His Unveiled Passion

Chapter

44

Tessa and her colleagues gathered at Union Restaurant, a high-end establishment located near Shelton Law Firm.

All the private recisa excipit for the VIP room were filled with Shelton's staff.

The private room where Tessa sat buzzed with conversation.

"Ms. Yates, you're so generous, Going straight for Union Restaurais, young female lawyer teased with a smile. "The last time I was here was during the firm's annual dinner when the boss foored the bill." Sarah-chuckled and added, "Ms. Yates is young and accomplished. It looks like she's done well for herself over the years. With more than a hundred of us here, it seems like tonight will pot a dent in your wallet."

"Ms. Yates must be very capable," Tomm chimed in with a laugh

A woman then mockingly said, "Wow. Ms. Yates. Are you sure you can afford this? The average cost per person here is at least 100 dollars. Add drinks and tonight's bill might cost you three months of your salary. Why don't we pick somewhere more ationlable so you don't strain your budget?"

The woman who just spoke was Yasmin Collins, another lawyer from the ligation department. Tessa had met Yasmin earlier that day and thought she had a disagreeable character. Now, her initial impression seemed accurate. Yasmin appeared as difficult a character as she had anticipated. Tsmiled lightly, "It's time. I can afford it

oh, so Ms. Young was right," Yasmin continued with a sarcastic edge. "Ms. Yates must've made a fortune these past few years. Cace to share your secrets with us?" Tessa was undazed as she simply responded, "What secrets could there ber We're all lawyers here. Big cases bring in more money whereas small ones bring in less. "Besides, I'm not eansing as much as you, Ms. Collins. It's been three year and I still can't afford a car. I heard you've already bought a house in Rivertow=" She was speaking the truth Her salary couldn't cover the cost of a decent car-not that she needed to save for one.

Samuel had gifted her a Porsche gin and a tolls-Royce Phantom, both of which sat untouched in the family garage. She hadn't driven the Maserati that Uriah gave her in ages either.noveldrama

Recently, she had been using the glacier-blue Bentley Continental that Stephen had gifted her.

Yasmin knew nothing about Tessa's family background. Hearing Tessa's words, Yasmin assumed snugly that Tessa struggled financially.

Yasmin seed pleased by that information. She was convinced that Tessa put on a show of generosity just to impress her colleagues. Their little episode passed quickly.

Tessa soon sailed and said, "Let's order. Feel free to pick anything you like.

"Well, I won't hold back then, Yasmin said with a grin and handed the menu to Sarah, Ms. Young, you should go first."

Yasmin was well adept at navigating workplace dynamics

The people in this private room were all from the litigation department, Sarah being the highest-ranking. As Sarah took the menu, she recalled Jacqueline's request to look after Tessa. With that in mind, she didn't hold back. "I'll have this, this, and this," she said, pointing at three of the most expensive dishes on the mem

The waiter took down her order which totaled up to almost 400 dollars.

Sarahi passed the menu to Yamin, who then ordered two more expensive items.

The new intem, Jasmine, sat beside Tessa Herexpression grew increasingly distressed as they ordered. Shegged on Tessa's sleeve and whispered, "Ms. Yates, this place is way too expensive. I can't afford to split the bill."

lasaline thought the dinner cost would be split between her and Tessa. She had been anxious since she saw the menu earlier.

She was worried that the bill might drain an entire year of her salary. Her face turned red with anxiety. Tessa patted her hand gently and said, 'Don't worry. Tonight's dinner is on me. You don't need to chip in " "Really?" Jasmine's expression changed to one of relset. "Thank you so much, Ms. Yates"

The orders were thus placed. Ten people in the private room tacked up a bill of 3,000 dollars. With drinks, they added another 1,500 dollars to it. Tessa's lips curved into a falei smile as she glanced at the recript Hercolleagues had deliberately chosen the most expensive options. It was obvious that she was bring taken advantage of

But since Samuel fud meinstated her credit cards, this mount was trivial to her. She considered it an investment to build rapport with her colleagues. Halfway through the meal, Tesssexcused herself to use the restroom.

"Mc. Yates, whirre are you going? Are you ring off because you can't pay the bill?" Yasmin quipped

*I'm just going to the stroom. What'sib matter, Ms, Collins? Don't you trust me? Why don't you tag along, then?" Tessa replied flatly.

Holi no! I was just joking! Don't take it seriously," Yasin replied with an insincer tour

Tessa ignored her and walked out.

As she passed the elevator, she locked eyes with someone familiar

"Tess? What are you doing her?" Steplin asked, his voice tinged with surprise.