Chapter 525

“Lottie’s entrance exams are just three weeks away, you know. Once they’re over, you both need to tell my grandpa the truth.” Kenneth sounded tired, like all the energy had been drained right out of him. He added, “My family isn’t super strict, but there’s no way my grandpa will let Lottie hang around with you at her age, not without things being official. Plus
Anthony glanced up, one eyebrow raised. “Plus what?”
Kenneth narrowed his eyes, a smirk forming. “You’re a lot older than her, man. My grandpa might not let you date her at all.”
Anthony looked down at Charlotte, his expression softening as he took in her pretty, fair face. His voice was low and gentle. “He’ll come around.”
Kenneth let out a dry laugh. “That sure of yourself?”
“She’s only ever going to be mine,” Anthony replied, not missing a beat. He glanced at Charlotte, a question in his eyes. “Right?”
Charlotte stopped what she was doing and met his gaze. A lazy smile played on her lips. “If you say so.”
Kenneth groaned. “I knew I shouldn’t have called you. I’m hanging up.”
He rolled his eyes so hard it was almost audible, then ended the call in
exasperation. Honestly, he thought, someone should just make a rule: no showing off how in love you are, anywhere, ever.
The room was quiet for a bit, just the two of them enjoying the peace. Then a knock sounded at the door.
“Anthony, Charlotte, dinner’s ready.”
Anthony had changed into a fresh, comfy set of loungewear. He reached for Charlotte’s hand and led her out to the living room. The table was covered with all kinds of mouthwatering dishes, and the sounds of pots and pans clinking could still be heard from the kitchen.
They turned toward the noise and spotted four or five maids peeking anxiously around the kitchen door, all craning their necks to see what was happening inside. Their faces were full of worry.
“She’s been in there for half an hour. Why isn’t she out yet?”
“She went through a whole bottle of oil and two bags of chicken wings. Maybe she’ll get it right this time?”
“Honestly, Lavinia’s doing better than usual. At least she didn’t set the kitchen on fire.”
“Wait, she’s coming—she’s coming
The maids all watched, hopeful, as Lavinia came out carrying a plate. She looked absolutely thrilled as she hurried to Charlotte’s side.
י
“Lottie, you have to try-”
She didn’t get to finish. Anthony immediately pulled Charlotte behind him, his eyes glued to the thing Lavinia was holding. Whatever it was, it was black and… well, hard to describe.
Lavinia frowned, shooting Anthony an annoyed look. “What’s with that face? It might not look great, but I bet it tastes amazing.” She muttered the last part under her breath. She’d made it three times already. It had to be right this time.
The maids all snuck glances at the chicken wings piled on the plate, then quickly looked away. It was just too much. If chickens bad an. afterlife, they were probably hoping there was no Lavinia in it.
Charlotte lowered her eyes, her thick lashes trembling just a little. Lavinia’s cooking was, honestly, kind of terrifying.
“It really is good,” Lavinia insisted, pouting. She looked around the room and zeroed
in on Matthew, her voice going sweet and playful. “Honey, you should try it.”
Matthew just stared at her, lost for words.
“Come on, eat.” Lavinia didn’t wait for a response. She grabbed a chicken wing and dropped it right in his bowl, making it clear he had no choice.
Matthew shot her a helpless look, then glanced over at Anthony, almost as if asking for backup. In the end, he picked up the chicken wing, bracing himself. Just as Re was about to take a bite his band shook and the wing dropped to the floor.
Their dog, 98K, who’d been sprawled out nearby, perked up and darted over. He sniffed the chicken wing for a second, then walked away with a look of pure disdain.
The food was so bad even the dog wouldn’t touch it.
Lavinia just stood there, speechless.