Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

Chapter 1559: The noodle thief

Kiara gazed at the selection of noodles at the convenience store near her place. Since her go-to quick dinner wasn't available, she scanned through the other options. Her brand loyalty compelled her to pick another flavor from the same company.

It had been another long day of work. On top of that, Kiara had spent most of it making phone calls, trying to find help for Cassandra's case. Once again, she felt completely drained.

I did my best today, she thought, watching the hot water pour into her cup noodles. It's alright. I'll try again tomorrow.

Forcing a smile and shaking off the exhaustion crawling down her spine, she picked up the noodles and set them on a tray. Since this was going to be her dinner tonight, she didn't bother bringing it home. Instead, she took a seat outside the convenience store, at one of the small tables set up under the awning.

"Good thing no one is here," she muttered, waiting for the noodles to soften so she could eat.

Her stomach growled. The scent rising from the cup reminded her she'd skipped lunch and barely had a bun because she was so busy all day.

"Who should I call next?" she wondered aloud, propping her chin on her palm as she scrolled through her contacts. Most were already people she had asked for a favor.

Many had wanted to help, but all were reluctant. They gave her the same excuses: the case was too complicated, or the Smiths should handle it.

How can I let the Smiths handle it when it's obvious they don't care?

Kiara sighed deeply, setting her phone down to give her brain a break and fill her stomach. But just as she was about to reach for her dinner, a hand suddenly snatched the cup of noodles.

Her eyes followed it, landing on the noodle thief now seated across from her.

Slowly, she looked up-and froze. Hugo Bennet was already stirring the noodles with the chopsticks like they belonged to him.

""

Her mouth opened, then closed. Words got stuck in her throat as he slurped the first mouthful.

That... that's mine.

frowned as she studied him. Of course, she recognized him. Who wouldn't

bad," he said after swallowing. "But I still

know," she muttered with a weak sigh, watching as he continued to eat her

"Of course."

how to react to this bizarre

you want some?" he

want some-it's my

that thought to herself. She was already too exhausted to get angry. She cupped her face in her hands, watching him quietly before turning her gaze elsewhere. She could argue or get

drifted

began, pausing as he froze mid-slurp, noodles dangling. "...know

noodles until his

if I don't? I don't just take a

did just take it," she said, incredulous. They weren't friends. She wouldn't even

Excellence-but she didn't recall ever exchanging words

fee," he said casually, finishing the noodles without mercy. When he set the cup

stared at the now-empty cup, then back

burying her face in her palms. "Why is this

best friend

Then Stephen

was still a blow. Everyone she contacted could only offer apologies and empty

the

Talk about bad luck.

raised an eyebrow, watching her as she

"No, I'm not. Even if I feel like I should.