Chapter 26
Grace’s pleading expression left Scarlett speechless. The sincerity in Grace’s eyes made it even harder to respond. Her pride fought against the absurdity of the situation, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Ultimately, she made an excuse to send Grace away, watching her leave the office. Scarlett felt frozen for a brief moment, shocked to realize she was jealous.
Why would she feel that way? Leroy was just her ex-husband, someone she’d married for convenience in a contract sealed by money. She repeated this silently to herself to steady her emotions.
Late that night, Leroy lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Images of Scarlett’s cold, distant gaze replayed in his mind, leaving him with a hollow ache. In her eyes, he was worthless. That thought stayed with him as sleep finally overtook him. The next morning, his rest was abruptly interrupted by the ringing of his phone. “Is this Mr. Olson?”
The familiar voice on the other end startled Leroy. It was Victor Grant, the butler who had been a constant presence during his years with Scarlett. “Victor, I think you have the wrong number,” Leroy said flatly. “I’m no longer married to Scarlett.”
There was a pause before Victor spoke again, his voice hesitant. “Mr. Olson, I know, but… I have a favor to ask. Could you prepare one more meal for Ms. Payne?” The tremor in his voice caught Leroy’s attention.
As Victor explained the situation, Leroy’s brow furrowed. Scarlett hadn’t been eating properly since their divorce. A recent hospital visit had revealed she was malnourished, leaving Victor with no choice but to seek Leroy’s help. During their marriage, Leroy learned to prepare medicinal meals to improve Scarlett’s health. His dedication and creativity in cooking were instrumental in her recovery.
After hearing Victor’s plea and recalling Scarlett’s condition at the hospital, Leroy reluctantly agreed. “I’ll do it,” he said finally, “but I won’t deliver it myself.”
The aroma of simmering soup filled the kitchen as Leroy prepared the meal. Olivia came downstairs, drawn by the smell. Her curiosity was written all over her face. “Well, what’s the occasion? Who are you making soup for?” she teased, her tone light and playful.
Leroy sighed. “Mom, don’t ask. Breakfast is ready for you,” he replied, hoping to deflect her questions. Olivia raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further, though her curiosity lingered.
By midday, Scarlett sat in her office, her stomach unsettled from days of takeout. She found herself longing for Leroy’s cooking. Compared to his meals, the food she’d been eating lately felt like a poor substitute.
At the same time, Leroy placed the carefully packed meal into a container and hurried out the door. Outside the Payne Group building, Victor waited patiently. When Leroy handed him the food, Victor hesitated. “Mr. Olson, aren’t you coming upstairs?” he asked. Leroy looked up at the towering skyscraper, the symbol of a life he no longer belonged to. To him, it felt like an insurmountable divide.
He said, “Scarlett wouldn’t want to see me. Just bring this up for later.” He stayed outside, watching Victor disappear through the front doors.
“Dr. Oscar? What are you doing here?”
The cheerful voice startled Leroy. He turned to see Grace standing behind him, her expression bright and curious.
After a brief explanation, Leroy explained why he was there. “Do you want to grab a bite? It’s my treat,” he offered casually, not waiting for an answer.
Meanwhile, Victor stepped into the elevator with the food, only to be stopped by Cedric in the hallway.