Chapter 367

367
She was really craving that spiced duck , but it looked like she would have to miss out this time .
Owen suddenly asked , “ Are you hungry now ? ”
Aria paused , then smiled . “ Starving. ”
Owen smiled back . “ Go get your things ready . I’ll whip something up . ”
Aria hesitated . “ Isn’t that too much trouble ? ”
Owen shook his head . “ Not at all . Just needs to simmer . ”
It’s best not to eat overly greasy food at night . Braised spiced duck was just right tender and falling off the bone .
Owen turned to open the door . Seeing the trash bag in his hand , Aria stepped forward and offered , “ Want me to take that out for you ? ”
“ Don’t worry , ” Owen replied . “ Just some stuff I’m sorting out . They’re not in a hurry . ”
“ Got it . ” Aria walked into her apartment .
As soon as Owen entered his apartment , he moved a chair to the balcony .
Since Aria rarely came home late , Owen didn’t want to ask her directly . Instead , he sat by the door , reviewing case files , and only picked up the “ trash ” he’d prepared in advance when he heard her coming back just to run into her .
Good thing he planned this ahead of time , otherwise , she would’ve missed the spiced duck .
Aria changed into her loungewear and checked her phone . Seeing Vanessa’s message , she wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry .
They almost had her convinced with that story .
With a sigh , she replied : [ If it’s just private gossip , let them have their fun . ]
Vanessa shot back : [ Lol , got it . ]
Everyone had just assumed Aria was the official girlfriend . But if anyone had dared to spread rumors that her bestie was the other woman , she would’ve hacked into their group chat and shut it down immediately .
While packing , her phone kept buzzing incessantly .
She unlocked it , opened Russell’s chat , and saw a surveillance video .
A moment later , a man’s photo and profile appeared .
[ Vanessa’s anti – fan . Hardcore supporter from the rival / studio . He’s already been handed over to the police . ]
Aria typed : [ Thanks . ]
Russell : [ Time to honor your promise . ]
Aria : [ Handling problems on set is literally your job as the production head . ]
At the top of the chat , “ Russell is typing … ” flashed repeatedly , until finally a message appeared , the words sent through gritted teeth : [ Aria , don’t test my patience . ]
Aria : [ I’ve already told Olivia everything . Curtis has the diary . I’ve never seen it , never read it . ]
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Wed 18 Jun . C
367
Aria put her phone down , finally able to pack her things in peace ,
Just as she finished packing , a message from Owen propped up . [ Ready . ]
Aria washed her hands and headed straight to his place .
At the dining table , Owen lifted the lid , and
am rose , casting a warm golden glow under the chandelier .
Aria was immediately hit by the rich , mouthwatering aroma .
Owen ladled some amber – colored duck broth over the rice , letting it soak in before topping it with a few generous slices of tender meat .
He slid the bowl in front of her and said gently , “ Have more meat . There’s not much rice , just a little is enough . This broth really brings out the flavor
There was also a side dish and a fruit platter on the table .
Owen slid it over , his wrist bone gleaming cold white in the light . “ This is to cut the grease .”
Aria bit into the duck leg , her eyes narrowing in delight as the rich marinade flavor burst in her mouth . “ This is delicious . ”
His cooking skills had improved even more .
Owen noticed the sparkle in her eyes and smiled . “ Most of the credit goes to my housekeeper’s recipe . There are other recipes too – wait until you’re back to try them . ”
He decided to visit his parents ‘ home and ask the housekeeper for her secret recipe .
Worried about overeating and not being able to sleep , Aria controlled her appetite and didn’t eat too much .
She headed back to her room , took a quick shower , and settled into bed for the night .
AD