Chapter 477

"Claude," Hannah acknowledged him with warmth, her lips curving into a smile.

Hannah's gaze flickered with a trace of astonishment. "Claude, why are you here today?"

Claude's grin broadened. "Weren't you supposed to help me review my dating options? It happens I've got a blind date tonight. It was arranged unexpectedly. Could you give me a hand?"

Hannah tilted her brow, faintly exasperated. "This is terribly sudden. I wasn't ready for it in the least."

Claude jumped in quickly, his tone casual and easy. "I've already made the arrangements. All that's left is for you to join me for dinner. Shall we head out together?"

Catching the sincerity in his expression, Hannah remembered her word and gave a nod."Alright. Wait a moment."

She turned her back and entered her room, changing into relaxed attire.

Claude caught sight of her outfit and his brow creased faintly, though he hid it with a gentle smile. "Hannah,maybe dress alittle sharper? It's quite an important evening, after all. First appearances matter, don't they?"

Hannah glanced down at herself, uncertain. "Why would I need to dress nicely for your date? I'm not the focus here.Wouldn't it make more sense to fade into the background?"

Claude faltered briefly but then laughed softly. His voice carried a gentle indulgence as he answered, "Fair enough, but dressed that way, she might assume you're only a coworker. That wouldn't feel right,would it?"

Hannah sighed."Fine."

She felt blind dates were nothing but troublesome.

She shifted into a modest yet refined pink dress reaching her knees, brushed on light makeup, and let her long hair cascade freely over her shoulders, giving her a fresh and graceful look. She glanced at Claude."How about this? More like your sister now?"

Claude's stare lingered a few moments, his throat tightening slightly. He ignored the "sister" remark, instead offering genuine praise. "You look beautiful. Let's head out."

Claude drove Hannah to a refined dining place. With no private room reserved, they took a booth by the window.

Hannah looked faintly perplexed. "Claude, should I arrange a private spot? It might help your talk and keep things quieter."

Claude slid out a chair for her, motioning for her to sit. "No need. This works wvell. It's open and bright,comfortable for chatting."

When seated, she lifted the menu, asking casually, "Claude, when is she meant to come? Did we arrive a bit too early?"

Claude raised his glass of water, concealing his face. "She'll be here shortly. Should we order a drink first?"

No sooner had he spoken than a young woman entered the room, scanning the space.

Claude's eyes gleamed briefly, and he inclined his head toward her.

The three of them settled at the table, the mood stiff at first.

Claude steered the talk, inquiring about the woman's work and pastimes.

Meanwhile, Hannah remained quiet, taking the stance of an attentive observer. Now and then, at Claude's light prompts, she added a question or two, her manner courteous yet distant.

The blind date ended with an air that was courteous, yet plainly formal.

At last, only Claude and Hannah remained at the table.

Hannah lifted her glass, asking, "Claude, how do you feel about her?"

Claude shifted slightly, letting his eyes drift toward a booth nearby where an elegantly dressed couple sat quietly, casting frequent looks their way. It was Claude's parents. The blind date was nothing but a cover. His true goal was to place Hannah before his parents. He knew her well enough to understand that had he invited her directly to meet them, she would have refused outright. Only with the excuse of needing her opinion for his date could he draw her out -and ensure she appeared before his parents as herself, unguarded. He wanted his parents to witness the woman he had chosen.

Hannah stayed completely oblivious to the design.