Chapter 36
Yvonne was thrilled that Leroy had agreed to her invitation
But in Leroy’s mind, their outing was little more than a way to dodge Olivia’s relentless matchmaking. He assumed Yvonne saw it the same way—a convenient excuse to placate her parents.
Scarlett stormed back into her estate, anger simmering beneath the surface.
Victor immediately noticed her sour mood. After years of working for her, he could recognize when it had something to do with Leroy.
Ms. Payne, would you like me to prepare some dinner for you?” he asked cautiously.
Scarlett shot him a glance, her lips pressed into a thin line, before nodiling faintly,
Victor sighed. “It Dr. Olson were here, I’m sure he’d make something that suits your tastes perfectly,” he said wistfully.
Scarlett frowned, her thoughts dritting to the meal she’d had that day at the hospital. That flavor was so distinct, unlike anything else she’d ever had
Memories began to resurface her first taste of Leroy’s cooling, the way it had surprised and delighted her. Back then, she hadn’t expected him to be so skilled. The warmth of that memory lingered, bittenweet, as she realized she’d likely never taste anything like it again.
Her mind stapped back to earlier that day, replaying Lewy’s gentle tone and the way he seemed so protective of Yvonne. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. How could she have misjudged him so badly?
The sound of the front door opening interrupted her thoughts, Cedric walled in briskly, his expression laced with concem.
“Lettie, why’d you leave like that? I was worried,” he said, burying to her side,
He set a takeout bag on the table and said, “You left so quickly. I figured you’d be hungry later. I picked up some of your favorite dishes.”
Cedric smiled as he unpacked the food, arranging the containers on the table.
But when Scarlett saw the spread, her appetite vanished. Most of the dishes were spicy and heavily seasoned, with only one simple salad thrown in. She pushed the thought aside, though imitation tickered in her eyes.
Victor entered the room and shook his head at the sight of the food. “These aren’t suitable for Ms. Payne,” he said firmly, motioning for the staff to bring out a more appropriate meal he’d already prepared.
Cedne frowned, his expression quiddy shitting into something apologetic. “Lettie, I forgot you can’t handle spicy food right now. I’m sorry, I was just trying to help,” he said, his eyes glistening with feigned guilt.
Scarlett sighed, her resolve softening at his tone. “It’s fine. I know you were just trying to look out for me,” she said. “But I’ll stick to something lighter tonight.” She gave him a small, tired smile. Victor, however, felt unconvinced. The arrangement of the dishes seemed too deliberate. How could someone who claimed to care about her make such a glaring mistake?
The heat morning, Leroy was julled awake by Olivia
Leroy, per up! You told me you were meeting Yvonne today. Don’t keep her waiting,” she said, standing by his bedside with her hands on her hips.
Leroy groaned, pulling the blanker over his head. “Mom, we’re just going to an art exhibition. It’s not a big deal,” he mumbled. “Why are you waking me up so
olivia’s expression didn’t budge. “Not a big deal? It’s a datel” alexclaimed. “If you show up early, she’ll appreciate it. You should be putting effort into After hearing those words, Leroy was left speechless.
