The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Gordon didn’t dare to argue with Steven’s command. “Yes, Mr. Lancaster. I’ll get in touch with Lucid Works immediately.”

Steven then turned his attention to Verna, his voice softening with a rare tenderness I had never witnessed from him towards anyone else. “You should head back to the university. Have Gordon drive you there. I’ll be here for a while, so if you need anything, call me. And if I don’t answer, reach out to Professor Malone. Don’t go anywhere alone. We must avoid a repeat of what happened yesterday. Carry some pepper spray with you, just to be safe.”

Verna met his dark, intense gaze and smiled gently. “Alright, I will. Thank you, Mr. Lancaster. It’s daytime now, so there are more people around. I’ll be fine by myself. No need to trouble Gordon. I’ll see you later.”

Steven didn’t press the issue any further. Gordon accompanied her out of the room. As Steven stood up to head to Gordon’s quarters, a violent cough shook his body once more.

“Steven,” I called softly, “you haven’t eaten yet.” The bowl of porridge Verna had prepared still sat untouched on the table.

His face remained expressionless as he glanced my way. “You want to take care of me?”

I shook my head. “I’m here to work.”

“Then shut up.”

“But I want to go home as soon as possible. So, I’ll take care of you.” There was a vast difference between caring for someone out of choice and caring because it was necessary.

His face stayed impassive, but his eyes suddenly darkened, as if a drop of ink had spilled into them. A cold, bitter laugh escaped his lips, yet he said nothing more and retreated into the room. I wasn’t surprised—Steven was a proud man, and my earlier refusal hadn’t sat well with him.

I glanced once more at the bowl of porridge, still untouched. It was far too oily. Steven was notoriously picky about his food, especially when he was sick. I made my way to the hotel kitchen, borrowing a small pot to prepare a fresh batch of porridge. I cooked it slowly until it became thick and creamy, then topped it with minced beef stir-fried with tangy pickled vegetables and sprinkled generously with cilantro—his favorite herb.

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