Conversations and laughter filled the air throughout the dinner.

As the meal approached its end, Bradley still hadn't found an opportunity to converse with Sabrina. After a moment's contemplation, he discreetly pulled out his phone and sent her a message.

Sabrina's phone chimed, and she retrieved it to find a message from Bradley.

Her brow furrowed in confusion. What was he doing?

Noting that Duane was oblivious to his actions, Bradley silently gestured toward his phone.

Sabrina glanced at her own device. Bradley had requested she concoct an excuse to step outside as he had something to share with her.

She muted her phone, then glanced at Duane. She started to type a reply, saying, "Why can't you discuss it over the phone? What if someone photographs us..."

Bradley countered, “Are we never going to meet again just because of a potential photograph? Don't worry, it won't affect my work."

"Alright," Sabrina agreed.

Sabrina stashed her phone and concocted a pretext to exit the chamber.

After coming out of the bathroom, she positioned herself near the fire exit, waiting patiently.

After a brief interval, Bradley approached her.

“Have you been waiting long?"

"No, not at all. What did you want to talk about?" Sabrina inquired.

Bradley gazed at Sabrina, his expression a tangle of emotions, his eyes harboring profound affection.

Sabrina's heart fluttered as she discerned the intensity in his gaze.

Bradley... Hadn't he given up yet?

Since she'd turned down Bradley's advances at the restaurant during their previous encounter, their contact had grown sparse. Sabrina earnestly hoped Bradley could regard her as a friend.

She probed, "What's on your mind?"

Bradley remained silent for a few moments before speaking in a hushed tone.