Chapter 21
Stepping out from the restroom, Seraphina dove right back into her pile of documents.
Seeing her like this, Sandra finally relaxed and got up to leave.
“Hey!” Seraphina suddenly called after her, “I need to invite someone to dinner at the ‘Enchanted Petals Club‘, can you use your membership to reserve a spot for me?”
Sandra blinked, “Balch?”
Seraphina shook her head, “No, it’s the infamous rogue reporter, Terrell‘
Unconvinced, Sandra frowned, “What a piece of work this guy sounds like.”
Upon hearing this, Seraphina chuckled lightly. “He’s not some random person. He’s the only journalist who ever conducted an interview with Mrs. Lawson, or Janetta, to be exact. Shortly after that interview was published, Mrs. Lawson was tragically killed. Terrell pursued the case relentlessly after her murder, being the only reporter who deeply investigated the matter. However, after concluding this investigation, he transformed from an idealistic journalist to a rogue reporter. Now, do you think this person is worthy of being treated to a meal?”
Two days later, Seraphina invited Terrell for dinner at the “Enchanted Petals Club.”
When Seraphina walked into the private room, Terrell was already there, smoking and looking like he had just rolled out of bed.. However, his puffy eyes widened when he saw Seraphina.
“Are you Seraphina?” Terrell asked.
Seraphina sat down with a smile, “Hello, Mr. Terrell.”
“I’ve seen you before.” Terrell leaned back in his seat, eyeing her with a grin, “You were with that Una last time… Are you in showbiz? Or trying to break into it?”
Seraphina shook her head, “No, I’m a reporter, just like you.”
Terrell seemed taken aback, but soon laughed again, “A reporter? It’s such a waste for a beauty like you.”
“To each their own, right?” Seraphina responded, pouring him a drink.
Terrell became noticeably defensive. “Why did you invite me to dinner?”
“Because I’ve read many of your reports and wanted to meet my idol over a meal!” Seraphina answered with a playful smile.
“Idol?” Terrell laughed, continuing to smoke, “Don’t joke with me using that word. Just spit it out if you have something to say!”
“You misunderstand.” Seraphina said, “I really just wanted to take you out for a meal.”
“Really?” Terrell was still doubtful.
Seraphina laughed helplessly. “If you feel uncomfortable at any point, just get up and leave, okay?”
After hearing this, Terrell snorted.
As expected, Seraphina engaged in casual conversation with him, approaching him as a humble apprentice seeking guidance. They discussed some of his previously published articles in a nonchalant manner, without delving into anything too personal or
sensitive.
After several drinks, Terrell got up to go to the restroom.
Not long after, a waiter walked in and whispered to Seraphina, “Ms. Bennett, you asked me to inform you when Mr. Balch’s meal is almost over. It’s about that time now.”
“Thank you.” Seraphina handed him a few bills as a tip. “Could you do me one more favor?”
The waiter accepted the money with a grin, “Sure, what is it?”
“When the gentleman I’m dining with comes back, could you ‘accidentally‘ spill a bowl of soup on him?”
The waiter, sharp as a tack, didn’t ask why and just nodded in agreement.
“Thank you” Seraphina said.
As soon as she finished speaking. Terrell returned to the private room. Seraphina stood up, “Mr. Terrell, I’m going to the restroom too. They just brought out the cream of mushroom soup, you should try it while it’s still hot.”
After leaving the private room, Seraphina headed straight for the restroom. Upon passing the men’s restroom, she didn’t hesitate to push the door open and walk in.
