The sheer volume of work was a clear dismissal.
River took the file, glancing at Danielle's profile as she turned back to her work. He understood this was her final, unequivocal rejection and stood up with a sigh of resignation.
"Of course. I'll get it done as soon as possible."
He left, and the office returned to silence. Danielle watched him go, letting out a soft sigh.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Nash.
*Miss Crawford, Mr. Davidson is flying back to Northridge City the day after tomorrow. He was out on his balcony for half the night again last night. His mood is very low. I'm worried he'll fall back into a dark place once he's back there.*
Danielle's fingers curled as she read the message.
She remembered Nash's words from yesterday, remembered the pain and despair in Alexander's eyes, and felt a pang of sympathy.
After a few moments of hesitation, she opened her chat with Alexander and typed: *You're leaving the day after tomorrow. Are you free tonight? We could have dinner… as a farewell.*
The moment she hit send, her heart began to race.
She didn't know if he would agree or what a single dinner could possibly change.
But she knew she had to talk to him properly before he left, to make him understand that he wasn't alone.
Nearly ten minutes passed before a reply came. It was a single word: *Okay.*
Seeing that word, Danielle felt the tension in her shoulders ease. She quickly replied to Nash.
*I've asked Mr. Davidson to dinner tonight. Can you keep an eye on Nathan's side? Make sure he doesn't cause any trouble.*
Nash replied almost instantly: *Don't worry, Miss Crawford. I'll have someone watch him. I'll make sure no one disturbs you.*
"How about that little bistro near where you picked up Niki the other day?" Danielle suggested. "It's quiet. A good place to talk."
Alexander nodded without another word and started the car, pulling smoothly away from the Aerospace Institute.
The car was silent except for the soft hum of the air conditioning.
Danielle watched the city lights streak past her window, a thousand words caught in her throat, unsure where to begin.
Soon, they arrived at the bistro and were shown to the private room they had booked.
When the waiter handed her the menu, Danielle ordered a few dishes she remembered Alexander used to like, adding a sweet soup that was Niki's favorite—a habit she couldn't break, even when her daughter wasn't there.
Alexander watched her, a flicker of warmth in his eyes that he quickly extinguished.
Once the waiter left, the two of them were alone again, and the atmosphere grew thick with unspoken things.

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