No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 38

Felix brought the last dish to the table, cutting York off. "Let's eat first."

Sitting beside York, Claudia could sense his discomfort.

She reached over to take his plate and cutlery. "Go ahead and take care of what you need to. I can get home on my own later."

She didn't spell it out, but York understood her meaning and didn't seem offended.

He picked up his fork and placed a piece of fish on her plate. "It's fine. We'll go back together after we eat."

Across the table, Jessica and Felix exchanged worried glances.

They knew better than anyone how deeply their daughter loved York.

In all the years before, whenever they ate here, Claudia would be practically glued to his side. If he was too busy to stay, she would throw a tantrum, whining and pleading until he promised to come pick her up later.

But now, their daughter was reserved, her manners polite but distant. Not only was she not clinging to him, she was actively encouraging him to leave for work.

Felix and Jessica looked at each other and fell silent.

Noticing her parents' expressions, Claudia quickly put some food on York's plate.

She had to seem enthusiastic, to keep them from worrying.

York calmly ate what she served him.

He had been raised in the lap of luxury. This old, modest apartment, this simple dining setup—he was not used to it. But he was a man of impeccable breeding. He would never show his discomfort in front of elders.

He stood to pour Felix some wine. "Dad, I hear this one is quite smooth. Give it a try. If you like it, I'll get more next time."

Felix played along graciously. "You're so busy with work, don't trouble yourself over us. You're finally here, so eat up."

York was always relaxed around Claudia's parents.

He stared at her exquisite face, took her hand—the one holding the card—and pulled her towards him.

Just then, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

The spell was broken. They looked at each other. Claudia pulled her hand back as York fished the phone out of his pocket.

Before he could answer, the caller hung up.

Immediately, a series of message notifications began to chime.

Claudia stared at his face, watching for his reaction, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.

She felt like she was going crazy.

Whenever York's phone went off, whether it was a call or a message, any slight hesitation on his part sent her spiraling into a frenzy.