Chapter 695

“I’m fine, just a random wave of nausea,” I muttered, watching Wayne carefully. He looked genuinely concerned, but even that annoyed me. Funny how not loving someone can make their kindness feel like a trap—or worse, a crime.

“Good. Go drink some water,” he said, still sounding too caring for my liking.

I headed back to my office, but before I got there, someone stepped out of the elevator—a familiar figure.

“Mr. Hart!” “You’re back?” “Everyone missed you!”

The staff lit up like Christmas lights, but, of course, they were mistaking Xander for Hayden. Typical. Xander didn’t correct them, just smiled politely and walked straight toward me.

Wayne’s mood? Instantly icy.

“What are you doing here?” I asked Xander, keeping it curt. He wasn’t Hayden, and letting people think he was would only stir up drama I didn’t have the energy to handle.

He held up a food container. “Brought you lunch.”

My stomach growled, like perfect timing, dude. I hadn’t eaten since last night, and my body wasn’t about to let me pretend otherwise.

“Wow, thoughtful of you,” I said, taking the container. Then I glanced at Wayne, throwing in a little shade for good measure. “Wayne, you haven’t tried his cooking yet, right? It’s pretty good. Almost as good as Hayden’s. Almost.”

Yeah, I said it on purpose. Part of it was to protect Xander. After last night, I was sure Wayne had sent someone after him—a test, for both of us. Wayne wasn’t exactly known for letting things go.

“Is that so?” Wayne’s tone was calm, though his gaze was distant. “So now cooking is the way to win someone over?”

Classic Wayne—drenched in that smug, alpha energy. I was willing to bet he’d never even boiled water. Not back at the Johnston house, and definitely not now.

Some things don’t change. Wayne might act easygoing, but deep down, he was all control.

“This isn’t about ‘winning someone over.’ Haven’t you heard? If a guy’s really into you, he’ll roll up his sleeves and make you food,” I said, lifting the container closer for a sniff. “Smells legit.”

Xander didn’t miss a beat. “You didn’t eat much last night, so I made saucy braised meatballs with a cucumber salad. Try it, let me know what you think.”

Wayne’s expression darkened like a thundercloud.

“Meatballs?” I echoed, glancing at Xander.

He gave a small nod. “Not your thing?”

Chapter 695

They were, actually. As a kid, I was obsessed with saucy braised meatballs—especially the way my dad made them. But since my parents died, I’d avoided them. They never tasted the same without him.

“She doesn’t eat braised meatballs,” Wayne cut in, his tone flat.

That was just like him—assuming my years of avoidance meant dislike.

Xander didn’t flinch. Cool as ever, he met my gaze. “Not eating something for a while doesn’t mean you won’t now. You should at least try it.”

The air between them was thick. Wayne’s temper was a loaded gun, and I could feel him bristling at Xander—not just for the subtle jabs, but for the fact that he looked like Hayden. That alone was enough to provoke Wayne into something dangerous.

“Fine. I’ll try it later,” I said, keeping my voice breezy as I dismissed Xander with a wave. “You can go now.”

Xander didn’t even seem awkward about it. He just nodded, then threw in, “Cool. Let me know if you’re home for dinner—I’ll start cooking early.”

Chapter 696