Kenji's stern look shifted from the group to Scarlette as he stepped out of the car.

The group's tone changed slightly upon recognizing him. Someone whispered, "Scarlette, did he drop you off?"

Proudly, Scarlette responded, "Yes, that's my chauffeur."

Kenji overheard but seemed unfazed. He briefly considered making a show of affection to assert his presence but decided against it, recognizing the pettiness of the gesture.

Tossing the keys to the valet, Kenji made his way directly to the third floor of the restaurant.

Once Kenji was out of view, Zayden cautiously asked, "Scarlette, are you together with Kenji now?"

"What does it matter to you?" Scarlette retorted sharply.

Zayden's face fell, and he hung his head sorrowfully. "I apologize."

Scarlette, puzzled by his demeanor and about to walk away, was halted by her friend.

"Wait, Scarlette, don't leave upset. There's a specific reason we invited Zayden here today." Her friend exhaled deeply. "Zayden has leukemia and he's starting treatment soon. The odds aren't great for adults. This might be your last chance to see each other. Please, give him a chance."

Shocked, Scarlette reevaluated Zayden's appearance. So, his white hair wasn't a fashion choice but a sign of his illness. Realizing the gravity of his situation, her anger faded. She softly said, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

Zayden managed a tearful smile. "It's my fault. I've always cared about you, but I made mistakes that drove you away."

"It's all in the past. Come on, let's get inside. It's too cold here," Scarlette suggested.

Entering the restaurant, Scarlette no sooner sat down than a message from Kenji pinged on her phone. "Are you still caught up with Zayden?"

"I didn't expect to see him here," Scarlette replied.

"Why stay and dine with him now that you know?" Kenji pressed.

Scarlette found his attitude irritating. Who did he think he was, ordering people around like that? "It's none of your concern," she responded.

"Are you sitting next to him?"

Startled, Scarlette glanced around, trying to spot where Kenji might be observing from. Yet, despite the intrusive surveillance, she felt a strange thrill. She responded defiantly with a terse, "Humph."

Kenji watched with a mix of annoyance and amusement as Scarlette, seated and swinging her legs, smirked while typing on her phone. He had already made plans for their evening together.

Instead of engaging in arcade games on the third floor where he lingered, Kenji's real intent was to test Scarlette's loyalty.

Unexpectedly, an old schoolmate from his lab appeared, inviting Kenji to join a gathering of friends there for a game night. They invited him over. "Come play with us, Kenji!"

Kenji brushed them off. "You guys go ahead. I might stop by later."

Continuing his surveillance through text, Kenji typed. "Hurry up and eat. I'll be there in ten minutes to pick you up."