Looking at his earnest, somber face, I sighed in resignation. "Alright. Now you know what I look like. You got your wish. Can you leave it at that now?"
"I'm not trying to hassle you, I just…" He seemed about to say something more, but stopped when he saw my stern expression. He twisted his fingers nervously, his voice roughening. "I've wanted to take you out to dinner for so long."
I pressed my lips together and smiled. "There's no need for all that formality. If we're being technical, that donation came from the Hale family. If you really want to thank someone, take Julian out to dinner. He's the one you should be grateful to."
"No. I know the Hales are wealthy, but that money never would've reached me if it weren't for you. It was you. It's always been you." His voice picked up speed
