### Chapter 36: A Dinner Invitation Since the day I was compelled to publicly clarify the nature of Christopher Lyman and Janet's relationship, the dynamics in the office had shifted dramatically. No longer did he summon her to his office with a casual charm that made her pulse quicken. The tension that had once hung thick in the air began to fade, replaced by a sense of relief that Janet cautiously embraced. As Saturday approached, a glow of anticipation filled her heart – a welcome respite from the week’s stresses. She had plans! Fresh fruits would be her offering as she visited Hannah, whose condition had taken a turn for the better since her transfer. The thought of spending precious time with her friend warmed Janet’s spirit. With a sense of purpose, Janet shut down her computer, ready to leave when a voice broke through her thoughts. “Lind, don’t rush off just yet!” Christopher called from behind, his usual assured demeanor enveloping the room. “Gather your things and come with me. We’re heading out for dinner, and consider it overtime. The company will cover your extra hours.” Biting her lip, Janet felt a flutter of unease twist in her stomach. She had an inkling about the evening's agenda, and anxiety settled in. “Mr. Lyman, what kind of dinner are we talking about? Will anyone else be joining us?” Her voice held a tremor, hinting at her discomfort. His gaze swept the deserted office, the lingering remnants of their colleagues long gone, and replied, “It’s just us. I can't invite anyone else, can I? We have a golden opportunity to win a new client and design custom products for their brand this year. Let’s see if we can seal the deal tonight.” Janet glanced around the empty space, realizing he was indeed alone with her. She had lingered to finalize an extra design draft, and now she felt uncertain about why she was being singled out for this dinner. After all, she was merely a newcomer in this vast world of business. Why not his well-versed assistant? Thoughts crawled through her mind, questioning her place in this scenario. ‘Am I really ready for this?’ “Mr. Lyman,” she hesitated, “why don’t you ask someone else to accompany you? I have important work to do tonight.” With that, she picked up her bag, her resolve strengthening. In a sudden movement, he grasped her wrist, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. “Don’t be nervous. I only want to help you. You’re just at the beginning of your career, and this is your chance to network with some powerful figures in the fashion industry. Don’t throw away this opportunity over trivial reasons.” Janet pulled her hand free, her heart racing with a mix of frustration and trepidation. “Mr. Lyman, we are in a professional setting. If you continue acting like this, people will misconstrue our relationship. Let’s not go down that path again after you’ve clarified everything already, please.” “Lind, stop being so stubborn. We’re all here to work. It’s just dinner; why are you making it such a massive deal? Remember, this is a workplace, not a school. Follow the rules!” His voice rose, laced with an undercurrent of sarcasm. “It’s not that I don’t want to join you; it’s just that I genuinely have crucial work to finish,” she replied, trying to keep the balance. “Don’t be reckless!” he snapped, trying to pull her away forcefully. But just then, a hand clasped around her wrist—steady, firm, and protective. “Mr. Lyman, this is the 21st century! You cannot coerce a subordinate into doing something against her will,” Christopher interjected, his jaw clenched but his demeanor calm, though the fury simmered just beneath the surface. The tension in the room rose palpably. Christopher's presence was a lifeline for Janet, offering her a shield against Christopher Lyman's authority. She couldn’t help but feel a rush of gratitude. “This has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it,” Chris shot back, redirecting his glare at Janet. “Don’t be foolish! If you disobey me, I’ll ensure you never work with the Larson Group again.” Janet’s heart sank at his threat, feeling the weight of her precarious position. Although Christopher’s arrival had altered the power dynamic between them, she feared the fallout of losing her job and the opportunity to protect her friend. “Chris, please, it’s okay. I’ll be fine,” she reassured him, forcing a smile even as dread coiled in her stomach. Her steely gaze found Christopher Lyman once more. “Mr. Lyman, I’ll go with you.” The decision hung in the air, definitive and clear. What came next would undeniably alter the course of their lives.