Chapter 1472:
âSure. Letâs do barbecue. Oh, and ice cream too!â Harleeâs voice perked up at the mere mention of food, her sleepiness vanishing like mist under the sun.
With a playful glint in her eyes, she continued, âIâm craving something spicy, and make the ice cream chocolate.â
Rhysâ eyes softened with affection, a smile tugging at his lips. It was the kind of smile that said it all, as if he couldnât have been happier than in that moment.
âAlright,â he replied with a tender nod.
Patrick, glancing at them through the rearview mirror, couldnât help but let out an inward sigh. He used to think Rhys hated being kept in the dark above all else. But now, as the matter concerned Harlee, Rhys merely posed a question about it before brushing it off. Rhysâ devotion to Harlee was unwavering, willing to compromise his prior principles for her at any time. Patrick did not doubt that even if Harlee tricked Rhys, he would simply smile and once again confess to her.
Back at the hotel, the rich aroma of barbecue greeted them as soon as the door opened.
Serena, balancing a tray of freshly made meatballs, spotted them immediately. She placed the tray down with a swift motion and dashed toward Harlee like a child eager to show her something.
âHarlee, youâre back!â Serena exclaimed with a grin that could light up the room.
Harleeâs heart warmed at the sight of Serenaâs radiant smile. It was clear that Serena had moved on from her past, completely unburdened by whatever had once weighed her down. Whatever happened before was no longer her concern.
âYeah,â Harlee replied, her voice calm, carrying a quiet relief. The Serena before her now was a far cry from the one haunted by past struggles.
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âIâve got all your favorite ingredients ready!â Serena beamed, vibrating with excitement.
As Serena spoke, Cillian, Robbie, and Thiago emerged from the kitchen, each carrying a dish and sporting appropriately themed aprons. They had time to prepare this much because Harlee and Rhys had taken a detour. Each of them took control of one dish, but Serena did the majority of the preparation.
âMr. Green, Harlee,â Cillian, Robbie, and Thiago spoke in perfect harmony, as though they had rehearsed the words a thousand times. Harleeâs gaze drifted over them, landing on the table, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Everything theyâd set up was exactly what she loved.
Rhys gently took her hand, guiding her to the table. The others followed, settling in.
With a deft motion, Rhys rolled up his sleeves and went to work, whipping up the sauce for Harlee. Once that was done, he placed the ice cream in front of her. He continued to serve her food with careful attention.
The others merely watched in stunned silence, their tongues clicking in disbelief. Good grief, Rhys was absolutely doting on Harlee. They had always assumed Rhys wouldnât treat even his own daughter with such tenderness. He reserved this kind of patience and consideration only for Harlee.
As Harlee ate, calm and collected, Rhys lovingly served her exactly what she enjoyed.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group engaged in light chatter, bouncing between gossip and nostalgic reminiscing, the atmosphere buzzing with energy.
Even Serena, typically a light drinker, had managed to down a few glasses. Taking a bite of meatball, she casually asked, âHarlee, are we heading back to Baythorn?â
âTomorrow? I heard Thiago and the others say youâre planning to take care of Nola. Is that true?â
Rhys, without missing a beat, added another piece of meat to Harleeâs plate. She naturally picked it up and ate it before responding, her tone cool but firm, âYes, and itâs about time we start getting ready to handle Tania as well.â
The room erupted in excitement. Thiago, Cillian, Robbie, and Patrick raised their glasses and knocked them back in one go. It seemed Harlee was finally about to deal with the troublemakers.
After the meal, the group settled onto the plush leather sofas in the hotel lounge. Oaklee arrived, dessert in hand, her voice dripping with mock indignation.
âHow could you all eat without me?â
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