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.

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

change in the atmosphere,

on Curtis’ lips moments ago disappeared, and his brow furrowed. “Why is that

were sensitive to human emotions, and the cat shrank back slightly upon his

harsh words.

it to the other room. She didn’t come back to the dining room, instead

feeling the evening had been soured, watched Laura serve the new dishes. By then, he had already set his fork down.

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Chapter 33

eating already?” Laura asked with a hint of

wiped his mouth with a napkin, his voice laced with implication, “I’ve had

didn’t mean to upset you.” Leanne felt unjustly accused. After all, she hadn’t known he would

saying I shouldn’t have come

trivial matters. After a few seconds of silence,

drawled, “I’m busy digesting the

persisted, “I have something important to discuss with you. You’re always too busy, can

inscrutable look, then leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs, the

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