Chapter 179


    “Since you’re so into it, I might as well give it a try,” Benjamin sald, with a voice tinged with relief that he


    had chosen the right restaurant. “I heard from Mr. Lopez that you’re a fan of Southern fare, so I picked


    the most renowned Southern cuisine restaurant in Crestwood, They say their signature dish is top–


    notch, even more authentic than in the South itself. Want to give it a try?”


    With high hopes, Xanthea tasted every dish on the table, but none of them matched the vors in her


    memory. In fact, they weren’t even close to Orion’s cooking skills.


    She worned whether her taste buds had been spoiled by Orion,


    “How is it?”


    “It’s okay, but it’s not outstanding. I have a friend whose cooking beats this ce hands down!”


    “Really? I didn’t know you had such a talented friend. The chef’s here are certified culinary experts,


    Benjamin eximed, looking surprised.


    “When can 1


    love to try his cooking tool”


    I meet him? Id love to try his


    “Introduce you to him?” Xanthea chuckled at the thought,


    If she dared to introduce her friend to Orion, and let him cook for them, Orion might kill her with his


    re alone.


    “Maybe someday, he’s usually pretty busy.”


    Absolutely no chance. She couldn’t afford the chairman of the Lockwood Group cooking a meal for


    them.


    “By the way, I’ve been thinking of buying a gift for a friend but I’m n


    not sure what to get. Any suggestions?”


    “Of course, what’s it for?”


    “An apology”


    “What kind of friend is this?”


    “Hmm.” Xanthea pondered for a moment, “A quy, tall, rich, and handsome, incredibly good–looking,


    seems like hecks nothing”


    Benjamin paused, while having his grip on his utensils tightened slightly.


    Orion?


    “Is this friend important to you?:


    “Very important” Xanthea nodded without hesitation.


    “I see.” Benjamin slowly put down his fork. “Since he’s an important friend who seems to have


    everything, there’s no need for overly extravagant gifts. Maybe choose some small, everyday


    decorative items based on his likes.”


    Likes?


    A lightbulb went t off in Xanthea’s head. Got it!


    “Thanks a lot!”


    “No problem.”


    Watching her smile, Benjamin barely maintained the cheerfulness of his own expression.


    The atmosphere at the table slowly turned quieter; one was savoring the meal, while the other found no


    taste in the food.


    Toward the end of the meal, Benjamin couldn’t help but ask, “Xan, are you dating anyely?”


    Xanthea, with a meatball stuffed in her cheek, shook her head, “No, why do you ask?”


    “Just wondering.”


    Benjamin’s expression instantly brightened, and even the food seemed to taste better to him. “Just


    thinking about the uing romantic scenes we have to shoot.”


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Sunset Hills Estates, 3001


    As the midnight was approaching, the man in the vast, dark bedroom slowly woke up, shaking off a


    slight dizziness and the remnants of a fever. The passionate smiles and nces of the girl from the


    night before seemed like an illusion until he saw a note.


    Remember to have breakfast and take your medication after you wake up! I left breakfast in the thermal


    box at the door, and I’ve prepared your pills too. Be sure to take them! Also, remember not to go far, I’ll


    be back tonight to check on you! (smiley face)


    The bright noon sun streamed through the gaps in the curtains, which cast a faint golden hue around


    the man’s defined features, making the slight smile in his eyes even more captivating.