"Perhaps he doesn't like it, but refrains from saying so to spare your friend's feelings," Matthew reasoned.

"He might as well just say it," Valerie replied. "And Katherine mentioned he loves crayfish most. Now he's throwing it away. I don't think he dislikes crayfish; he just looks down on Katherine for packing leftovers for him." She felt a bit annoyed, but quickly calmed down and thanked Matthew. "Mr. Grant, thank you for bringing this back. I'll take a photo of it and send it to Katherine when she sobers up. As for the necklace, I'll give that to Katherine as well, so she can return it to Caleb."

Caleb wasn't really important to her; she cared more about Katherine, her friend. She used to think Caleb was good to Katherine, but now his intentions seemed less than pure. She needed to find a way to warn her.

Matthew had no objections to her plan. However, he was more interested in the food on the table, and after dealing with the mess, it seemed even tastier. He suddenly announced, "I can handle spicy food."

Valerie was confused, frowning.

Matthew pointed at the dishes. "I noticed you usually have spicy food, even for breakfast, so I guess you like it hot. Feel free to add some chilies next time you cook. I'm fine with it, as long as it's not ridiculously spicy."

Valerie was momentarily stunned, not expecting him to notice her taste preferences, as he always seemed so cold. A smile crept onto her lips. "Alright!"

'He's surprisingly easy to take care of,' she thought. Then, aloud, she added, "Mr. Grant, don't stress about tomorrow. My brother's pretty chill, but he might ask a few questions. Should we rehearse our answers?"

"Cross-checking stories?" Matthew asked.

Valerie chuckled. "Well, you're not wrong. Let's go over our story. My brother will definitely ask about your family situation. Answer what you can, and if there's something you're uncomfortable with, just look at me. I'll find a way to steer the conversation."

"Okay," Matthew replied cooperatively.

"He'll also ask when we met and why you wanted to marry me. Just say we've known each other for a long time, and you believe I'm the one you can spend the rest of your life with, so you proposed, and we got together," Valerie instructed.

Matthew's face darkened. After a stiff pause, he repeated with difficulty, "We've known each other for a long time, and I believe you're the one I can spend the rest of my life with, so I proposed, and we got together"

'We haven't known each other long. Besides, the proposal was clearly her initiative!' Matthew thought resentfully.

As Matthew repeated the words, Valerie was initially satisfied, but seeing his stern expression, she felt a mix of amusement and frustration. His face didn't look filled with love; it was more like he was confronting an enemy.

Valerie knew saying those words was a challenge for him. "Alright, we'll go with what we've discussed." She was about to continue when Matthew interrupted, "I helped you. Don't you think you owe me a favor?"

Valerie met his deep gaze, momentarily stunned. "Mr. Grant, how do you want me to thank you?" She didn't have much money, and physical labor was out of the question in her condition, so she was anxious about his request.

Matthew replied, "Cook for me twice a week. Your cooking is quite good."

Valerie was taken aback.

Thinking he'd put her on the spot, Matthew amended, "If you're busy, once will do."

Valerie was stunned again before bursting out laughing. She never would have thought his condition would be simply asking her to cook, and he even reduced it from twice a week to once, worried she might get tired.

She smiled. "Of course, I can cook as long as I'm not too busy with work. After all, I have to eat myself!" She used to cook at home, and later for her aunt's family, so she was used to it. But this was the first time someone seriously praised her cooking. She felt genuinely happy.

Matthew was also in a good mood when she agreed. He reached into his jacket and handed her a bank card. Cooking for him was an additional performance obligation, so of course, he should offer appropriate compensation.