Ella quickly tucked her hands into her sleeves, still tingling from the cold after playing in the snow.
“Ella, I—” Luke started. He came back carrying a pair of fluffy gloves. He rushed to buy them for her, worried about her freezing hands. But when he returned, he saw David already standing next to Ella. The two of them were under the same black umbrella, close enough that it made Luke hesitate.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Luke’s face. He realized he was too late, and the gloves in his hands suddenly felt unnecessary.
He walked over, trying to sound casual. “Mr. Harmon, what brings you here?”
Luke was a Harvard grad too, but compared to David, he always felt a little outshined.
The rest of their friends gathered around, curiosity all over their faces. “Mr. Harmon, you said you weren’t coming. What changed your mind?”
David glanced at them, his voice low and calm. “I’m here for work. Thought I’d drop by and see everyone.”
Ella’s eyes met his, searching his face. He was in Seacore City for business? Was it really just a coincidence?
“Since you’re here, you have to stay and hang out,” someone insisted, grinning.
David looked at Ella again, then nodded. “Alright.”
Everyone cheered up at that. Someone suggested, “Let’s get beef stew tonight.”
“Beef stew and snow are the best combo.”
“And Mr. Harmon’s buying, of course.”
Whenever David was around, he always ended up picking up the tab. He didn’t seem to mind. “Sure.”
They all headed to a hot pot restaurant and grabbed the coziest spot by the window. A few of the girls pulled Ella over. “Ella, sit with us.”

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