The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 489

Now that her body had mostly recovered, he felt safe letting her eat her favorite foods.

"I just guessed."

Garrison nudged the tender meat closer to her, picking up his fork to grab some greens. His expression was flawlessly neutral.

"If you like it, eat up. But since you're still recovering, I had the kitchen dial the spice down by twenty percent. Next time your checkup shows everything is normal, I'll take you out for the real deal."

Sloane rolled her eyes internally.

*This guy is so stubborn...*

She took a few bites, eating slowly, as if savoring the flavor—or perhaps lost in thought.

A moment later, she set down her fork and picked up her glass of water, raising it slightly toward him.

Since she couldn't drink alcohol, this would have to do.

"Dr. Foster, thank you." Her voice wasn't loud, but every word carried weight. "Defending me in front of all those people... I didn't expect you to do that. I'm really moved."

"Let me toast you with water instead of wine."

Garrison picked up his glass, his fingers tightening slightly around the rim. His face maintained that same professional calm, but his Adam's apple bobbed, swallowing down a surge of unspoken emotion.

"It's nothing, Ms. Taylor. It was the right thing to do."

"And..." Sloane didn't lower her glass. Her eyes rested on his face. The defensive distance was completely gone from her gaze, replaced by pure, genuine gratitude.

"Thank you for curing me, and for always looking out for me. In the beginning, I thought you were just some... well, never mind. Let's drop it."

She looked a bit embarrassed. "I said a lot of hurtful things to you... I'm sorry. I misjudged you."

Her voice softened, and she pushed the glass another inch toward him.

"Dr. Foster... I can't drink right now, so please accept this water as my formal apology. I hope you can forgive me."

Garrison lowered his head, slowly chewing a piece of blanched choy sum. With his bad stomach, it was the only thing on this table of fiery dishes he could actually stomach.

A comfortable silence settled over the booth.

Then, Sloane's voice drifted across the table. Her tone sounded casual, but there was a distinct edge of careful deliberation beneath it.

"Dr. Foster, actually... I just made a decision."

Garrison looked up.

"What decision?"

"I've decided... to take over Taylor Manufacturing Corp."

"I'm going to stand with you and push Vitas-1 through to the end."