"Where are we going for lunch?" Midori asked as she noticed that they were driving way past the city limits.

"It's a place only a few people know. Privacy is their specialty." Dan smiled.

"And you wanna eat that? Sounds great." Midori's sarcasm made him laugh.

They noticed that it was quiet at the back seat. They looked at each other, then Midori took a peek at the child seat. The little guy was sound asleep, hugging the cereal box. Dan also had a glimpse of him from the rearview mirror, making him express a gentle smile.

Finally, they had arrived at a Spanish style villa. A uniformed attendant was at the door to greet them.

"Mr. Zhou. This way please." She gestured for them to come in. She led them in a s.p.a.cious room with chandeliers and a fireplace. This room housed a few wooden tables with a couple of chairs each. They were seated near the unlit fireplace with an additional high chair.

Midori was again waiting for the menu but was disappointed.

Several servers started filling up the table with food. Gazpacho and croquetas were served as appetizers. Then pisto, which is Spanish ratatouille, and thinly sliced jamon were served next. Next came the squid ink paella negra, prawns in spicy garlic sauce and pulpo a la gallega. For dessert, leche fritas were served together with fresh milk for the little boy. The adults had some red wine. While they were on dessert, a waiter pa.s.sed by carrying a bowl of cold gazpacho. Suddenly, a woman on the next table suddenly stood up screaming.

"Waaah! Spider! Kill it! Kill it!" She hurriedly turned around and b.u.mped on the waiter, splas.h.i.+ng the soup all over Midori.

The female supervisor hurried to their table, almost breaking her neck in repeated apology.

Dan calmly made a phone call, seemingly to his a.s.sistant, asking for a set of clothes.

The supervisor fl.u.s.teredly offered, "Madam, you could use one of the rooms upstairs to take a shower. We will also reserve the room for you for the night for free as apology."

"Really, no need." She turned to Dan. "Let's just head home."

"No rush. I had called Park for a change of clothes. You need the shower." He said calmly.

Manta remained indifferent, sipping his milk.

Midori sighed and followed the supervisor out of pity. She was afraid that the server might get fired if this escalated.

The room was bright with floor-to-ceiling framed windows, with a door opening to the balcony. The en-suite bathroom had beige marble walls and floors, with a large shower area surrounded by transparent gla.s.s walls and door. There was a corner bathtub with bubble bath features. The toilet was surrounded by gold fixtures and a bidet. There are fresh towels on the cabinet adjacent to the double vanity sink area. Aside from the wall lamps, most of the illumination comes from the tinted skyroof.

The attendant left Midori after showing her the toiletries.

After her refres.h.i.+ng shower, she put on the bathrobe provided and went out into the bedroom to find the clothes Dan had ordered for her.

It was a sweetheart white satin dress with an illusion neckline. The dainty lace covering the bodice extends to the blush chiffon and tulle skirt, which gave the dress a retro look. Her short hair was fixed, with the help of an attendant, behind her ears with crystal decorated pins.

Just then, she saw Jiang Mei Ling enter the room. "Oh my gos.h.!.+" It was really a look of awe. Then she s.h.i.+fted. "What happened to you?! Were you that drenched so much that you needed to change clothes?" She now had a look of concern.

"I...I'm fine. Mei, why are you here?" She was getting suspicious.

"I'm also dining here with Shao. I saw how you were splashed with the dish when I was on my way to the restroom. Peeing is troublesome when you are pregnant. Even when I wanted to help you immediately, I couldn't hold it in." Mei pouted as she recalled her trip to the loo.

"I'm okay now. They were kind enough to let me use this room for free. Don't stress yourself over small matters. It's not good for the baby." Midori had a gentle smile.

Mei pouted. "At least let me help with your makeup. Good thing I brought mine today." She had a bright smile. She took out several items from her bag.

Just by looking at them, Midori could tell that they were barely, if ever had been, used. Her suspicion was growing.

Mei is better than her in applying makeup, because it is part of the former's job. However, people who just happened to come by should not be troubled enough to redo her makeup. For all they know, she might be already heading home.

"Mei, don't put too much. We don't have much left in our itinerary." Midori waved her hand.

"Nonsense! You should always look good in front of everyone. You may not be an actress, but you're pretty popular in business. You never know when paparazzi might appear." Mei was determined to finish the look no matter what.

After bidding Mei goodbye, an attendant led her to the garden.

"Madam, your companion awaits at the gazebo." She gestured towards the place.

Midori was a bit confused. The man with his back on her, standing at the gazebo did not have the same clothes that Dan was wearing for the day.

'Did the attendant mistake me for someone else?' she thought. Her curiosity still led her towards its steps. "Dan?" she tried to call out.

Just then, the tall man turned around, wearing a taupe suit and a blush tie over a white s.h.i.+rt. He had the familiar dazzling smile that could fascinate women and men alike.

"My Dori..." He looked at her with gentle eyes.

Midori furrowed her brows. "Where's Manta?"