captured his attention

The moment Ella stepped downstairs, the entire living room fell silent.

Even the servants forgot to breathe.

No one could believe the transformation before their eyes.

Gone was the plain, timid girl who always hid behind oversized clothes and lowered her head whenever she spoke.

Standing before them now was a breathtaking beauty.

Her freshly cut hair fell in soft curls around her delicate face, framing her features perfectly. The simple dress she wore hugged her slender figure just enough to highlight her natural elegance without appearing extravagant.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow across her flawless skin.

She looked as though she had stepped straight out of a painting.

Even the maids were stunned.

"Miss Ella is so beautiful."

"I almost didn't recognize her."

"No wonder Young Master brought her home."

The compliments came one after another.

Across the room, Zeke sat on the sofa, seemingly focused on a business call.

Only he knew how difficult it was to maintain his composure.

His grip on the phone tightened slightly.

For a brief moment, his heartbeat became irregular.

His gaze unconsciously followed Ella's every movement.

The sunlight kissed her fair skin.

Her soft pink lips curved naturally into a gentle smile.

Zeke's eyes darkened.

An unfamiliar thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

What would those lips taste like?

The realization startled him.

He immediately looked away.

Since when had he become interested in a woman?

For thirty years, countless beautiful women had crossed his path.

None had ever captured his attention.

Yet this woman...

This troublesome little woman...

Continued to occupy his thoughts.

Before anyone could notice the slight change in his expression, he stood up and calmly walked away.

Only the slight redness on his ears betrayed him.

After finishing preparations for her first day back at school, Ella finally relaxed.

Tomorrow would be the beginning of her new life.

For the first time in years, she felt hopeful.

Sitting in the living room and watching the evening news, she suddenly felt hungry.

A craving for pancakes appeared out of nowhere.

Without hesitation, she headed toward the kitchen.

While gathering ingredients, she noticed Zeke working on his laptop nearby.

"Would you like some pancakes too?"

Zeke didn't even lift his head.

"Mm."

The short reply made Ella smile.

With the help of the kitchen staff, she quickly got to work.

The aroma of butter and vanilla soon filled the mansion.

The maids watched in surprise.

Miss Ella wasn't merely beautiful.

She could cook too.

Alongside the pancakes, she prepared a special herbal tea using a secret recipe she had developed over the years.

It wasn't particularly valuable.

But it helped relieve stress and improve sleep.

After everything was ready, she arranged the dishes neatly on the dining table.

Then she called for Zeke.

"Dinner is ready."

The moment Zeke entered the dining room, a pleasant aroma greeted him.

His eyes landed on the golden pancakes stacked neatly on a plate.

Surprisingly, they looked delicious.

Then his gaze shifted toward the tea.

His brows furrowed slightly.

He disliked unfamiliar drinks.

Noticing his expression, Ella quickly explained.

"It's a special recipe."

She smiled proudly.

"It's healthy."

Zeke remained silent.

Ella continued speaking.

"You drink coffee all day."

Then she deliberately emphasized her next words.

"That's not good for you, old man."

The dining room instantly fell silent.

The servants lowered their heads.

Several of them desperately fought the urge to laugh.

Old man?

Young Master Zeke?

The man was only thirty years old.

The entire city considered him the most desirable bachelor alive.

Yet this girl had the courage to call him old.

Zeke's expression darkened.

A dangerous glint flashed through his eyes.

Ella immediately regretted it.

But before she could apologize, he calmly picked up a fork and began eating.

His face remained completely expressionless.

Ella watched eagerly.

Waiting.

And waiting.

Surely he would compliment her cooking.

Right?

Unfortunately, nothing happened.

Not a single word.

Not even a nod.

Her shoulders slumped in disappointment.

Lowering her head, she began eating quietly.

Across from her, the corner of Zeke's lips almost lifted.

Almost.

But he suppressed it immediately.

For some reason, seeing her disappointed expression amused him.

Without comment, he finished every pancake on his plate.

Even the tea.

After dinner, they returned to the living room.

Zeke sat on the sofa watching the evening news.

Ella cleared the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.

Everything seemed normal.

Ten minutes later—

Silence filled the room.

Twenty minutes later—

Still silence.

When Ella returned, she froze.

Then burst into laughter.

Zeke was asleep.

Actually asleep.

The notorious workaholic who rarely slept more than four hours a night was leaning against the sofa with his eyes closed.

His breathing was slow and steady.

For once, the tension had disappeared from his face.

He looked surprisingly peaceful.

Just then, the front door opened.

Alfred Fredamo entered with his butler.

The moment he saw the sleeping figure, he nearly dropped his cane.

His eyes widened.

The butler wasn't any better.

Both men stood frozen.

"Is..."

Alfred rubbed his eyes.

"Is that Zeke?"

The butler nodded stiffly.

"It appears so, Master."

Alfred looked again.

His grandson was actually sleeping.

Not working.

Not reading reports.

Not attending meetings.

Sleeping.

And sleeping soundly.

For years, Zeke had struggled with insomnia.

Doctors from around the world had been unable to help him.

Yet now he was peacefully asleep on a sofa.

At noon.

Alfred felt as though he had witnessed a miracle.

At that moment, Ella approached and greeted them respectfully.

"Good afternoon, sir."

Alfred immediately recognized her.

The young woman from the banquet.

The one Zeke had personally carried home.

His eyes instantly brightened.

"What happened to him?"

His voice dropped to a whisper.

"Why is he sleeping?"

Ella glanced toward Zeke.

"Oh."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"He drank some of my tea."

"Tea?"

Alfred repeated.

She nodded.

"It's a recipe I created myself. It helps reduce stress and promotes better sleep."

For several seconds, Alfred simply stared at her.

Then he grabbed her hands.

His eyes became suspiciously moist.

"My dear girl..."

His voice trembled slightly.

"You have no idea what you've done."

For years he had worried about Zeke's health.

Watched him exhaust himself.

Watched him survive on caffeine and sleepless nights.

And now...

One cup of tea had accomplished what countless specialists could not.

Alfred was beyond grateful.

Quickly, he ordered the servants.

"Bring a pillow."

The butler hurried forward and carefully adjusted Zeke's position.

Only after ensuring his grandson was comfortable did Alfred relax.

Before leaving, he turned toward Ella.

A warm smile spread across his face.

The more he looked at her, the more satisfied he became.

"My dear, tell him his grandfather stopped by."

His eyes sparkled mischievously.

"And tell him I'll be visiting much more often."

With that, Alfred left the mansion in an exceptionally good mood.

Meanwhile, on the sofa, Zeke continued sleeping peacefully.

Completely unaware that his grandfather had already started imagining wedding invitations and great-grandchildren.