Chapter 491:

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Darya’s denial came swiftly. “No, he’s not.”

Jasper Rolando’s imagination ran wild with possibilities, prompting him to gracefully exit the uncomfortable situation. “Miss McAllister, I’ll, ah, I’ll head back to the office. Good day.”

Then, he beat a hasty retreat.

As the branch manager disappeared from view, Darya and Micah were left alone, the weight of their complicated past hanging between them. Micah wasted no time in cutting to the chase.

“Did you come here to avoid me? I heard you weren’t planning to return to Hagen.”

Darya’s brow furrowed, confusion marring her features. Not going back? Who had spread such rumors?

“I came here for business. Who told you I had no intention of returning?” she asked, genuinely puzzled.

A sense of relief washed over Micah, grateful that Darya hadn’t intended to flee from him. Either Reece had misunderstood what Avery said, or Avery had deliberately misled him, but the end result led him to this moment—a chance to be with Darya once again.

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken emotions. After a beat, Micah mustered the courage to break it.

“Darya, do you want to grab a meal together?” he asked, his voice soft but tinged with hope.

Darya sensed Micah’s determination, realizing that refusing him would likely yield no results. So she acquiesced, her words laced with resignation.

“Sure, why not.”

For the first time, Darya had agreed to share a meal with Micah. Surprise flickered across Micah’s face, his rare smile lighting up the surroundings.

“Really?”

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Her exasperation evident, Darya muttered under her breath, “Forget it if you don’t want to eat.”

But Micah, undeterred by her coldness, was content as long as she engaged with him.

“Let’s go.”

Darya didn’t need a guide. She was familiar with Gavarnia, having once interned at the powerful Fleuron Industries headquartered in the city-state.

As they strolled down the streets, Darya and Micah drew attention from passersby. Their contrasting personas—an aloof Darya and a watchful Micah—painted them as an enigmatic pair. Observers couldn’t help but feel captivated by the subtle chemistry that crackled between them, intensified by the gentle golden glow of the setting sun on Darya’s face.

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