Chapter 261

Freya looked down at the apron Preston had tied around her waist, lingering for a moment. By the time Freya's mental image caught up with reality, Preston had already moved to the side, continuing with his chopping.

Outside the kitchen, Hans and Neil, as if oblivious to what had just happened, made their way to the living room, engaged in some unknown conversation.

Freya couldn't help but take another look at Preston. He was deeply focused on his chopping. The profile of Preston's face seemed flawless. Although he was usually reserved and not much of a talker, he appeared quite composed in the kitchen—actually, not just in the kitchen. Whenever he was working on something, he was always serious; otherwise, he seemed a bit standoffish.

“See enough?”

Suddenly, Preston's words broke Freya's train of thought. Freya coughed lightly and said, “I just thought there was something on your face.”

Without responding, Preston gave Freya the chance to swiftly reach out and tap his cheek. It was just a brief moment, but Preston was visibly startled. The flour that was on Freya's hand now smeared across Preston's face.

Outside the kitchen, Hans instinctively wanted to intervene but was stopped by Neil.

Neil said, “Let them be. They’re just flirting. Why would you interrupt? Come back here.”

“Flirting?”

Hans couldn’t see any sign of affection between them. It seemed like Freya did it on purpose.

“Just stay back, trust me, I know what I’m talking about,” Nell said with a confident pat on his chest.

Hans had no choice but to halt. But they both knew their boss was a stickler for cleanliness. The thought of his reaction to the flour on his face made them wonder.

“Over here.”

Freya and Preston communicated, maintaining harmony in the kitchen. The tasks of chopping and washing were not difficult, and Preston quickly made his way out of the kitchen.

Neil pointed at the flour on Preston’s face. But Preston seemed to have already known it was there and precisely wiped it off with a paper towel. Neil knew he wasn’t wrong. This seemingly unapproachable man was finally showing a different side.

As time ticked away, evening approached, and Freya emerged from the kitchen with dish after dish. Neil quickly stepped up to help, taking the dishes from Freya’s hands. Looking at the spread of spaghetti with meatballs, pork ribs, garlic oysters, and grilled salmon, Neil’s mouth watered. Not to mention the comfort dishes that followed, like chicken stew with mushrooms, spicy fish, and a bowl of salad, all of which were Neil’s favorites.

“Dinner’s ready! This beats Preston and Hans’ cooking by miles! I can smell the aroma from here!” Neil said, rubbing his hands together, seemingly eager to start the meal.

Preston sat across from Freya. Freya poured some drinks, placing them in front of everyone, and said, “Today, I want to thank Dr. Anderson for the ointment he gave me. I really appreciate it, this one’s for you!”

Seeing Freya raise her glass, Neil quickly lifted his. Ironically, it was a wine glass filled to the brim with iced tea.

“No need to thank me!”

“Who brought the iced tea?”