Chapter 402

His hands trembled badly, causing him to spill the cup of coffee he had been holding all over the floor.

“Chef Howard, are you alright?” one of the waitresses called out in concern. She was worried the hot coffee might have scalded him.

“I’m fine,” he answered curtly.

With how cold his voice was, it was like he was a completely different man than the earlier adorable chef.

The waitress was visibly stunned. She lifted her head to look at him, only to see the ice in his gaze and the hard expression on his face.

She took two steps back in surprise. I-is this the same Chef Howard? Isn’t he supposed to be cute and innocent? Harmless and kind? Why is there such a terrifying look on his face?

Rubbing her eyes, she glanced a second time, but the image did not change. Howard still looked as scary as before.

She shook her head and headed outside, thinking that she must be seeing things!

Taking in a deep breath, Howard decided he had to take action. He could not continue being so passive.

He had been by Ashlyn’s side all these years, longing for her. What right did that man have to barge in and snatch her away from me?

It was already incredibly annoying to have Jared Quickton always lurking around her.

Now, this man is sniffing around as well…

Hate coursed through him at the two men perpetually circling her.

Half an hour later.

Ashlyn and the others finally finished dinner and were just about to leave when Howard suddenly rushed over.

With his tall stature, he did not want Ashlyn to have to crane her neck up, so he automatically leaned down to speak with her.

He locked his gaze with hers, his eyes filled with longing. “Lyn.”

“Yeah?” Ashlyn reached out to pat his head like how one would pat a dog.

“I-I…I want to go to the a-amusement park this weekend. Other y-young children have been there but…I’ve never been,” he stammered out nervously, “C-could you accompany m-me there?”

She laughed and stared at him with sisterly love. “Of course I can! And you’re in luck because I happen to be free this weekend. I’ll come here to pick you up.”

“R-really?” Excitement and joy had him tongue-tied.

In response, she tweaked his nose affectionately. She was completely unaware of the dark expression on the face of the man beside her.

“Yes, really.”

“That’s wonderful!” In his delight, Howard swept Ashlyn off her feet and twirled her around the room.

She could not help the laughter that bubbled out of her lips. “Hey! Put me down! I’m getting dizzy!”

Lucas gritted his teeth. This chef from Imperial Hotel is just too shameless! How dare he act all innocent and cute to obtain my woman’s sympathies!

Yet, another strong rival…

His hands darted out to shove Howard away. His tone was frigid yet furious as he snarled, “Excuse me!

She said she’s getting dizzy!”

Howard shot Ashlyn a piteous look, his lips pouting while tears sparkled in his eyes.

He whined, “Lyn, he’s so mean! He snapped at me!”

Unable to help herself, Ashlyn patted his cheek lightly. “He didn’t mean to. He’s always been such a big meanie. Just ignore him.”

She then turned to glare at Lucas. “Howard is like a kid. I told you before that he’s a sweet man, but his IQ is still that of a little child. How could you get upset with a child?”

Lucas bared his teeth. “His body is already mature.”

All those of the male species were his enemies as long as they were trying to steal his woman away. It did not matter if they were adults or not.

“Let go of her!”

Howard reluctantly set Ashlyn down. The look he shot the other man was wary and cautious. “This is me and Lyn’s favorite game! You don’t know anything.”

The way the man-child kept calling Ashlyn ‘Lyn’ was incredibly irritating to Lucas.

He grinned viciously and stated, “Lyn only likes to play another kind of game with me now. Would you like to know what it is?”

Ashlyn straightened up and tensed her body. Instinct told her that what would come out of Lucas’

mouth would not be anything good.