Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 236

Out of all the premium ingredients available, Quentin deliberately chose the ones she loved the most.

They were quick to prepare, ensuring she wouldn't have to wait long to eat and get back to resting.

He catered to every single detail of her life with absolute precision.

She used to do the exact same thing for Lucius.

Memorizing his dietary restrictions, knowing exactly how much cream and sugar he liked in his coffee.

Tracking which dry cleaner handled his bespoke suits, accommodating every single one of his likes, dislikes, and daily habits flawlessly.

Yet Lucius had never once acknowledged it. He treated her devotion as an entitlement and never offered a shred of reciprocation.

It wasn't something to take for granted; it required profound, selfless dedication.

So this was what it felt like to be genuinely cherished.

Quentin acutely sensed her emotional shift.

He turned his head, his gaze softening instantly as it met hers. Reaching out, he effortlessly pulled her against his side. "Hungry, sweetheart?"

Pulled from her thoughts, Madeline nodded softly.

She realized she was tucked securely under his arm.

One large hand rested possessively on her slender waist.

The other held a wooden spoon, gently stirring the bubbling, fragrant stew.

He turned off the stove and scooped up a small spoonful of the broth.

Blowing on it a few times to cool it, he brought it right to her lips.

It wasn't just an ordinary stew; the aroma was incredibly rich.

It was packed with diced premium cured meats.

Along with top-tier tenderloin cuts, fresh vegetables, and the luxurious, creamy tang of butter and tomatoes.

Madeline took a sip. It was divine.

A radiant smile broke across her face.

The taste was nostalgic.

Yet she felt she had never tasted anything quite this perfect.

She savored it for a moment. "That is so good."

Quentin offered a faint, satisfied smile.

He ladled a large bowl and set it on the kitchen island.

He nudged her to start eating if she was starving.

But Madeline didn't sit down. Instead, she hovered close to him.

With uncompromising dominance, he boxed her in.

The next second, his strikingly handsome face lowered toward her lips.

But seeing the wide-eyed surprise in her pupils, he diverted his path and buried his face against her neck.

He pressed several deep, lingering kisses into her pulse point before finally pulling back.

Quentin was actively fighting for control over his own desires.

He helped her into a chair and sat back, watching with quiet satisfaction as she devoured the meal he had prepared.

The food was genuinely phenomenal.

Madeline finished two bowls of stew and cleared her plate of pasta, the portions measured perfectly for her appetite.

Meanwhile, Quentin only took a symbolic sip of the broth; he had eaten earlier during a meeting.

Watching her enjoy the food brought an unprecedented warmth to his eyes.

Madeline suddenly realized how incredibly gentle he looked right now.

"Let's agree to never speak of what happened the other day," Quentin murmured, exhaling slowly.

It was as if he had internally compromised with his own ego.

Then, his tone shifted. "I have something for you."