Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 198

"Why aren't you eating? Is Beatrice's cooking not to your liking?"

Grace looked at him, her eyes turning a little red.

"I just don't feel like it."

Her voice was soft and laced with a hint of grievance.

Damien's heart melted instantly.

"How about some soup, then?"

He opened the insulated container, and the rich aroma of chicken soup filled the air.

"I made it myself. It simmered for two hours."

"Want to try some?"

He filled a spoon, blew on it gently to cool it, tested the temperature, and then brought it to Grace's lips.

Grace watched his practiced movements, and her nose tingled with emotion.

Back with the Ward family, it was always her taking care of Ethan.

Even if she was running a high fever, she had to drag herself out of bed to cook for him.

If something wasn't to his liking, he would throw the plate, bowl and all, at her.

"My father said my cooking was like pig slop."

Grace said it out of the blue.

Damien's hand paused.

"What the hell does he know?"

Damien swore under his breath.

"There's something wrong with his tongue, that's what. His taste buds are shot."

"Here, open up."

Grace obediently opened her mouth and swallowed the spoonful of soup.

It was fragrant.

And smooth.

It slid down her throat and into her stomach, warming her from the inside out.

"Is it good?" Damien watched her expectantly.

"Mhm."

Grace nodded.

"It's good."

"If you like it, have some more."

Damien's entire expression relaxed.

Spoonful by spoonful.

Only after she had finished most of the bowl did Grace shake her head.

"I'm full."

"Alright."

The moment he turned, the tenderness on his face vanished without a trace.

Downtown Central Hospital, outside the ICU.

Marianne sat on a bench, clutching a string of prayer beads, her lips moving silently.

Her face was pale, and her eyes were filled with exhaustion.

These past few days, her husband was critically ill, and Grace had been kidnapped.

One blow after another was proving too much for the sheltered socialite.

Across from her sat Martin, looking completely at ease.

There was even an almost imperceptible hint of delight in his eyes.

"Marianne, you shouldn't worry so much."

Martin offered his fake condolences.

"My brother is a good man. He'll definitely pull through."

"However…"

He changed the subject, pulling several documents from his briefcase.

"Someone has to take charge of the company."

"That boy Damien has been so bewitched by Grace lately, he's completely neglecting the business."

"Now with the Ward Group bankrupt, the stock market is in turmoil, and our Clarke family is feeling the impact."

"The board of directors is getting anxious. They're saying we need someone to take the helm."