioned a few dishes, and the ordered each co
Takinet muh
ways get more.” they assured her.
Soon the food arrived, and they began the meat. Eliana noticed that the dishes they ordered were quite unusual, with many raw ingredients.
son ordered the server to cook all the dishes Elina had selected, except for the raw ones they’d chosen together.
Landon you’re
Landon selked. “Thana it
Eleave Thomas a los
She loved barbecue, especial
going to make them eat this raw, are you?” Eliana asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow
ot eating raw. It’s reconnecting with nature.”
dripping with sympathy before starting to cook her food.
py bacon and tender beef ribs. Picking up a rib with her fork, she dipped it into the pot, letting it sizzle.
Ewas a biceprised and looked Cameron “Aren’t you gonna er
Tipo ito barbecue” Cameron replied matter–of–factly.
Then why are you even bere the muttered under her breath. Still, she happily accepted the offering, being a fan of all things spicy and savory The other three exchanged meaningful glances as Cameron continued to serve Eliana. Thomas caught on immediately: Cameron had a thing for
Common, despite his apparent indiference to the food, busied himself cooking for Eliana, playing the role of her personal chet. Eliana didn’t mind
be—it unved be the trouble.
super spicy barbecue sauce came out though, the real drama began.
feated a bowd becue sauce with lots of chilies in it, and pushed it toward Thomas “Eat up” he said, his grin wicked
ing at the bowl. “You’re bidding me, right?”
Tommy” You think I
pright and crawd
got time to joke around” If you’re mad, blame Eliana. It was her idea for this punishment. She clearly wants you to ideways tonight“.
the private room
apping ber drink couldn’t hold back and burst into giggles, nearly choking on her water
Fase dested from the beat the rase “Come on Thomas, man up. Worst case! You’ll need your stomach pumped later. But you wouldn’t want to love face in fruct of everyone, would you! If you don’t drink it who’s gonna respect you next time?”
Thurnau thươn La brad bark in dabelief. “Tuarua, are you serious? I thought you’d back me up, but you’re just fanning the timed”
send innocently, batting her lishes. “What can I say! I side with logic, not blood”
Landon capped his hands.
roaring with laughter” “Hana, you’re a damn gem!”
The group could help but
marvel at her audacity. Most women they knew wouldn’t dare unter half of what she did, let alone stir the
Elana want done yet “According to the rules. Adum should drink too. You guys are brothers, right? Share the joy, share the paint
Adam nearly dropped has chopsticks. Me? No way You love that spicy sauce so much, you can it
He decly dude
to share this purmshment.
this
Sorry. Elana even if I wanted to eat it. I cant. The rules say one person punishes another Landon punishes Tommy, and my punishment is up Cameron Cameron, we’ve been frends for almost twenty years. You wouldn’t do this to me, right!”
Eliana ngand leaning had with a rh Shume That really pretty od vou know
田
ant blußine–ched mind it before. Non
