"Is that worth so much celebration?" Matthew asked.

"Of course! Working at Noria Group nearly doubled my salary! Same workload, but the income skyrocketed," Valerie exclaimed, beaming.

Matthew furrowed his brow, noticing the unmistakable smile playing on her lips. He thought, I knew it. This woman lights up whenever money is mentioned. "So, this is your celebration meal?"

He glanced at the dishes. He thought, She's just been selected, not officially hired yet. She might be getting a bit too excited!

Valerie nodded sheepishly, then added, "Celebrating is one thing, but I also wanted to thank you for coming."

"For what?" Matthew frowned.

"I know the competition was fierce, and they wouldn't normally allocate spots to Arcton Cars. Did you say something to Mr. Hudson that got me a spot? It's so nice of him; I must thank him properly later," Valerie explained.

"It has nothing to do with Charles Hudson!" Matthew interrupted, complaining inwardly, She can't even get the person she's thanking right!

He realized Valerie looked confused. Without dwelling on it, he said bluntly, "Under Mr. Grant's leadership, Noria Group is disciplined, with everyone following his orders without favoritism. The selection is based on ability, so, as Arcton Cars' top salesperson, it was only right to choose you."

Although he'd wanted to make it up to her for saving Sophia, if her abilities had been poor, he couldn't have helped her.

While recounting the events, Matthew emphasized that it was all thanks to Mr. Grant. He hadn't forgotten that Valerie had badmouthed Mr. Grant just days ago.

Valerie suddenly realized. "So that's how it is. Despite being quite advanced in years, Mr. Grant's management skills are actually pretty good." Matthew was speechless. The latter part sounded like a compliment, but what's with "advanced in years?" he thought. How does she know he's old? Has she met him? He tried to keep his tone even.

"It's obvious," Valerie said. "I've never met him, but come on, if he wasn't old, why would you all treat him with so much respect and courtesy!" Matthew felt his temples throb.

Valerie fetched bowls and forks, serving two portions of soup. "Mr. Grant, please try this. We don't have much kitchenware, so I bought an induction cooker and pots. I could only make simple dishes. I'm not sure what you like or if you're used to this kind of food."

Matthew was still miffed about her "advanced in years" comment when a fork was thrust into his hand. He was hungry, and the aroma of the dishes was appealing. He picked up a shrimp.

The deveined, back-split shrimp were neatly arranged on the curry, encircling the plate. Each shrimp was glazed with a fragrant mix of sautéed onions and chili sauce, the saltiness and spiciness perfectly balanced. Valerie seemed to adore onions; they were in every dish, their rich aroma enhanced by a drizzle of hot oil.

Matthew's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected much, but it was quite good.

Watching his expression, Valerie caught the subtle curve of his mouth and smiled contentedly. "Mr. Grant, I told you, I'm a top-notch cook!"

Her tone was smug. Though reluctant, Matthew nodded. "Not bad."

"Then try this soup. I learned it from a master chef at a restaurant where I used to work part-time!" She ladled him a bowl.

The weather had turned cool, and after a few sips, Matthew felt warm and comfortable. Halfway through, he realized he'd been planning to expose her, but he was now happily slurping soup. He felt she had completely outmaneuvered him.