His Unveiled Passion

Chapter 216

"Ms. Mercer, I'm in need of a cook. I'll send you my address-let me know when you're available, but please give me a heads-up before you arrive."

Michelle laughed. "I'm free right now! Are you home? I can come over right away."

"Perfect. Come on over."

After hanging up, Michelle turned to Stephen. "Mr. Jacobson, Ms. Yates agreed."

"Good," Stephen replied. "She often forgets to eat when she's busy. Since her new place is close to the office, you'll need to deliver lunch to her during weekdays. I'll cover your salary, but if she offers to pay, don't refuse. And make sure she doesn't know I arranged this."

Upon hearing that she'd be earning double, Michelle's face brightened. She nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Mr. Jacobson. You can count on me—I'll take excellent care of Ms. Yates."

...

After New Year's, Stephen immersed himself in work.

He couldn't afford a single moment of downtime because as soon as he stopped, Tessa's face would flood his thoughts.

In the CEO's office, Stephen sat at his desk, focused on typing away.

the couch, eyeing him with a conflicted expression. "Steve, there's something I'm not sure I

"Then, don't," he

pressing on. "It's about Tessa. Are you sure you don't want

paused his typing, his gaze lifting from the screen.

"Of course he cares. When it comes to Tessa, he won't be able to stay

Stephen wouldn't take

been talking about setting Tessa

Stephen, and as expected, Stephen's

his face clouding with

hard as he tried to phrase it as

thin line, his gaze becoming cold and piercing. "What

few, actually. There's a six feet two inches guy with an eight-pack, an athlete who's

and

room felt suffocating, thick with

of water. "You know how Naomi is-always stirring things up. Don't worry, I already gave her a piece

of course, wasn't the

eagerly presented her list of "prime

had felt a surge of irritation In a moment of frustration, he had

a sharp pinch. That spot