I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away
Chapter 371: The Frenchman Lucien DuMont

Terrence Sterling rested his head against Meredith's stomach, listening for any signs of movement from the little one inside, though no noticeable kicks had come yet. Meredith watched Terrence with a tender gaze, a wave of happiness washing over her as she touched his face, wishing for these peaceful days to continue forever.

The next day, Azure came to invite Meredith to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of her new dance studio. "It's ready already? Have you told Terrence Sterling?" Meredith asked. "He's too busy, let's not bother him," Azure replied, "It's just a small studio. For someone like him to attend, it would be too much. I really hope you can make it next Wednesday."

Azure, having few friends in the capital, truly hoped Meredith would come to the opening. "Of course, I'll be there," Meredith smiled, "I'll bring a big bouquet to celebrate your opening. Plus, any of your studio staff who dine at my restaurant will get a 90% discount." Meredith had not been to her own restaurant recently; Reese had been managing it.

Azure smiled, "Great, I have to head to the studio now, so I'll leave first." Azure's visit was specifically to invite Meredith, showing her importance over a mere call or message. "Perfect, I'm heading out too, to the restaurant. Let's go together." Meredith stepped out, followed inevitably by Selene Cove. Azure glanced at Selene and remarked to Meredith, "Terrence Sterling really looks out for you, even hiring a bodyguard." Meredith humbly responded, "He does it for his daughter's sake, I'm just basking in her light."

Curious, Azure asked, "Did you find out the gender? Is it a daughter?" "We haven't checked, but I feel it's a girl," Meredith laughed, "I hope it's a daughter. Daughters are so dear."

Chatting and laughing, they left; Azure drove to her studio, while Meredith and Selene Cove headed to the restaurant. On the way, Meredith received a call from Tessa Granger, who wanted to introduce a new French friend to her. Meredith told Tessa to meet her at the restaurant.

Upon arriving, Meredith said to Selene Cove, "You don't need to follow me around. Wander as you like, do you enjoy fondue? Shall I set up a table for you?" "No need," Selene Cove replied, "Mrs. Sterling, you go about your business; I'll just sit over there by the window." Selene knew that constantly following Meredith could be uncomfortable for her. "Alright, then make yourself comfortable," Meredith responded, calling over Reese to serve Selene some water.

"Sure," Reese promptly served her, "Miss Cove, here's your tea. If you need anything, just let me know."

Selene, being reserved, merely nodded her acknowledgement.

Shortly after Meredith's arrival, Tessa Granger walked in with her French friend, calling out, "Meredith!" Tessa was always so lively and warm-the reason she was favored in the Granger family, preferring the company of genuine people over schemers.

Meredith turned to see Tessa pulling in a foreign man, in his early twenties, with deep blue eyes and a gentle yet profound face, highlighted by a high nose bridge and fluffy brown hair. Tessa introduced him with a smile, "Meredith, this is Lucien DuMont, the French friend I told you about, but we usually call him Lance. Isn't there a resemblance between you two? Lucien is actually a descendant of French royalty."

It was Meredith's first time meeting Lucien DuMont. At first glance, they did seem similar, but a closer look revealed they weren't that alike after all. The most striking similarity was their eyes-Lucien's were light blue, while Meredith's were light brown.

Lucien extended his hand warmly, "Hello, Tessa has told me so much about you. It's my first visit to the capital, and she couldn't wait to introduce me. You are very beautiful."

Reese couldn't help but exclaim, "Such a handsome French guy."

Meredith shook his hand, "Hello! Why not try our cheese fondue?"

Lucien showed keen interest, "It would be my pleasure."

Tessa chimed in, "Meredith's restaurant is very popular and absolutely delicious."

Lucien's interest deepened, "Then I must try it."

Meredith instructed, "Reese, please prepare the ingredients for a table."

"Right away," Reese went to make the arrangements.

Meredith led everyone upstairs to a private room where the waitstaff began serving. Reese remembered something and mentioned to Meredith, "My dad called this morning, Mr. Thatcher and they took Justin back to his hometown."