Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 161 - Chapitre 170

Jenny leaned back in her chair, twirling her spoon lazily in her cup as if the food in front of her wasn’t enough to keep her busy. “So much goodies on this table,” she sighed with a playful smile. “Honestly, I think I’ve had like three cups of coffee already. But I hope you’re actually enjoying the real stuff.”She tilted her head toward Caleb, her eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.Caleb set his fork down briefly, wiping his lips with the napkin in that careful, neat way of his. His voice was calm but carried that gentle weight that always seemed to draw attention. “Oh yes, the meals are delicious,” he admitted, his gaze flicking briefly toward the empty chair Crystal had left behind before settling back on Jenny. “I must confess… ever since I started coming here, Crystal has proven to be an incredible chef. I really must commend her.”Jenny’s lips parted into a knowing grin, her eyes lighting up with pride for her friend. “Oh, absolutely! My friend cooks so well, it’s almost unf

Some of the tension between them had eased, the table now carrying more of a lighthearted warmth. Jenny, fork in hand, was halfway through a plate of stir-fried noodles, humming lightly with each bite as though food itself was a melody only she understood.Caleb’s lips curved faintly, his gaze steady on her. “Looks like food is one of your best languages,” he said, his tone calm but edged with quiet amusement.Jenny laughed, the sound light and girlish, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Oh, you have no idea. I love good food. That’s why any chance I get, I run to Crystal’s house, real homemade meals, you know? Nothing beats that. And honestly, that’s why I chose this place too. The meals here are comforting, almost like they’re speaking to your soul.”Caleb inclined his head, his fork turning slowly between his fingers. “Hmm. That’s actually nice… the effort you put into food. Not everyone thinks of it that way.”Her smile lingered as she leaned slightly forward, resting her chin ag

Caleb froze, then slowly turned his head toward her. She still hadn’t moved, her face hidden, her voice like a blade wrapped in velvet.A faint smile tugged at his lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’ve always had the sharpest nose, Rosie,” he said softly, his voice low, almost soothing. “Even the wind wouldn’t dare pass you without being recognized.” He gave a quiet chuckle, masking the unease behind his words. “Don’t worry… nothing worth losing sleep over. Just a long day.”Rosie suddenly shifted, pushing herself upright on the bed. Her hair fell loosely around her face, her eyes glistening, not from sleep but from the weight she had been carrying inside. She turned to face Caleb directly, her lips trembling as she searched his face.“You know… at this point, I don’t understand you anymore, Caleb,” she began, her voice breaking between frustration and pain. Her brows furrowed, eyes narrowing as though trying to read something hidden in him. “One second, I matter to you

Crystal’s chest rose and fell with intensity as she gripped the balcony railing, her voice now firm, almost commanding. “He’s not going to step foot inside this house anymore,” she declared, her eyes narrowing. “Any business, any transaction, let it happen at the office or at his own place. But not here. My instincts don’t lie, Adrian. Something is definitely wrong. I am not comfortable with him being around here… around Zoe.”Her words came fast now, urgent, her hands trembling as she pressed them to her heart. “He needs to stay awake, Adrian, you need to stay awake. Look at the new securities, the men I’ve added. Do you think I did that for fun? No, it’s all for my son. I love him more than life itself, and I’ll go to any length to protect him. I will never—” her voice cracked, but she forced it louder, “—I will never let what happened before happen again!”Adrian stared at her, stunned at first, then shook his head with a bitter laugh. “Wow,” he muttered, his face twisting into dis

Adrian had carried the weight of Caleb’s absence all morning. He lingered longer than usual at the house, half-expecting him to walk through the door, but Caleb never came. By the time he arrived at the office, unease pressed heavily on his chest.He moved briskly to his desk, set down his files, and immediately called one of the assistant board staff. “Has Caleb checked in?” His voice betrayed a faint edge of worry. The replies were all the same, no one had seen him, no trace, no word.Adrian rubbed the back of his neck, pacing slightly. His brow furrowed deeper with each passing second, his jaw clenched as though he was holding back the frustration of not knowing what was going on. Finally, he gathered his things, ready to step out of the office and search for answers himself.The door creaked open just then. Caleb walked in, his steps unhurried, his face calm, too calm, almost as if he had prepared that composure.Adrian froze for a moment, relief flashing quickly across his eyes b