Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 235

During their first kiss, he had seemed almost restrained.

But now, his technique was devastatingly flawless, as if he had rehearsed kissing her a thousand times in his mind to master this level of intoxicating dominance.

Madeline gently pressed her palms against his broad shoulders, signaling for a brief pause.

Quentin's kiss softened, and he reluctantly pulled back.

Her cheeks were flushed crimson as she lay against his chest, her mind finally clearing.

She asked softly, "Have you eaten dinner? I have plenty of groceries in the fridge. I can make you something right now. What are you craving?"

"I'm craving you."

His predatory gaze swept over her with a lazy, simmering heat.

Not wanting the stiff fabric of his tailored suit to chafe her skin, he shrugged off his jacket.

He loosened his tie and undid the first two buttons of his dress shirt, revealing the sharp lines of his collarbone and neck.

It gave him a casually dangerous edge.

Yet his deep, intense eyes burned with a fire that made Madeline tremble.

His unyielding stare offered no escape, capturing every ounce of the room's light.

"I'll cook. You're exhausted. Rest."

He lowered Madeline gently onto the center of the plush sofa before turning toward the kitchen.

Madeline finally shook off the daze and checked her phone, realizing it was already past midnight.

Quentin, a terrifyingly powerful billionaire, was actually cooking for her?

A sudden, overwhelming urge to cry swelled in her chest.

It was a comforting feeling she hadn't experienced in years.

That someone would treat her with the same unconditional care her grandmother once did.

That someone would come back to this cozy apartment and make her a hot meal.

That someone would comfort and truly understand her.

Even after Liliana had maliciously framed her online.

Despite his ruthless corporate empire, Quentin still carved out time to prioritize her well-being.

He had investigated and cleared her name before she even had a chance to explain.

What kind of man was Quentin?

Sometimes he seemed cold, even a little terrifying.

She had feared he might abandon her or be disgusted by the rumors.

Madeline was conflicted, sometimes even hating her own defensive reactions.

But he always anchored her with a steady, unwavering presence, silently proving he would never let her go.

Rejecting him when she felt overwhelmed, and incredibly, uttering another man's name in his presence.

But right now, a deep sense of regret washed over her. Every man was different, and Quentin was absolutely nothing like Lucius.

She shouldn't be projecting the trauma Lucius inflicted onto Quentin.

Madeline took a long moment to reflect.

She walked into the kitchen and saw Quentin wearing an apron, cooking a classic spread of comfort food.

It surprised her; she assumed someone who spent years abroad would prefer Western fine dining.

But he cooked this specifically because he knew it was her favorite.

Quentin was simmering a rich beef stew.

Alongside a beautifully plated garlic butter pasta.

The dishes were simple but perfectly executed.

And they happened to be her two ultimate comfort foods.

The rich, mouthwatering scent wafted from the simmering pot.

It smelled heavenly, making Madeline's stomach flutter with hunger.

Caught entirely off guard, she froze in the doorway, staring at him.