The Unveiled Rose

As long as Jessica could take Zane away from Annalise, then everything Annalise had would become hers!

Jessica hoped that this day would come sooner.

...

This time, Zane chose a small restaurant.

The dishes he ordered were all the restaurant's specialties.

Zane took the initiative to explain, "My secretary recommended this restaurant to me. He said the chef's skills are exceptional, so I wanted to bring you here to try it." When the dishes were served, I took a bite.

The cooking was perfectly done, and the flavor was unbelievably good. I nodded in agreement. "It's really delicious."

Seeing that I was truly satisfied, Zane sighed in relief. "I'm glad you like it."

"Mm."

I kept eating.

"Mr. Huxham, is that really you?" A young girl, probably just out of college, hopped in front of Zane.

Her face was full of disbelief. "Last time, when I promoted my parents' restaurant to you, I thought for sure you wouldn't like small places like this.

"I never expected you would actually give it a try. Wait, I'll ask my dad to send you a few more dishes to try!"

Zane furrowed his brows and refused, "No need."

"No, no, this is my family's restaurant." Madeline Carter said politely. "You're the guest, so I'm in charge here."

She then hurriedly dashed into the kitchen.

I watched the entire interaction and noticed how familiar they seemed with each other.

I asked, "What's going on?"

Zane shook his head. "I don't know either. My secretary just said it's a restaurant run by the family of one of the employees, and the chef's cooking is decent." Zane thought momentarily, then decided to call Eric to clarify the situation.

He dialed Eric's number. "Who recommended this restaurant downstairs to you?"

Eric quickly explained, "Oh, Madeline. She gave me her business card and said she wanted to invite you to try their restaurant.

"At first, I wasn't sure if their food was any good, so I decided to try it for myself.

"It's pretty decent. Just thought I should let you know."

Eric then asked, "Is there a problem?"

Zane shook his head. "No."

Madeline placed the extra dishes her father had added on the dining table,ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

the immediately went to sit next to

Zane.

Her big eyes were fixed on me. "You don't mind I sit here, right?"

I met her gaze and politely said, "I'm sorry, but I do mind."

Madeline was surprised and asked, "You're so petty?"

I didn't deny it. "He's my boyfriend, so I don't want him to have intimate contact with other women.

"I hope you can understand."

Madeline stood up in disappointment and sat beside me, asking, "What if I sit here?"

I smiled and said, "That's fine."

Zane looked at the dishes that had just been brought over. They were all bright red and very spicy.

His gaze shifted to Madeline.

The person who had been

showering him with attention just

moments ago was now

enthusiastically serving food to his

girlfriend. His intuition told him that something wasn't right.

I looked at the ever-growing pile of food in front of me, feeling a bit helpless. "That's enough food."

Madeline reluctantly said, "Okay then. My dad's cooking is really delicious. I just wanted you to eat a bit more." Madeline paused and looked at me. "You give them a try first."

I took a bite, and it was incredibly spicy!

I looked at Madeline in shock. "It's delicious!"

"Right?" Madeline beamed excitedly at the compliment. "I knew you'd love it!"

I nodded while continuing to eat.

Madeline's eyes were filled with joy.

After finishing the meal, I asked Madeline, "Do you want to head back with us?"

Madeline shook her head. "I need to help my dad out for a while. Once he's

Offot busy, I'll head back to the

11

Zane took my hand and said, "Then we'll be leaving."

Madeline waved and said, "Goodbye!"