The waiter approached, politely asking, "Sir, what would you like to drink?"

Zoe's gaze didn't shy away, directly focusing on Barrett.

Before Barrett could respond to the waiter, she handed him a tissue, saying, "Mr. Smith, it's pouring outside. You're all wet. Would you like to wipe yourself?"

As she spoke, the tissue was almost touching Barrett directly.

She stood up, leaning forward slightly. Her unbuttoned coat spread open, revealing a snug, warm white sweater and her well-defined upper body.

She appeared to have done nothing, yet it was evident that, invisibly, a closer distance had formed between them.

Over the past two years, Barrett had indulged in alcohol and...