Amelie, Zilia, and Juniper entered the restaurant, deciding to fuel up with lunch before heading out for their shopping trip.

"I need to use the restroom. June, could you please hold Noah for a moment?" Amelie asked politely.

"Yeah, sure," Juniper replied, taking the boy into her arms. She felt a wave of nerves, wondering if he would feel comfortable or if he was about to burst into tears. Surprisingly, Noah remained perfectly calm.

Zilia noticed the look of shock on Juniper's face and smiled.

"Noah likes you," Zilia stated, gesturing toward the toddler. "Look at him, he's already busy playing with the wide collars of your top."

The waiter placed the menus on the table before taking a respectful step back.

"I'm stunned too," Juniper admitted, her gaze softening as she watched Noah. She couldn't help but recall the bitter way she had spoken about him out of jealousy in the past. She regretted every word, feeling a pang of guilt for ever involving an innocent child in her own resentment.

"Did Ophelia die?" she asked, her tone shifting to a more serious note. "I know I'm asking late, but that woman was incredibly dangerous."

"Yeah, she's gone," Zilia replied quietly.

"She even sent me a package once, and I hid it... then lied about it," Juniper confessed, her voice trailing off. "But when she approached me directly later, I didn't take her help. I realized I had done wrong after I was rejected. I couldn't go through with whatever she was planning."

"You did the right thing. June, I'm truly sorry for everything you've gone through," Zilia said softly. "I always wanted to see you happy with..."

"Some fated bonds aren't meant to last forever," Juniper interrupted gently, a peaceful look on her face. "And I'm much happier like this. My identity is no longer a secret or a lie, and I've made genuine friends. So yes, I am happy and contented now."

"Ana... Boo... Wha..." Noah babbled, his tiny hands clutching her laced collar tightly as he looked up at her with wide, curious eyes.

"What are you saying, little guy?" Juniper asked, her voice hitching with a bit of nervous laughter.

"Even I have no idea most of the time," Zilia stated with a grin. "But he seems very insistent, maybe he's trying to tell you he likes the lace on your collar."

Amelie returned and quickly took her seat, smoothing out her dress.

"Thanks, June, for looking after him. I hope he wasn't any trouble," she said.

"Not at all," Juniper replied, carefully passing the boy back to Amelie.

Amelie had already requested a baby chair, which the staff had arranged and placed right next to her. She carefully settled Noah into the seat, ensuring he was secure before handing him his favorite milk bottle.

"Have your lunch, little one," she murmured, caressing his head with a tender smile before finally turning her attention to the menu.

After they placed their orders for the main courses and appetizers, the waiter bowed slightly.

"Everything will be ready in about five to ten minutes," he informed them politely.

"Sure," Amelie replied with a nod.

As the waiter stepped away, Amelie felt Gabriel was around.

'How could he be? He's at the office,' she thought. But the pheromones, the musky scent... It was definitely Gabriel's.

"Papa!" Noah chirped suddenly. He popped the bottle out of his mouth and flung his tiny hands up in pure joy, his face lighting up.

The three women turned their gazes toward the entrance and were stunned to see Gabriel walking in their direction. Denzel followed closely behind him, looking equally sharp as they moved through the restaurant toward their table.

Amelie stood up immediately, and Juniper followed her lead. As Zilia began to push herself up, Gabriel reached out a hand, gesturing for her to stay settled.

"Stay seated, Zilia," he said firmly but kindly. "Don't strain yourself."

Denzel stepped forward, offering a polite greeting to each of them, starting with a warm nod toward Zilia.

"What are you doing here?" Amelie asked, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked at her husband.

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Gabriel replied, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Why don't you all sit down so we can talk?" Zilia suggested, gesturing to the spacious booth. "The table is more than big enough to accommodate everyone."

Denzel and Juniper exchanged a knowing smile as Denzel signaled a passing waiter, requesting two additional chairs for the table.

"Pa!" Noah called out again, his little voice rising as he felt he was being ignored in the shuffle of the adults.

"Yes, boy? Did you miss me already?" Gabriel asked softly. He moved to Noah's side, dropping to one knee so he was at eye level with the baby, and gently captured Noah's tiny, waving hands in his own.

The staff had placed the two chairs when Gabriel stood and sat on it. He moved the milk bottle close to Noah's mouth, who now got busy in drinking it.

"We were having a meeting here with a client. I only realized you were here when I caught your scent," Gabriel explained, finally answering the question that had been lingering in the air.

"And we came here because Zilia suggested a sudden meet-up—just me, Zilia, and June," Amelie replied, her surprise settling into a smile. "I did drop you a message, though. Didn't you read it?"

"I was buried in work," he replied, glancing at her with an apologetic shrug. "It must have skipped my notice."

"Well, Amelie informed the security and made sure the protocol wouldn't be compromised," Zilia pronounced with a steady smile.

"Did you send the report to Cas? He mentioned he was waiting for it," Gabriel asked.

"Yes, I did. Everything is fine," Zilia answered, her tone reassuring.

"And how is everyone treating you at your workplace?" Gabriel asked, turning his attention toward Juniper.

"Everything has turned much better," Juniper replied.

"You can inform Denzel if you feel troubled at any point. He will report it directly to me," Gabriel stated. Such a direct offer of support was completely unexpected coming from him.

Amelie couldn't help but smile as she realized Gabriel had finally stopped treating Juniper with coldness and hostility.