Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 246

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on January 24, 2026

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The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride

Chapter 246 Sharing the Table

Ava glanced at the girls around her. “Let me check with them first,” she said.

She moved over to ask their opinions.

Finished

Zoey’s eyes lingered on the young man called Linden. His golden hair framed a pair of striking olive–green eyes. Tall and lean, probably around six–two, with fair skin that made him stand out among the other guys —he was impossible to miss.

Zoey quickly averted her gaze, her heart hammering. Wow… he is so handsome.

Noelle shrugged. “I don’t mind either way.”

Naomi hesitated. “Is this really okay? They’re having a group dinner… If we join them, wouldn’t we be interrupting?”

Zoey’s cheeks flushed. “I… I don’t mind either,” she mumbled.

Ava glanced at the time. Indeed, just as Linden had said, finding seats was tricky–they might have to wait a while otherwise.

Malory draped an arm around Naomi’s shoulders and laughed. “Girl, don’t worry about interrupting. That’s not a thing. Captain Oestergaard is a great guy–don’t believe me? Ask Ava. Our team got to the finish line so fast because Captain Oestergaard knows how to lead.”

Malory didn’t forget to butter up Linden.

“By the way, can your private room fit this many people?”

Dario nodded. “Yeah, no problem. It’s big enough for twenty or thirty people comfortably.”

Ava turned to the group. “If no one objects, I’ll ask Linden. Let’s split the bill evenly.”

Naomi nodded. “Okay. I’m fine with splitting. If not, I won’t eat.”

With that settled, Ava approached Linden. “Linden, we’re okay sharing a table. But everyone agrees–we should split the bill. If that’s not acceptable, we can find another spot or wait a bit.”

Linden looked at her and nodded. “Sounds good.”

The group made their way to the private room. True to Dario’s words, it was spacious.

The menu was passed around, landing first in the girls‘ hands. Ava let them order while she slipped to the

restroom.

Once inside and the door closed, she opened her Holoband and reconnected the video call she’d cut off earlier.

Ryan’s face appeared. “Why didn’t you answer me before?”

“I am having dinner with friends. Not convenient,” Ava replied. “I’ll call you back later, okay?”

18:39 Sat, Jan 24 M G

Chapter 246 Sharing the Table

Ryan glanced around at her surroundings. “Alright, enjoy your meal with them.”

Finished

Ava smiled, ended the call, and quickly sent messages to Mason and Keith to let them know she was out with friends and would get back to them later that evening.

“Ava, come sit!” Naomi patted the seat next to her. “You can cook? I wouldn’t have guessed! No wonder you didn’t look worn out yesterday.”

Malory chuckled. “I’m telling you, Ava’s food is amazing. Seriously, restaurant–quality.”

Naomi looked envious, then turned to Malory. “No wonder you’re so cozy with her–you’re riding her coattails!”

Malory smirked. “It’s not just me. If anyone’s riding coattails, it’s all of us.”

Ava waved her hand. “It’s not just me. All thanks to our captain’s leadership. And the team’s unity–without them, I couldn’t have done anything.”

Dario laughed. “If Ava hadn’t guided the cooking, our team would still be eating disaster dishes. Not deadly, but it would’ve been rough for days.”

Edwin, watching Dario, smiled softly, then shot him a pitying look.

Of all people, he had to like Ava. A girl like her was clearly out of their league–Dario’s crush was destined to be a bitter, unfulfilled affair.

Edwin’s lips curved in a faint smile as his gaze drifted to Linden on the other side of the table. Linden… Well, maybe there is a chance there, but it’s hard to tell.

At the moment, Linden gave nothing away. Edwin withdrew his eyes and looked toward Ava’s other friends. Now those girls–there might actually be some hope.