Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 358

**TITLE: Beseeched 358**
**Chapter 358: Back to Business**

21%

+10 Free Coins

Brogan’s focus was entirely consumed by the piece of meat he was working on, his hands deftly slicing through the tender flesh. Without lifting his gaze from the task, he muttered, “Then go help find her. Ethan’ll be forever grateful.”

“Hsssh…”

Find her? The thought sent a wave of frustration through him. How on earth was he supposed to accomplish that?

Clone her?

With an irritated huff, Alex snatched the knife from Brogan’s hand, his annoyance bubbling over. “Out of all of us, you’re the coldest. Our brother is falling apart, and you still think this is a joke?”

Brogan paused for a moment, his expression unreadable, then he gestured towards the cutting board with a slight nod.

“Then cook something good for him. I’ll go handle the emotional support.”

Alex fell silent, the weight of Brogan’s words settling heavily on him.

He watched Brogan stride out of the kitchen, his back straight and determined. Looking down at the knife in his own hand, Alex clenched his jaw, frustration morphing into resolve. “Fine. I’ll cook. Just a few dishes; how hard can it be?”

With a loud thwack, he brought the knife down onto the cutting board, the sound echoing through the quiet kitchen.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Brogan entered just as Alice finished voicing her thoughts.

She and Ethan were seated at opposite ends of the room, the distance between them palpable. There wasn’t any overt tension, but the atmosphere felt strangely charged, as if something unsaid lingered in the air.

“You’re back. Alex cooking?” Alice asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

“Yep.”

Brogan offered a teasing smile. “Don’t trust him?”

“Don’t trust’ is putting it lightly,” Alice replied, rolling her eyes as she pulled out her phone, navigating to a food delivery app. “I’m just trying to avoid being poisoned.”

Brogan chose not to respond, his gaze shifting to Ethan.

Since Dawn’s disappearance, Ethan had undergone a significant transformation. The light in his eyes had dimmed, replaced by a chilling detachment. It was as if an invisible barrier surrounded him, silently warning others to keep their distance.

“Alice is right. Your original plan wasn’t flawed. Roxanne remains our only solid lead. If you truly wish to do something for Dawn, the best course of action is to pull yourself together and continue your search,” Brogan said, his tone steady and encouraging.

Ethan’s dark eyes flickered momentarily, a hint of recognition passing through them, yet he remained silent.

A brief exchange of glances passed between Brogan and Alice. Neither pushed further; they understood that Ethan likely had a strategy forming in his mind. There was no sense in reiterating what he already knew.

Half an hour later, the kitchen door swung open with a dramatic whoosh, smoke billowing out like a warning signal. Alex emerged, wearing an apron and coughing uncontrollably, shouting, “Dinner’s ready!”

Alice gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“What the hell? Were you trying to concoct a chemical weapon?”

“Hey, what kind of attitude is that?” Alex protested, feigning offense.

He reached out, attempting to ruffle her hair, but Alice ducked away, a smirk on her face. He didn’t take it to heart; in fact, he felt a swell of pride. “Come on, at least give me some credit. I went all out today. You’re about to witness the magic of Chef Alex.”

Alice forced a couple of polite laughs, her eyes darting toward the kitchen.

Her takeout better arrive soon.

When the food finally hit the table, the three of them settled down, each occupying a side, staring in silence at the four unidentifiable dishes laid out before them.

Alex scratched his nose, uncertainty creeping into his demeanor. “Why are you just sitting there? Come on, eat! Sure, it doesn’t look amazing, but I promise it tastes great.”

Alex had his arms draped around Brogan, mumbling a string of incoherent phrases, while Alice squinted, clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol.

Ethan reclined into the corner of the couch, his limbs relaxed, long legs casually resting against the edge of the coffee table.

His gaze was hazy, a mist clouding his eyes, emotions hidden beneath the surface.

The burn of liquor coursed down his throat, settling in his gut, numbing everything it touched.

Truth be told, he and Dawn had not spent much time living in this house together, yet her presence lingered in every corner.

That feeling was like a tight net, suffocating and inescapable, wrapping around him, leaving him breathless.

His jaw clenched, muscles in his face taut with unexpressed tension. He closed his eyes, seeking solace in the darkness behind his eyelids.

Later that afternoon, the living room was enveloped in silence. Everyone had succumbed to a nap after their drinking escapade.

Alice rubbed her eyes, her hand connecting with Alex’s arm as she jolted him awake. “Wake up!”

“Huh…? What?” he mumbled, groggy.

“He’s gone!”

“Wait—shit… Ethan?!”

Just as the three of them reached for their phones, Tony appeared in the doorway, a grin plastered on his face. “Ms. Alice, the boss asked me to drive you guys home.”

“Where is your boss?” she asked, suspicion lacing her tone.

“Ms. West had to stop by the office today. The boss went in for the project meeting.”

The partnership between Stonewarden Group and the Jackson Group often required someone to attend the review meetings, and today was no exception.