The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

This time, they were accompanied by several bodyguards; a precaution from Bryson after the recent incident.

Hannah had Dotson inform Bryson of their outing with a quick message.

Soon enough, they arrived at the Candy Cafe.

Dotson held the door open for Hannah, guiding her inside with a quiet whisper after a brief scan of the surroundings.

“Boss, your friend hasn’t shown up yet.

”

Hannah knew Lydia wouldn’t be punctual.

She suggested, “Let’s go in and have a seat while we wait for her.

”

Dotson agreed, “Okay, let me help you, Miss Moore.

You’re not familiar with this place; I wouldn’t want you to bump into anything.

”

“Okay.

”

They had just settled into their seats at the coffee shop when a waiter approached with menus.

“What would you two like to drink?” he asked.

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Hannah tilted her head thoughtfully, “I’ll have an iced tea, please.

”

“I’d like a cup of black coffee,” Dotson decided.

“How much will that be? I’ll cover it.

”

The waiter jotted down their orders and smiled, “That will be 30 dollars in total.

”

As Dotson reached for his phone to pay, the waiter quickly interjected with an apologetic smile, “I’m sorry, sir.

Our payment system is currently down, and unfortunately, we can’t accept direct payments.

Could you please get some cash from nearby? My apologies for the inconvenience.

We’ll include a dessert on the house as compensation.

”

Dotson glanced at Hannah with a hint of hesitation, “But…”

“It’s fine,” Hannah reassured him.

“Go ahead.

I’ll stay here and won’t wander off.

”

“Okay.

” Dotson stood and addressed the waiter.

“I’m going to get some cash.

Please look after this lady for me.

”

“Of course, sir.

Rest assured,” the waiter responded.

The wind chime at the door tinkled as Dotson left.

His footsteps gradually faded into the distance.

Alone now, Hannah waited as the waiter brought her iced tea and set it before her with a smile.

“Miss, enjoy your tea.

”

“Thank you,” Hannah said as the waiter placed her iced tea on the table.

She lightly touched the cup, then settled in to wait for Dotson and Lydia.

About five minutes later, the door opened from the outside, admitting a series of sparse footsteps.

Initially, Hannah paid little attention to the sound.

It wasn’t until the footsteps halted right in front of her table that she turned her ears towards the sound, though she remained silent.

The woman seemed to scrutinize Hannah for a moment before she slowly approached and sat down opposite her.

“Do we know each other? Don’t tell me you are Lydia,” Hannah remarked indifferently.