Gary Lakes smiled tenderly.

Sophie Kenwick accepted the tickets with a beaming smile on her face. “Thank you, Gary.”

“You’re welcome. Have you had lunch?” he asked.

As they spoke, her stomach started growling, and her face reddened with embarrassment at the sound.

Gary chuckled. “Hmm, sounds like you haven’t. Would you like to join me for some food?”

Sophie began to nod but then hastily shook her head after that.

She couldn't just run off when she needed to stay by Xyla’s side to protect her.

Gary raised his brows briefly with a slightly curious look in his eyes. “What’s the matter? Are you turning me down?”

“No, but I was supposed to eat with Xyla,” she told him.

“That’s easy, we’ll get Xyla to come along,” he decided and then proceeded to call Xyla Quest on his phone.

“What are you up to, Xyla?” There was a constantly tender look in his eyes.

“I’m working. What’s up, Gary?” Xyla asked.

“Let’s have lunch together.”

“No, I can’t. I still have work to do,” she replied, gl