Chapter 485
No.1
"Royal Gardens has new staff. All backgrounds vetted," Alexander explained.
His gaze lingered on her, words left unspoken.
She could return anytime...
No one would disrespect her again.
Evelyn froze at the sight of the dishes.
None matched their usual fare.
Alexander served her himself, avoiding eye contact. "New chef. Try it."
No.2
"Thank you," Evelyn said mechanically.
During department gatherings these past two months, she'd sampled many new dishes.
Now, nearly every plate contained something she'd recently ordered...
Truthfully, some were just experimental tastes she didn't particularly enjoy.
At Royal Gardens, her preferences had always mirrored Alexander's.
She'd never dared have her own opinions.
The first bite surprised her—the same dishes tasted remarkably better here.
No.3
Alexander had been studying her reaction.
Seeing no displeasure, he relaxed slightly.
"Well?" he asked.
"The chef's skilled," Evelyn admitted honestly.
To her astonishment, Alexander smiled.
"I thought so too." His entire demeanor softened. "If you like it, I can have lunch delivered to you daily."
"No need." Evelyn declined instantly.
No.4
Alexander's expression darkened, but he didn't insist.
"When does the interview start?" Evelyn steered the conversation back on track. "I heard your afternoon is packed."
"Quite busy." Alexander accepted his own excuse. "But we have ample time. I just... haven't had lunch with you in ages."
Evelyn paused, searching her memories.
"Right, our last lunch was the New Year's family banquet."
Alexander stiffened.
New Year's...
No.5
Had they really not shared a single lunch in six months?
Thinking back, it was true.
He usually worked through lunch, occasionally attending business meals.
Their only shared meals had been mandatory Kingsley family gatherings.
And he'd either returned late or not at all.
Without Evelyn mentioning it, he'd never realized how little he'd valued...
Valued the Evelyn who waited for him at Royal Gardens.
No.6
He remembered returning late to find her always in the living room.
Or rushing downstairs at the sound of his car.
That Evelyn had starlight in her eyes.
She'd ask if he was hungry, list what the kitchen had prepared.
On rare nights when he nodded, she'd happily prepare everything.
That version of Evelyn now felt like someone from another lifetime.
Yet only two months had passed.
No.7
"Mr. Kingsley, do you need to rest?" Evelyn interrupted his thoughts.
"No, I rested earlier." He'd taken his nap early just to spend more time with her.
"So you do remember," he said suddenly.
His habits. Their past. She remembered everything.
Then why had she left so decisively?
Evelyn pretended not to hear.
She emptied her bag onto the coffee table—