Chapter 263

After a round of introductions and small talk, everyone found their seats. Ashton took the main seat, flanked by Bruce and Douglas. Caroline and I, feeling somewhat guilty, sat obediently at the end to assist with serving drinks. Once everyone settled, the waiter eagerly presented the menu, inviting everyone to make their selections. Given Ashton's esteemed status, he naturally turned to Bruce with the menu to give him the first choice. Bruce, however, waved off the menu with a simple "anything" before setting it aside. Ashton couldn't hide a hint of embarrassment at the refusal. Douglas stepped in and graciously accepted the menu. "Thank you, Mr. Jennings. Let us handle the ordering," he said, before selecting a set meal for the group. Then, he turned to Caroline and me and asked, "Would you like to add on anything else?" Caroline responded with a smile, "We'll follow your lead." "Oh, and..." Douglas suddenly remembered something and turned back to the waiter. "Do you have