Leanna

[Lunch]

After the first day of school, Cain had been very busy. He returned home ten in the evening or even twelve in the morning, and always go to work as early as seven. Nevertheless, he still woke at five to accompany Little Pluffy and me for a walk.

He wouldn't allow me to go out alone early in the morning when it was still dark, even on how much I persuaded him to rest and get some more sleep. He said he would sleep in the helicopter.

It was going on for three days now.

It was Friday, and I don't have class. After we finished breakfast, Cain kissed me goodbye and left.

The moment he was gone, I grabbed the newspaper and read the page which caught my attention.

---- Jansen Conglomerate broke off billion-dollar joint venture with Farrell Corp. ----

I guess Uncle Luke already knew about Nicholas breaking the engagement with Zoe.

I smirked and checked my phone when it vibrated with Zhane's name on the screen.

[WhizKid: Princess!!

let's go out for lunch, my treat.

This is not a setup ☺]

I laughed a little.

[Me: Alright, where?

Pick a restaurant that allows pets]

[WhizKid: Then, how about Farm Produce?

They serve rice and have outside seating 

if you have pets]

I pondered for a moment.

Farm Produce was situated near New Haven's luxury shopping district and only thirty minutes from my place.

[Me: Alright,

meet you at eleven]

[WhizKid: Sweet! ????]

----

It was summer, and although the temperature here was not that hot compared to my country, it was still humid and warm.

I put on a simple lime-colored drawstring top paired with white shorts and black slip-on. I braided my hair and puff some powder and lip gloss.

I grabbed a backpack and put Little Pluffy's bowl, dog food, snacks, and chewing toys inside. All the while, the little puff of fur followed me around, wagging his tail as if sensing his impending freedom.

At first, I was worried in leaving the little guy behind in the unit all alone while I went to school and Cain went for work, but I was surprised and amazed that the little fur-ball was exceptionally well behaved for a puppy. Except for the constant biting and chewing off his toys, he didn't misbehave nor turned aggressive whenever he was left alone.

I wonder if he already received some kind of training?

I put on his leash and walked to the exit. I opened the door and was surprised to see Estela, standing pretty in front of my door like she was waiting for me.

"Leanna, let's go out and have lunch!" she said all smiles.

Little Pluffy circled her feet, sniffing her which made Estela giggled. Sensing the girl was not dangerous, little Pluffy went back to my side and obediently waited for me to take my first step.

"Sorry, Estela. I've already promised Zhane that I'll eat lunch with him."

Estela clasped her hands and turned to the elevator and raised her fists in the air.

"That's great! We have one more person to join us!"

I was about to say something, but sensing that she was so adamant about tagging along, I shook my head in defeat and strode beside her.

----

[Guarding]

[Me: It's just Zhane brother,

don't worry]

[ColdEmperor: Guard her well]

[Me: Leave it to me ????]

----

We arrived at Farm Produce and saw Zhane sitting carefree at one of the shaded tables outside.

I did a quick swept of the place. It was pack! It was a good thing that it was not that hot and Little Pluffy's coat was not yet thick.

"Princess! And err . . . Estela?" Zhane greeted me while his smile froze when he saw Estela.

"Zhane you dope! How come you invited Leanna and didn't invite me out?" Estela said.

Zhane shifted his gaze between Estela and me. He scratched the back of his head and forced a smile. "I er . . . didn't know you're also here."

"Estela and I are attending the same University. By the way, Zhane, don't you have class?" I asked.

We sat on the chair, and I tied Little Pluffy's leash on the table and brought out his bowl and fed him water. Little Pluffy wagged his tail while circling my chair before sniffing Zhane's foot. Contended, he went back to my side, drank the water, and slumped his furry self on the ground. His stomach flat on the floor with four paws extending without a care in the world.

Awww! So cute!

"I don't have a class on Fridays and weekends. Is that the Tibetan Mastiff Cain gave you?" Zhane asked, pointing at little Pluffy.

"Yep," I answered with a smug face.

"Zhane, how come you're here and not helping my brother in New York?" Estela narrowed her eyes at the man.

Zhane swallowed hard. "I just wanted to see Princess before the weekends. Later, I'll fly to New York. I don't have any ulterior motives! Honest!"

"You better be. You know how my brother is," Estela threatened.

Zhane audibly gulped, wiping the tiny sweat forming on his forehead as he let out a strained laugh. He then shifted to me and changed the topic.

"Princess, why are there so many people hacking your account? You didn't even stay here for a month, and yet, you already made so many enemies?" Zhane asked after the waiter took our orders.

I shrugged. "Isn't that why you're there?"

Zhane leaned against his cushioned chair and placed his arms behind his head, completely relax. "You kidding? With Cain guarding your account, I don't have to do a thing. That guy is ruthless!"

Zhane, remembering Cain unleashing that virus on anyone who attempted to hack Leanna's information . . . He shivered. Cold sweat raced down on his back.

I was surprised for a moment.

I didn't know that. Cain didn't tell me anything.

Estela, seeing my troubled expression, changed the topic. "Leanna, after lunch, let's go roam around. There's a nearby lane of shops here."

"That's my plan. I'm going to Bijoux to make a collar for little Pluffy. I heard that they have customization services there." I shot a beam at the slumping furball, excited for him.

Estela clasped her hands in delight. "That's right! Let's go shopping while we're at it!"

Zhane grinned and winked at us. "I'll accompany you girls, then. My flight is at four anyway."

Estela and I giggled while little Pluffy yawned in boredom.