The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 519

Callahan didn't take offense, simply leaning back against his chair with lazy elegance. "Alright, I'll hold you to that."

He flagged down a waiter and ordered a few of Leilani's favorite dishes, making sure to add the dessert she always loved.

The atmosphere over dinner was incredibly pleasant. As Callahan methodically sliced into his steak, he remembered the real reason he had invited her out tonight. He glanced up, keeping his tone carefully casual as he asked. "By the way, the Langley Group is hosting our annual year-end gala next Wednesday. Would you like to come?"

Leilani paused halfway through her soup and looked up at him. "A gala?"

When had this come up? He hadn't breathed a word of it before.

"Yeah." Callahan replied breezily, as if discussing the weather. "It's a company tradition, we host one every year. My grandfather explicitly ordered me to bring you along."

His lips curved into a subtle smile, his eyes testing her reaction. "So, will you grace us with your presence?"

Leilani set down her spoon, her voice steady. "Dante specifically asked for me?"

Callahan nodded, not looking the least bit guilty for the half-truth. "He's mentioned it several times. He's annoyed that you still haven't visited since returning from Garrison City."

He paused, seamlessly adding another detail. "My mom also mentioned she misses you."

Leilani looked down, gently drumming her fingers on the table. Now that her relationship with Callahan was public knowledge, it made sense to attend such events. Moreover, Dante and Letty had always treated her with nothing but kindness; it was only polite to pay them a visit.

She looked back up, her tone casual. "Alright. I'll go."

A triumphant gleam flashed in Callahan's eyes, but he deliberately raised an eyebrow. "That was easy."

Leilani rolled her eyes. "What else was I supposed to say?"

Callahan let out a low laugh, lifting his wine glass to gently clink it against hers. "Then it's a date."

He took a sip of his wine, clearly delighted. "I've already had a dress prepared for you. I'll take you to try it on tomorrow."

Leilani stared down at the morsel of fish. Though she felt a wave of helpless amusement, a barely perceptible smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

...

By the time they left the restaurant, the night had grown deep. Callahan held Leilani's hand, their fingers naturally intertwining.

A cool evening breeze swept past, and Leilani instinctively leaned a fraction closer to him.

Callahan glanced down. "Cold?"

Leilani shook her head. "I'm fine."

But Callahan had already shrugged off his tailored suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Keep it on."

Leilani pulled the lapels closer together. The fabric was enveloped in his signature scent—a crisp, subtle cedarwood cologne that she had grown to know so well.