Chapter 472

Brandon widened his eyes. "I'm the one who's frightened, okay?!"

Alexander quickly prepared a meal of butter prawns, beef steak, stir-fried asparagus, and mushroom soup. A pudding awaited in the fridge, and Brandon's jealousy was palpable upon seeing the scrumptious spread. Since he'd been cheeky enough to stay this late, he naturally intended to eat. Otherwise, his trip would be pointless. Taking the initiative, he helped carry the food to the dining table, sat down, and picked up his fork and spoon. However, Alexander slapped the back of his hand. "I've told you, this isn't your dinner!"

"You've cooked so much; you two won't finish it all. It's wasteful! I'll help you!" Brandon declared, picking up his fork again. "No need!" Alexander stopped him, shooing him away like a fly.

Brandon might lack other skills, but he certainly possessed thick skin. A food fight ensued, culminating in Brandon's triumphant snatching of a piece of meat.

Just as he was about to eat it, a sweet female voice cut through the air. "My car seems to have a small problem. Could you help me get it to the workshop tomorrow?"

"Of course. You can use my car tomorrow," Alexander replied smoothly.

"No, thanks. Your car is too flashy. I'll take a cab instead," Lily said, descending the stairs at a leisurely pace. Alexander retrieved a large towel. "Let Edward drive you. Taking a cab is too much trouble." He draped the towel over her head, gently drying her hair. "You forgot to blow-dry your hair again." "It's too much trouble!" she retorted, tousling her hair. Turning, she saw Brandon eyeing her while poised to eat his meat. Recognizing him as the "ghost" from the kitchen, she frowned. "Why haven't you left yet?"

Brandon was speechless. He felt pathetic! He'd been momentarily awestruck by her beauty, only to be yanked back to reality by her words. Once a well-liked and charming man, even to those who didn't love him, and experienced in romance, he was met with nothing but disgust by this young couple. His first encounter had left him frightened; his second, abruptly dismissed before he could even compliment her. To make matters worse, Alexander didn't scold Lily's rudeness; instead, he readily agreed, "Okay, I'll ask him to leave now!"

Listen to him! Is that even appropriate?! Luckily, Lily intervened. "It's okay. He's your friend, after all. Stay for dinner." An angel indeed!

But Alexander countered, "He's not really my friend. If he stays, you won't have enough to eat." Brandon was speechless. Is he a glutton?! There's plenty of food! Does he need to be so mortifyingly concerned about insufficient food? I could buy more! Order takeout, even! He felt utterly humiliated. He looked at Lily pitifully, hoping for her intervention. Knowing Alexander's obedience to her, he dropped his fork, wiped his mouth, and declared, "No, I eat very little. As the wise man says, beauty is its own reward. I'm full just seeing such a beautiful woman!" He winked at Lily with his almond-shaped eyes.