My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace novel Chapter 34

Her offhand comment made the man pause in his vegetable picking before he muttered a low, "Yeah, I don't like it."

Cedric, standing nearby, shook his head discreetly.

Xanthea really was clueless. If Orion didn't like onions, there was no way the private chef would include them. Clearly, Orion knew she disliked them and had picked them out on purpose.

Xanthea chewed on her sea cucumber, relishing its light, meaty taste, smooth without being greasy. It was like a dance on her taste buds. "This is delicious, Orion. Where did you find this chef? Their cooking is way better than my nanny's!"

"If you like, I can arrange for them to cook for you sometime."

"No need for that, though I'd really like to meet them."

"What for?"

"Just to admire someone who can cook this well."

"You have a thing for people who can cook?" Orion looked up at her, and Xanthea caught a fleeting spark in his eyes, almost like a mirage. "Yeah, I think people who can cook are incredibly charming. Unlike me, I'm all thumbs in the kitchen, no matter how much I try to learn."

"You…"

"What?" Xanthea looked at him, noticing his hesitation.

"Nothing."

You are irresistibly charming, too.

Xanthea didn't press further and continued eating her piece of carp. Mid-chew, Orion placed a tablet in front of her.

Curiously, she picked it up and when she saw the dazzling array of jewelry on the screen, she couldn't help but exclaim, "These pieces are stunning! You can't find these in regular stores; they must be collectors' items for the ultra-rich, right?"

"Last time, your help was crucial in securing a deal with the MJ Group. I haven't had a chance to thank you properly. If you like, all these pieces are for you, Ms. Nightshade."

What? All these pieces? For her?

Xanthea was speechless, just about to respond when a tiny carp bone lodged in her throat, and she dared not speak, her face turning pale.

Orion noticed her discomfort, his expression immediately sharpening. "What's wrong?"