Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 695

Chapter 695 

“I’m fine, just a random wave of nausea,” I muttered, watching Wayne carefully. 

He looked genuinely concerned, but even that annoyed me. Funny how not loving someone can make their kindness feel like a trap–or worse, a crime. 

“Good. Go drink some water,” he said, still sounding too caring for my liking. 

I headed back to my office, but before I got there, someone stepped out of the elevator–a familiar figure. 

“Mr. Hart!” 

“You’re back?” 

“Everyone missed you!” 

The staff lit up like Christmas lights, but, of course, they were mistaking Xander for Hayden. Typical. Xander didn’t correct them, just smiled politely and walked straight toward me. 

Wayne’s mood? Instantly icy. 

“What are you doing here?” I asked Xander, keeping it curt 

He wasn’t Hayden, and letting people think he was would only stir up drama I didn’t have the energy to handle. 

He held up a food container. “Brought you lunch.” 

My stomach growled, like perfect timing, dude. I hadn’t eaten since last night, and my body wasn’t about to let me pretend otherwise. 

“Wow, thoughtful of you,” I said, taking the container. Then I glanced at Wayne, throwing in a little shade for good measure. “Wayne, you haven’t tried his cooking yet, right? It’s pretty good. Almost as good as Hayden’s. Almost.” 

Yeah, I said it on purpose. 

Part of it was to protect Xander. After last night, I was sure Wayne had sent someone after him–a test, for both of us. Wayne wasn’t exactly known for letting things go. 

“Is that so?” Wayne’s tone was calm, though his gaze was distant. “So now cooking is the way to win someone over?” 

Classic Wayne–drenched in that smug, alpha energy. I was willing to bet he’d never even boiled water. Not back at the Johnston house, and definitely not now. 

Some things don’t change. Wayne might act easygoing, but deep down, he was all control.. 

“This isn’t about ‘winning someone over.‘ Haven’t you heard? If a guy’s really into you, he’ll roll up his sleeves and make you food,” I said, lifting the container closer for a sniff. “Smells legit.” 

Xander didn’t miss a beat. “You didn’t eat much last night, so I made saucy braised meatballs with a cucumber salad. Try it, let me know what you think.” 

Wayne’s expression darkened like a thundercloud. 

“Meatballs?” I echoed, glancing at Xander. 

He gave a small nod. “Not your thing?” 

Chapter 695 

+25 BONUS 

They were, actually. As a kid, I was obsessed with saucy braised meatballs–especially the way my dad made them. But since my parents died, I’d avoided them. They never tasted the same without him.