Chapter 169

The room warmed Rachel, taking some of her heat away and remaining just enough to make her feel flustered.

The surprise had just been evident on Rachel's face because Paul asked.

“What is it?”

“This place isn't what I expected.”

“Oh yeah? What did you expect?”

Rachel had no reply to that.

They walked to a quiet corner of the lobby, where a small table and two chairs waited.

Rachel stood, still feeling a bit nervous, while Paul remained standing for a moment, watching her. He didn't offer her a chair.

They both stared.

"I wanted to talk to you about something important," Paul said, finally sitting down. His tone was serious, but the amused look in his eyes remained.

Rachel nodded, waiting for him to continue, her heart pounding in her chest. Paul didn't say anything for a

while. “Take your seat.” She offered, like this was her treat.

Paul complied immediately, and Rachel was impressed by his composure. Swallowing her worries, she took the initiative.

She raised her eyes, filled with