The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 91

His tone was calm, leaving no room for negotiation.

A flicker of emotion flashed through Celia's eyes, though her face registered a brief moment of panic. "You don't have to. It'll just be a bother to you."

Alistair didn't reply, his gaze slowly sweeping over her.

She had indeed lost a little weight since the last time they met.

"Who's been cooking for you lately?"

Ignoring Celia's polite refusal, Alistair asked the question directly.

"No one, really... I just grabbed takeout from a few bistros," Celia said, lacking confidence.

Alistair closed his book and set it aside on the desk. "Ken said you've been ordering delivery every day."

Hearing this, Celia's eyes widened, her expression that of someone utterly betrayed.

"Not every day! I even tried cooking for myself."

Alistair's tone remained flat. "Ken said you triggered the fire alarm and got a lecture from the fire department."

Celia opened her mouth, her eyes full of shock and disbelief. She felt a profound sense of betrayal.

"I've actually been looking for a new chef recently. It won't be long before..."

"For the next few weeks, Ken will be swamped with official duties and meetings. He won't have a single moment of free time to help you find a chef," Alistair said, cutting off her unfinished sentence. "Since when did you and Ken get so close?"

This was the second time Alistair had asked her this question.

Celia's eyes grew round. Infuriated by Alistair's words, she said indignantly, "Why does Ken tell you everything..."

Alistair replied calmly, "The real question is why I have to hear about everything from Ken."

The man looked at Celia, his gaze cool and his demeanor exuding a noble elegance. "Celia, I don't think we have the kind of relationship that requires a messenger."

He had actually spoken to her about this before. But it seemed she hadn't listened.

Celia looked down at the tips of her toes, her voice muffled. "You're always so busy."

"I still have time to listen to you speak."

The chef at Alistair's estate seemed to have trained under a master, completely fluent in continental haute cuisine, hired by Ken at a premium salary.

The dishes were perfectly suited to Celia's tastes.

Watching Celia eat, Alistair set down his silverware and wiped his mouth. "I don't come to this estate often. It's convenient for you to stay here."

Overwhelmed by the delicious food, Celia hesitated before asking earnestly, "Can I use the chef here too?"

The corners of his lips curved up slightly as Alistair nodded. "He'd be delighted to cook for you."

Still looking slightly hesitant, Celia asked cautiously, "Will it be a bother to you?"

Alistair's gaze was calm, his voice deep. "No. Not a bother."

Hearing this, the smile on Celia's face finally grew a bit more genuine. "Then I'll be in your care!"

Alistair pursed his lips. He took a sip of his drink and spoke slowly again, "Ken has a lot of official business over the next few weeks. It's best not to disturb him."

Celia was still upset about Ken "tattling" on her. Hearing Alistair say this, she nodded vigorously. "Fine, then I won't bother him at all!"