Chapter 61

Grace was momentarily caught off guard, then let out a soft chuckle, gracefully withdrawing her hand. "Mr.Pearson, you're too generous. Treating patients is simply a doctor's duty-and besides... you've already compensated me." Her tone remained light, but her eyes hinted that they'd covered this topic before.

Colton sat up straighter, his gaze unwavering. "That amount could never repay your kindness of saving my life."

Grace arched a brow. "Oh? Then how would you prefer to thank me?"

Colton leaned in without warning, his voice dipping into a velvety murmur. "How about I repay you by giving you my heart?" What do you think?"

Grace blinked, momentarily at a loss. She took a few steps back, her smile unreadable. "That's not a very funny joke."

Colton's expression didn't shift. "I never joke."

The air grew taut, a subtle tension humming between them.

Feeling the weight of it, Grace gently cleared her throat. "If you're truly feeling grateful, why not just treat me to a meal?"

In truth, she was getting a little hungry.

A faint smile tugged at Colton's lips, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Of course. What would you like?"

Grace considered it briefly. "I've heard that French restaurant on Maple Street has great reviews."

Without hesitation, Colton grabbed his coat. "Let's go,then."

She blinked, surprised by how quickly he moved,but followed nonetheless.

Soon, the car rolled to a stop in front of the French restaurant she mentioned.

The place exuded sophistication and exclusivity, its atmosphere rich with quiet elegance. Colton was clearly no stranger here-the manager himself appeared at the entrance, greeting them with respect before leading them to a private room.

Once seated, Grace flipped through the menu, her tone light as she remarked, "Seems like you're quite the regular here."

Colton replied casually, "Yeah, I drop by from time to time for business."

In truth, this particular gem belonged to Ryan, the man behind many of the city's finest dining establishments.He had a penchant for investing in the culinary world.Most of the top-rated restaurants bore his name behind the scenes.

Grace didn't hesitate to order several of the house specialties.

Colton watched her, a strange feeling stirring in his chest-one he couldn't quite name.

After placing her order, Grace passed the menu to the waiter, then glanced up to meet Colton's contemplative gaze. She lifted a brow slightly. "Mr.Pearson, are you looking at me because you disapprove of my choices?"

Colton tapped the table lightly with his fingers,his voice low and steady. "I'm wondering-who exactly are you?"

Even now, her identity remained a puzzle. Everything about her defied simple explanation. Strange, almost unbelievable things seemed to follow in her wake.

Grace let out a quiet chuckle. "Just an ordinary woman.

Nothing worth investigating."

"Is that so? Yet I find myself wanting to know more."His eyes were dark and searching.

She took a sip of juice, her voice calm, indifferent."Curiosity killed the cat. You might want to tread carefully." 1

Colton opened his mouth to respond, but the door to the private room swung open without warning.

A man in a casual suit stepped inside, wearing a roguish grin. "I saw your car downstairs and wondered who you were meeting. So this is a date?"

As he finished speaking, his gaze landed on Grace, and his expression shifted. His lips parted in surprise. "Miss Miller! A pleasure to finally meet you."

With effortless charm, Ryan pulled out a chair and sat down,as if he belonged there.

"A pleasure to meet you, too," Grace replied politely,her posture composed.

"Miss Miller, feel free to order anything you like.Today,it's all on me."

It seemed Colton was finally loosening up. Ryan almost felt emotional-like a proud elder brother witnessing personal growth. Colton had always been all work, untouched by romance. But now, he was

looking at Grace as if she were the only person in the world.

"Thank you," Grace said with a nod.

She had recognized him immediately-Ryan Clark,the famous restaurateur and Colton's childhood friend.

Colton frowned. "What are you doing here?"

Ryan leaned back with a smile, eyes twinkling as they flicked to Grace. "How could I miss the chance to treat Miss Miller properly?"

Grace offered a polite smile.

Ryan gave Colton a playful wink and raised his voice a little. "Colton, you've been holding out on me! You knew I wanted to meet her, yet you kept her to yourself?"

Colton's face darkened. "Ryan, you're talking too much."

As she observed their exchange, Grace couldn't help but chuckle quietly. The ambiance in the room was greatly lightened by her laughter.

"Don't mind him," Ryan said, pouring her a cup of coffee with practiced flair. "He's always been the quiet type. But bringing you here? That says something."

Colton shot him a warning glare. "Aren't you supposed to be busy?"

"Very busy!" Ryan waved dramatically. "But when I heard she was here, I just had to stop by and say hello."

He lowered his voice into a conspiratorial murmur."You know, Miss Miller, you're the first woman Colton's ever brought to this place."

Grace raised an amused brow in Colton's direction."Oh? Then I must be truly honored."

Colton cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable."Ryan,don't you have work?"

"Alright, alright, I'm going." Ryan stood, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket. "I'll tell the kitchen to speed things up."

As he turned to leave, he gave Grace one last wink."Miss Miller, let's share a meal sometime. Just the two of us."

Colton took a slow sip of his coffee. "He's always been like that. Don't let it get to you."

Just then, the waiters arrived, carrying an array of elegantly plated dishes. The table quickly filled with the restaurant's finest offerings.

Grace picked up her fork and sampled one of the signature dishes. Her eyes lit up instantly. "The flavor is truly outstanding."

Colton watched her, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile before he realized it. "If you like it, help yourself to more."

They continued their meal in comfortable silence,the atmosphere between them warm and unexpectedly peaceful.

As they were nearing the end of the meal, Grace's phone began to vibrate on the table.

She glanced at the screen, her expression tightening as a faint frown appeared. "Excuse me, I need to take this."

She stepped aside and answered the call. Rodger's anxious voice rushed through the speaker. "Grace, it's your aunt Eliana. Her condition just took a sudden turn.Can you get to the hospital right away?"