Falling for the Goddess

Dr. Smith, Happy Cooperation

Unexpected Encounter

"Miss Duvall..." Chuck Smith greeted with a gentle smile, nodding slightly.

"Dr. Smith... you're here for a blind date too?"

Ella Duvall was at a loss for words.

How could her dear mother have failed to mention that her blind date was Chuck Smith?!

If she had known, she wouldn't have shown up like this—rushed makeup, casual outfit, zero effort in dressing up. Ahhh! This is a disaster!

Her heart was racing, but she forced herself to stay calm, sitting across from him with an elegant and composed posture.

Chuck Smith paused briefly, but didn't comment on her reaction.

Ella Duvall picked up the menu, casually flipping through it. "Shall we order before we chat?"

"Alright."

She had eaten with him before and had a good grasp of his preferences, so she ordered two set meals. After confirming with him, she handed the menu back to the server.

"You okay with these?"

"Whatever Miss Duvall prefers is fine."

That was just how he was—polite, reserved. Distant.

Ella Duvall had long gotten used to it.

She pressed her fingertips against the warm cup, using the heat to calm her nerves, then took a sip of water before speaking casually,

"I never expected Dr. Smith to be forced into blind dates too."

Chuck Smith chuckled softly. "My grandfather has been urging me quite a bit. It's hard to refuse him."

Truthfully, he had avoided blind dates for a long time. But ever since Adrian's marriage became public, his grandfather became even more persistent.

Every phone call, every family meeting—there was only one topic: marriage.

"Even Adrian is married! Do you know how happy Old Madam Blake is? When will you let me enjoy that happiness?"

"You're almost thirty! If you don't get married soon, you'll be left behind!"

"The only wish of this old man is to see you settled. If I can witness your wedding, I can die in peace..."

From emotional blackmail to direct threats, every tactic had been deployed.

Finally, Chuck Smith had no choice but to comply.

Ella Duvall traced the rim of her cup, her beautiful peach blossom eyes curved in a smile, her red lips forming a playful arc.

"Dr. Smith, I have a proposal. Would you be interested in hearing it?"

Chuck Smith's eyes flickered with curiosity. "I'm listening."

—

Back-Up Plan

At a nearby table, Sara Hart had been observing the two of them from a distance.

Something felt off.

The man's silhouette looked familiar... and Ella Duvall was grinning way too happily.

This wasn't part of the plan.

She quickly texted Ella Duvall:
[What's going on? Do I still need to step in?]

Ella Duvall glanced at her buzzing phone, quickly typing back:
[Abort mission! Change of plans!]
[It's your senior brother!!!]
[I'M MAKING MY MOVE!!!]