"What’s the deal? She was supposed to be here at eight. So unpunctual," Adam Miller muttered as he turned and left the coffee shop.

However, he returned a moment later, phone in hand, his beady eyes fixed on Chloe Reed. "Miss, what’s your name? How old are you? Where are you from? Why don’t we get to know each other? The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew we’d be a good match."

Chloe Reed: "..."

’Who would have thought? He actually came circling back.’

Preston Vance walked over and stood directly in front of Chloe Reed, saying, "This lady is here to see me."

Adam Miller looked him up and down, then said contemptuously, "Aren’t you just the owner of some shabby coffee shop? I could buy ten shops like this!"

Preston Vance maintained his faint smile and said, "This lady and I haven’t started our conversation yet. Sir, even if you want to chat, you’ll have to get in line."

Adam Miller could only turn and walk away in a huff.

Preston Vance sat down opposite Chloe Reed, the smile in his eyes widening slightly. "I see now. You were accompanying Miss Yates to her blind date."

Chloe Reed nodded. "Yes. Who knew we’d run into... such a unique character."

After a moment, she said, "Thank you for that, by the way."

Preston Vance said, "Don’t mention it. And perhaps... we really could have that chat?"

"What?"

Chloe Reed froze for a moment.

Preston Vance asked, "When is your next court date for the divorce with Mr. Grant?"

Chloe Reed found his question odd, but answered anyway. "There probably won’t be a hearing. We’re finalizing it today."

Preston Vance raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You were waiting for a hearing before. Why is this so sudden?"

Chloe Reed took a sip of her milk. "I guess he finally came around."

But Preston Vance just smiled and shook his head. "He’s going to regret this decision."

Hearing this, Chloe Reed looked exasperated. "Mr. Vance, could you please not say things like that? I’ve been waiting for this day for a very long time."

"Alright, alright. My mistake."

Preston Vance held up his hands in surrender, then asked, "When are you heading over?"

Chloe Reed checked the time. "The Civil Affairs Bureau opens at nine. I need to head over now."

Preston Vance took off his apron. "I’m done with my work here, and it’s on my way. Mind if I catch a ride with you?"

"On your way?" Chloe Reed blinked, confused.

Preston Vance nodded and said in a gentle voice, "I’m the sponsor of an animal charity. I have to go over there to fill out some paperwork."

Chloe Reed’s eyes lit up. "You rescue stray animals?"

"I do." A hint of compassion filled Preston Vance’s eyes. "If they aren’t rescued, they’ll die. It’s so tragic."

He looked up at her and said, "I have an island. It’s filled with all the stray animals I’ve rescued. If you’re interested, I can take you for a visit sometime."

Chloe Reed was inwardly stunned, then she smiled. "When I get the chance in the future, I’ll definitely take you up on that."

The two of them stood up, left the coffee shop together, and drove straight to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Halfway there, Chloe Reed’s phone started ringing. She took it out and saw it was a call from Iris Yates.

"Chloe, I just remembered I promised to go with you for your divorce. I’m already home now, so I can’t be there with you. I’m so sorry," came Iris Yates’s guilty, slightly regretful voice over the phone.