Chapter 144: The Second date.

For the first time since receiving the divorce papers, Amie had something to look forward to.

Dante seemed like the only promising thing in her life at the moment.

She picked one of the dresses she had ordered online, one she had never worn before. It revealed most of the promising parts of her body.

Standing in front of the mirror, she pressed her hand over the bodice.

This should look nice enough to attract him, she thought as she stared at herself.

Dante didn’t need to know about the divorce. There was no point in him finding out that she was already married. All she had to do was keep him interested in her as much as possible.

Amie left the house without informing Serena or Chris. She was still angry about the whole inheritance issue, and she believed that if she ignored them, maybe they would try to tweak some of the rules for her.

The drive to the location was longer than Amie expected. It felt as though she was heading toward the outskirts of the state.

Yet, Amie knew it was one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the state.

The area was quiet because most people couldn’t afford property there.

Amie stopped in front of the restaurant and stared at the scenery in awe.

For a moment, she thought she had been transported back in time. The building had an ancient appearance, yet it was neat and obviously well maintained.

How did Dante get a reservation at another highly exclusive place?

Her admiration for him shot up at that moment, and she became even more determined to snatch him for herself.

The moment she parked in front of the building, a valet was already waiting to help her park the car.

"Welcome, Miss. Please follow me," another staff member said.

Confused, Amie almost pointed out that she hadn’t even told her who she was there to see.

But from the staff member’s confident expression and the way she immediately led the way, it seemed she knew exactly where she was going.

Amie kept quiet and followed her.

Everyone they passed bowed slightly at her.

The staff member stopped in front of a closed door and knocked politely.

"Come in."

Amie recognized the voice, and her heart leapt just from hearing it.

The staff member opened the door.

Dante was sitting on the floor.

To anyone else, it might have looked uncomfortable, but Dante made it seem natural.

Any urge Amie had to complain disappeared instantly.

"Sir, I brought your guest."

Dante waved his hand, dismissing the staff member.

"This is beautiful," Amie commented as she settled herself on the small floor chair.

If it weren’t for Dante, there was no way she would willingly sit this close to the floor.

When Dante beckoned to the waitress, Amie didn’t make the mistake of ordering for herself this time. She depended on Dante to order for her.

"You look just as beautiful as always," Dante commented.

Amie felt her cheeks flush.

"Thank you. Now, have I earned the privilege of knowing your surname?"

From the way the staff bowed before him, she knew Dante had to be someone important.

But what she really wanted to know was just how important he was.

If he had enough influence, perhaps she could use it to make certain things happen.

"Monterrio."

Silence.

Dante watched her carefully, waiting for some sort of recognition.

There was none.

"Dante Monterrio," Amie repeated, testing the name on her lips.

For a brief moment, a strange thought entered her mind.

Amie Monterrio.

That sounded better than Amie Salvador.

Dante furrowed his brows.

He had expected her to recognize the name. Serena Vassari’s daughter should at least have heard of the Monterrios.

Yet Amie looked completely clueless.

"You’ve never heard the name before?" he asked.

Amie shook her head.

"Should I?"

Dante studied her for another second.

Interesting.

"Not really." A smirk appeared on his lips. "But I’d love for you to know more about it."

All Amie could think was that he wanted her.

"Tell me something about yourself that I don’t know," Dante continued. "How have you been adjusting to life with the Vassaris?"

For a brief moment, Amie looked as though she wanted to scream, but she quickly forced a smile.

"It’s been good so far. My mother and brother care so much about me. Sometimes, I feel their love is too much."

Dante nodded.

He was beginning to notice something about Amie.

She lied a lot.

"And is there any lucky guy in your life right now?" he asked.

Amie blinked.

"If there were, I wouldn’t be here right now."

Dante’s lips curved slightly.

He already knew about Rauf Salvador.

He also knew about the divorce papers.

Yet Amie had looked him straight in the eyes and pretended there was no man in her life.

Interesting.

"That’s good to know," Dante said instead.

Amie’s smile widened.

She had been worried that Dante might somehow find out about Rauf, but his response reassured her.

As long as she kept the divorce away from him, there was no reason anything should go wrong.

The waitress returned with their food and carefully arranged the dishes in front of them.

Amie stared at the meal before turning her attention back to Dante.

"So, what exactly do you do?"

Dante picked up his glass.

"I told you before. I work for my family."

"Yes, but what does your family do?"

Dante paused with the glass close to his lips.

Amie leaned forward slightly.

"I mean, everyone here seems to know you. You got us into this place easily. Even the staff treat you differently."

Dante took a slow sip before placing the glass back on the table.

"Let’s just say my family has quite a bit of influence."

Amie’s eyes brightened.

That was exactly what she wanted to hear.

Dante watched the satisfaction spread across her face.

She didn’t recognize his name.

She was hiding her marriage.

And she was far too interested in his influence.

Perhaps tonight would be more useful than he had expected.