Chapter 377

Evelyn assumed Dominic would return to The Chateau Royale after wrapping up his business negotiations.

She never anticipated he'd whisk her away for dinner instead.

Dominic turned to her, his gaze steady. "Did you get a chance to try the restaurant I recommended?"

Evelyn's mind flashed back to that chaotic afternoon at The Canopy. She hadn't seen Oliver since the incident and often wondered how he was faring.

Food allergies weren't uncommon—plenty of people suffered from them.

From lactose intolerance to shellfish reactions, some even had adverse responses to grains like millet or simple ingredients like eggs.

The possibilities were endless when it came to dietary restrictions.

While ignorance about one's own allergies was understandable, Penelope was Oliver's mother. How could she not know?

"Is there anything you'd like?"

Dominic slid the menu toward her, aware of her fluency in Laurentian.

Evelyn absently touched her earlobe and shook her head. "I'm not familiar with the cuisine here. You order—I'll eat anything."

Truthfully, she preferred the flavors of home.

Even though Laurentia boasted exquisite dishes, Evelyn had never quite acquired the taste for them.

"Since we just toured the Olivella Soap factory, why not try the Mariner's Stew and steaks for the main course?" He skimmed the menu, then paused. "We drove here, so no alcohol. Agreed?"

Evelyn nodded, so Dominic ordered two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice before handing the menu back to the waiter.

"Still upset with me?" Dominic asked, noticing her subdued demeanor.

"Why would I be?"

His question snapped her out of her thoughts. She'd been lost in reflection.

"You bought me gifts and took me to dinner. What's there to be upset about?"

Dominic smirked. "Seems like dinner was the right move."

"Not necessarily. I haven't tasted the food yet. We'll see if it was the right call," she teased lightly.

Soon, their dishes arrived.

The presentation was elegant, though Evelyn couldn't identify half the ingredients.

"Try it," Dominic encouraged, effortlessly slicing his steak into perfect cubes.

The stew looked rich and inviting, so she ladled some into her bowl. "This is the... Mariner's Stew?"

"Exactly. You're supposed to dip the bread into it as you eat," he explained, gesturing to the freshly baked loaf.

Evelyn hesitated but followed his lead. "And then?"

"If you don't mind garlic, spread some Saffron Aioli on the bread too."

Internally, she'd already decided this wasn't her kind of meal.

But Dominic had gone out of his way to bring her here, carefully considering her preferences. The least she could do was try.

She took a cautious spoonful of the stew—and was immediately hit with an explosion of seafood flavors.

The broth was a complex blend of herbs and spices, fragrant with a subtle kick of heat.

The intensity made her cough.

Dominic set down his knife and passed her a napkin. "Well?"

"It's... vibrant. Bold," she admitted after a moment.

And she meant it. The stew had a distinct, savory depth.

Unfortunately, her palate wasn't refined enough to pinpoint the ingredients. Her nose might be exceptional, but her taste buds? Not so much.