Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 761

Diana's expression remained unchanged. "Let them say whatever they want. There's no need to pay attention."

"I'm not afraid of what they say." Elizabeth sighed. "I'm afraid other people will believe it, and it'll delay you from finding your next match."

"Grandma, I'm not thinking about that right now." Diana's tone remained even. "There's nothing wrong with being alone."

Elizabeth looked at her for a long moment, said nothing more, and gently patted the back of her hand again.

"All right. As long as you know what you're doing."

Diana returned to her room, took a shower, and changed into a silk nightgown.

The phone on the table lit up with a new message from Nina.

Nina: [Ms. Hutton, the item has been delivered to the Kingston family. Mr. Marvin accepted it personally. He asked me to pass along a message. He said he'd still like to take you to dinner whenever you have time.]

There was no reason for Diana to deliver the item to the Kingston family herself on Hugo's behalf, so she had asked Nina to handle it instead.

She replied with a single word.

Diana: [Okay.]

She had just set her phone back on the table when another message appeared from an unfamiliar number.

[Ms. Hutton, this is Callum. I heard you're back in Brimcrest. I'm sorry about what happened at dinner last time. Whenever you're free, I'd like to treat you to coffee to make it up to you.]

Diana glanced at the message and raised an eyebrow slightly.

Callum really was a smart man. He had not contacted her again after their last meeting, choosing instead to wait until she returned to Brimcrest before reaching out at exactly the right time.

His message carried neither arrogance nor excessive humility, and there was no hidden agenda behind it.

Diana did not reply. Instead, she set her phone aside, turned off the light, and went to bed.

…

The next day, Brimcrest enjoyed a rare stretch of clear skies.

Callum: [Good. Let's meet at the café tomorrow afternoon.]

…

The following afternoon, Diana arrived at the café Callum had reserved. He was already waiting in the private room.

As soon as he saw her, he smiled and pulled out a chair for her. "It's an honor to have you here, Ms. Hutton."

"You're too kind, Mr. Sandhill." Diana took the seat across from him.

As they spoke, Callum poured a fresh pot of coffee with smooth, practiced movements. From the way he had ordered, it was obvious he knew his coffee well.

"The dinner last time was interrupted. I've felt bad about it ever since." He gently placed the cup in front of her. "Please accept this cup as my apology. I hope you won't hold it against me, Ms. Hutton."

"That had nothing to do with you, Mr. Sandhill." Diana picked up the cup and took a small sip. "You have nothing to apologize for."

Callum smiled and let the subject drop. Instead, he shifted the conversation to recent events in Brimcrest.