Chapter 33

Halfway through her meal, Leanne heard the front door open. Curtis had returned.

He had the kind of chiseled features, a roguish charm that more reserved and steady Phillip could never claim. Curtis carried an air of aristocratic nonchalance like a modern-day playboy with a touch of old money.

The temperature had dropped even lower that day, and Curtis had layered a black overcoat over his grey suit, tempering his usual casualness with a dash of mature masculinity.

Leanne was caught off-guard by his sudden return. She was momentarily frozen in place, and by the time she collected herself, Curtis had already stepped inside, nonchalantly tossing his coat over a dining chair’s backrest.

He glanced at the dishes on the table and a half-smile played on his lips. “The grub has gone up a notch with Laura back in the kitchen.”

His comment made Laura beam with pride. “I thought you weren’t coming back for dinner today. Ms. Leanne is nearly finished. I’ll whip up a couple more dishes!”

Leanne understood Laura’s joy all too well. She too had been dazzled by Curtis’ sweet talk in the past, completely disoriented by his charm.

Without mentioning he’d already eaten out, Curtis took his place at the table and picked up

his fork.

Leanne glanced at the cat on her lap, still hidden from Curtis’ view by the table. She pondered whether to pick up the cat and whisk it back to her room out of Curtis’ sight, or to keep it hidden, hoping he might not notice and make a fuss.

and overheard the cat’s purring. He looked up, his

chance to leave before the cat, having sensed a change in the atmosphere, leapt onto the table, eyeing

and his brow furrowed. “Why

and the cat shrank back slightly

harsh words.

quietly, picking up the cat to return it to the other room. She didn’t come back to the dining

new dishes. By then, he had already set

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Chapter 33

eating already?” Laura asked with a hint of concern.

his mouth with a napkin, his voice laced with

felt unjustly accused. After all, she

you’re saying I

few seconds of silence, she set

time,” Curtis drawled, “I’m busy digesting the annoyance

discuss with you. You’re always too busy, can we talk now?”

her a long and inscrutable look, then leaned back in his chair and crossed his

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