Chapter 363: Chapter 362: Call From Vivienne Sterling

Just as they were busy eating, and Sophie’s dramatic groan about being "too full to move, but not too full for dessert. Suddenly his phone buzzed against the table. He glanced at the name flashing across the screen and couldn’t help raising his eyebrow upward.

Vivienne Sterling.

Previously they had exchanged the number, he thought it was just formality, and they wouldn’t see each other anytime soon, but he didn’t expect her to call so soon. So, with a bit of curiosity, he slid his chair back smoothly, excusing himself with a polite, "One sec." The girls barely looked up, Sophie was too busy stealing Hannah’s last bite of cake, Hannah was threatening to stab her fork into Sophie’s hand, and Elara was nibbling shyly at a piece of cake like she was invisible.

Only Daisy’s eyes flickered briefly toward him, following him until he disappeared a few steps away toward a quiet corner near a tall decorative pillar. mild curiosity flashing before she returned to her plate.

Stepping a little aside, he accepted the call with a flick of his thumb.

"Mr. Rex,"came Vivienne’s voice warm, polite, every syllable balanced with the kind of refinement you only heard in people who had grown up around legacy and expectation.

"I hope I’m not disturbing your evening," she continued, tone even but edged with just enough formality to show this wasn’t a casual call. "I was wondering if you were free tonight."

"Well, I’m not busy," he replied casually, wondering about the reason for the call.

My father would very much like to invite you to dinner, as a gesture of gratitude."

Rex leaned lightly against the pillar, gaze drifting over the restaurant’s soft golden lighting. He didn’t let his voice betray anything, keeping it calm, almost detached. "There’s no need for that. You’ve already done plenty."

"Please don’t misunderstand," Vivienne pressed gently. "This isn’t just me. My father insists on meeting you. He wishes to thank you personally."

"As I have said before there is no need for any gratitude. I did what anyone should have done in that situation. Nothing more. So there is no need for any further gratitude."

Before he could respond further, another voice chimed in, tiny and bright, cutting through the line like a bell in a summer afternoon.

"Brother! You must come! Arabella wants to play with you!"

Even though, he was about to refuse, hearing the sweet childish voice, his composure cracked a bit... his lips twitching into a small, genuine smile. He could almost picture her clutching the phone with both hands, cheeks puffed, eyes wide with that pleading sparkle only kids could pull off.

For someone like him, who’d grown up without such voices tugging at his sleeve, it was disarming in a way he didn’t admit out loud.

A quiet chuckle escaped him despite himself. "Alright," he said softly. "How could I possibly say no after that?"

On the other end, Vivienne released a subtle breath, as though she hadn’t been sure he’d agree until that very second. "Thank you. We’ve already booked a place at The Biltmore Los Angeles."

That name drew a visible reaction. Rex’s brow lifted slightly, eyes narrowing with mild amusement. Even he had to acknowledge the choice.

The Biltmore wasn’t just "expensive." It was history wrapped in marble columns and crystal chandeliers. A place where old billionaires clinked glasses, retired diplomats traded quiet favors, and fading Hollywood moguls clung to their last shred of glamour over a steak dinner. Deals had been made in those velvet booths that shifted the city in ways most people would never realize.

Not that it mattered to him much anymore, but it spoke volumes about their sincerity.

"I’ll send a car," Vivienne offered quickly, as though that would smooth any hesitation.

"No need," Rex interrupted smoothly, his tone final. "I’ll head over myself."

There was a brief pause, then Vivienne asked gently, "When should we expect you?"

Rex glanced at his watch, the motion fluid. His mind already mapped the city streets, estimating traffic patterns and distance without conscious effort. "Around eight."

"Perfect," Vivienne said, warmth threading to her voice. "We’ll be waiting."

Just before the line clicked off, another sound slipped through... the bright, unfiltered cheer of a child.

"Yeah!" Arabella’s little voice rang in the background, so full of delight it made the corners of Rex’s lips twitch again, an involuntary smile tugging before he shut it down.

The call ended, but the echo of that innocent cheer lingered in his ear longer

...

When Rex returned to the table, the girls were huddled close, whispering in low voices. Sophie had frosting on her chin, Daisy was dabbing her mouth with a napkin, and Hannah was pretending not to be invested in their gossip. and Elara blinked up at him like she’d been caught staring, quickly ducking her head again.

"Done already?" Rex asked, noting the cleared dessert plates. He tilted his head toward Sophie with a teasing smile. "Still room for more?"

Sophie put on an offended gasp. "Excuse me? Are you fat-shaming me, sir?"

Rex raised an eyebrow. "I said ’more,’ not ’enough.’"

Sophie, already patting her stomach dramatically, shot him a glare.

Daisy smirked faintly. "Judging by the damage, you’re being modest."

"I eat with passion," Sophie declared, raising her fork like a sword.

Hannah didn’t even glance up as she adjusted her napkin, calm as ever. "Passion has icing on its chin."

Sophie gasped and scrambled to wipe her chin, while the others chuckled softly. Rex only arched a brow, amused at the chaos that seemed to follow her naturally.

He let the laughter settle before speaking again. "I’ll need to head somewhere after this. So I won’t be driving you girls back tonight."

No one complained. In fact, they barely blinked. Even Sophie, who had earlier claimed she was going to marry his Ferrari, only shrugged, her grin unbothered. They had seen enough with their own eyes... She his car, his confidence, his manner... that it wasn’t hard to imagine he had important matters lined up.

Just then, the waiter arrived with several neatly packed bags, setting them gently at the edge of the table. The girls blinked, confused.

"But... we didn’t order anything else," Hannah said, brows furrowing.

(End of Chapter)

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