Belinda snapped back to reality, glanced at Chase, and retorted impatiently. âYes! Absolutely! Iâm the kind of person who shows warmth to those who give me the cold shoulder. Are you happy now? I remember being enthusiastic toward you while you treated me like I was invisible. Do you have to make fun of me just to feel good?â
Chase choked on her words, then burst into laughter. âNo, Iâve actually started to fall for you. Donât be angry.â
Belindaâs face turned red in an instant.
What did he mean by that?
What on earth was this guy talking about?
Ida put down her utensils and stood up. âIâm full; you two carry on.â
With that she retreated to her room, leaving Belinda alone with a smirking Chase.
ââ¦I should go check on Ellinor.â
She was about to stand up and leave, but was pulled back by Chase.
âDonât bother the boss now, she wants some alone time today.â
Reluctantly, she sat back down.
Chase chuckled. âRelax I wonât bite. You barely ate anything; have some more. Iâll do the dishes when youâre done.â
Belinda looked at him with surprise. âYouâre doing the dishes?â
Chase nodded. âOf course, youâve already cooked for us: how can we let you do the dishes too?â
Belinda raised an eyebrow, curious. âDo you know how to?â
Chase seized the opportunity to lean in closer. âI donât, so can you teach me?â
Their close proximity and his tone made Belindaâs face turn red again. ââ¦â
Chase laughed. âAlright, Iâm just messing with you! I can handle doing the dishes. Eat up, or your food will get cold!â
âOh..â Belinda felt a little awkward, but obediently picked up her utensils and started eating.
Chase patiently waited for her to finish.
Belinda just kept her head down, focusing on her food, trying to avoid eye contact with Chase because she knew she would inevitably lose.
Back when she was Chaseâs secretary, he was also gentle with her. If it werenât for that, she wouldnât have fallen for him so deeply.
Back then, Chaseâs gentleness felt more like a tease, a game, but now it felt a bit different.
She couldnât quite put her finger on what was different.
Late at night.
Theo returned home, reeking of alcohol.
Marissa Blanchet hadnât gone to bed, and after hearing the noise, she immediately came out of her room.
Seeing only Theo returning alone, disappointment flickered in Marissaâs eyes. âTheo, why did you come back alone? Didnât you go find Ellinor?â
Theo adjusted his tie expressionlessly and scoffed. âWhy should I look for her?â
Marissa sniffed the alcohol on him, and her eyebrows furrowed deeper. âHow much did you drink? Is anyone there? Get some honey water for Theo!â
âAlright!â
The maid agreed and left.
Marissa looked worriedly at Theo, who was slumped on the couch.