Chapter 863:
Since their group had grown larger, Rylie asked the driver to prepare a discreet van before they set off.
Their destination was Willowbrook Street, home to a lively mall filled with restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues that drew a steady crowd. On holidays, it hosted various events and was always brimming with energy.
Rylie brought the two women into a busy hair salon and arranged for their hair to be washed. While they waited, she guided them to their seats, her gaze shifting toward Felix at the doorway, hands casually in his pockets as he took in the lively surroundings with quiet amusement.
Rylie walked over and asked, “What are you staring at, Felix?”
“Roasted nuts!” Lucilla suddenly called out, pointing excitedly toward a stall in the distance while waiting for her turn.
“Roasted nuts?” Felix echoed, glancing around with a puzzled look.
“It’s a kind of street snack,” Rylie said with a light laugh before turning to Lucilla. “Would you like some, Lucilla?”
Lucilla nodded eagerly.
“Then why don’t you and Selah stay here and wait for your turn?” Rylie suggested. “My brother and I will go buy some and be right back, alright?”
Selah waved them off with a smile. “Go ahead. We’ll be here for a while with the washing, cutting, and blow-drying. You two go enjoy yourselves.”
Rylie nodded. “Alright, just give me a call if you need anything.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine,” Selah assured her confidently, certain that she could handle things on her own.
Rylie felt no reason to fret, knowing that Felix had already arranged for several bodyguards to keep watch and ensure their safety.
Felix followed beside her toward the stall, drawn by the warm, nutty scent that filled the air. His tall frame and the sharp lines of his suit made him stand out easily in the busy crowd. Several passersby turned their heads, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Some recognized him and looked tempted to approach, but the bodyguards stationed discreetly nearby stepped in just enough to keep anyone from getting too close.
Feel the thrill at gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s﹒𝚌o𝓂
Realizing that this was a private outing, the onlookers eventually backed off.
Felix’s gaze lingered on the vendor’s hands as the nuts were stirred over the heat, releasing a rich, roasted fragrance that hung pleasantly in the air.
“Roasted nuts, huh?” Felix muttered, his brows knitting slightly. Having dined in the most exclusive restaurants and savored gourmet meals, he couldn’t help but regard street food with mild doubt.
The nuts, dark-shelled and unevenly roasted, didn’t look all that clean, yet the aroma drifting from the pan was unexpectedly enticing.
“Come on, give it a try. Nothing beats warm roasted nuts on a chilly day,” Rylie said as she bought a large paper bag of roasted nuts and handed one to him.
Felix accepted the snack with slight hesitation, imitating Rylie as he peeled one of the roasted nuts and placed it in his mouth. The warmth and soft texture melted pleasantly on his tongue, and the rich flavor took him by surprise.
“This tastes just as good as something from a fine restaurant,” he remarked, unaware of the ease that had crept into his tone.
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