"If you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes."

Roger had just returned from the precinct. He wore a crisp dress shirt and tailored black slacks, with pristine gold-rimmed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. Every strand of his hair was styled to perfection.

Thanks to his towering height, he cut an imposing figure even while seated, radiating an undeniable aura of authority.

"Alright." Stella tightened her grip on her hands, her brows furrowing slightly before she finally gave in. "Can we bring Charlotte along?"

After all, Roger had helped her out on multiple occasions, and she definitely owed him a favor.

Treating him to a meal would clear the slate.

"Hold on." Roger's deep, penetrating gaze locked onto hers. A faint smile ghosted across his strikingly handsome features as he spoke in a low, gravelly voice. "Let me ask her."

He pulled out his phone and dialed.

Charlotte was washing her hands when she picked up. "You're there?"

"Yeah," Roger replied flatly, cutting straight to the chase. "Want to grab a bite with us?"

Grab a bite?

Weren't they supposed to head back to the Gates family estate?

"Are you busy?" Before Charlotte could even respond, Roger seamlessly cut her off. "Got it. I'll have Anthony come pick you up."

Charlotte was speechless.

"That's settled." Roger hung up the phone. He looked up at Stella, his expression as calm as if he hadn't just orchestrated the whole thing. "Charlotte's tied up. She can't make it."

Stella was entirely baffled by the exchange, the color draining slightly from her face.

"What's good around here?" Roger stepped closer, his gaze dropping to take in her reluctant expression. "It's dinner time. Let's go."

Stella packed her laptop into her backpack. Gripping the straps with both hands, she quietly fell into step beside him.

After a few paces, she suddenly stopped.

Roger slowed his stride, glancing back at her. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.

"Roger, we should walk separately." Stella's face remained blank, but the slight tremor of her eyelashes betrayed her nerves. "I'll lead the way."

It was the post-class rush hour, and the campus was swarming with students.

Roger was a prominent figure who had already caused quite a stir at Kingswood University.

If anyone saw them walking together...

Just the thought of the inevitable gossip made her chest tight with anxiety. She had come to Kingswood strictly to focus on her studies.

"Alright."

Sensing her hesitation, he didn't push it, deliberately putting some distance between them.

To avoid drawing attention, Stella led him through a secluded back gate.

It wasn't until they had left the campus and reached a quiet side street that she finally let out a breath. "Let's head to The Oak & Vine," she murmured.

A man like him had probably never set foot in a cheap roadside diner.

He definitely wouldn't be used to the food.

"No need." Roger loosened his collar, his tone dropping an octave. "Just take me to your usual spot."

He checked his watch, his expression turning serious. "I need to be back at the forensics lab in an hour. We won't have time for The Oak & Vine."

Stella didn't argue. She mulled it over for a few seconds. "Are noodles okay?"

A sit-down dinner would definitely take too long.

And her go-to spot was a modest little noodle joint.

"That works." He had no objections.

True to her word, she took him to the hole-in-the-wall spot she frequented.

It was about a ten-minute walk from campus.

Tucked away at the very end of an alley, the interior was incredibly plain, borderline rundown.

The owners were an elderly couple in their seventies. Given their age, they weren't exactly quick on their feet, and their seasoning could be hit or miss. The food wasn't exactly gourmet.

Because of that, they rarely saw any student traffic.

But it was quiet, and that was exactly why Stella loved it.

"You're back!" The old man greeted her with a bright, welcoming smile the moment she walked in.

His gaze quickly shifted to the unfamiliar man standing beside her, and he blinked in surprise. "And this is..."