As the waiter served soup, a near collision startled Effie, but Fritz swiftly shielded her, resulting in the soup splattering on his arm.

"Are you okay?" Effie's surprise was palpable.

"It's nothing."

The apologetic waiter was incessant, but Fritz gestured for the person to leave. Effie's gaze softened, a hint of melting emotion in her eyes.

Unperturbed, Fritz continued smiling and gallantly served her during the meal.

"These dishes are all to my liking," Effie remarked upon seeing the selection, eyeing Fritz with a touch of suspicion.

Smiling, Fritz admitted, "When pursuing someone, you have to understand their preferences. I won't hide it. These were all ordered for you."

He believed that his straightforwardness, compared to concealing intentions, exuded a greater allure.

Confident in himself, Fritz detected the emotion in Effie's eyes, sensing that the situation was nearly resolved.

Ha-ha, no woman could escape his charm!

He was rich and handsome, and although Effie hailed from the Harris family, her fiery temperament made it challenging for most wealthy young men to withstand. He was undoubtedly her best choice.

The meal flowed harmoniously, with Fritz adeptly displaying his charm throughout.

Post-dinner, Fritz escorted Effie to the door when suddenly, a car approached. In a swift move, Fritz embraced her waist, drawing her close.

The gap between them closed swiftly, cheeks almost touching, their breaths intertwining, and in that moment, Fritz attempted to draw closer...

“What are you doing?"

In an instant, Fritz found himself abruptly pushed away. His countenance turned dark, but upon recognizing the person behind the forceful action, his demeanor shifted. "Mr. Morrison."

Walter, a witness to the scene, swiftly stepped in. Pulling Effie behind him, he confronted Fritz, his expression stern. “In broad daylight, you're actually bullying a young girl. Do you have no shame?"

“Mr. Morrison, it's not like that. We are... a couple!" Fritz interjected, his eyes flickering as he glanced at Effie.

Effie gently disengaged herself from Walter's protective hold.

“Walter, please don't be angry."

Contrarily, Walter's anger escalated. "Don't be deceived by outsiders!"

"I'm not a child. How could I be deceived every day? I know him very well," Effie asserted with seriousness.

Amidst the tension, Fritz's heart felt victorious. He sensed he had successfully won Effie over.

Tess had been right; Effie was an unwitting love fool at heart. How could she not fall for him, especially after enduring deception from that scoundrel Winston?