The image of Caleb kneeling to wait on her hand and foot flashed through Stella’s mind, and the heat in her cheeks instantly spiked.

Lemira spoke in a serious tone. “You need to be confident. If it turns out he really doesn’t like you, then just find someone else.”

Just as she said that, the apartment door swung open, and Caleb walked in carrying several heavy bags of groceries.

Lemira and Stella exchanged a quick glance, instantly dropping the topic.

Lemira walked toward him. “Need a hand? I used to cook all the time back at the Langstons.”

Stella blushed. “I can wash the vegetables.”

She genuinely didn’t know how to cook, and she couldn’t even pretend to try.

Caleb set the two massive bags down in the kitchen, turning his head to look at both of them. “Out. I’ve got this on my own.”

Lemira pulled Stella out of the kitchen, looking back at the broad-shouldered man busy at the counter.

She shot Stella a look. “I think he’s perfect for you. Not only is he built like a tank, but he’s also a great cook. A guy who looks that good, can protect you, and handles the kitchen? Those are incredibly rare.”

“Aren’t you afraid Orion will get jealous hearing you say that? When you asked

Caleb those questions the other day, Orion looked so sour I thought he was going to snap.”

“

Lemira’s face flushed deeply. “Who cares what he thinks?”

The two girls sat on the sofa, whispering secrets and breaking into occasional giggles.

As Caleb cooked, the sound of their cheerful chatter drifted into the kitchen, and the corners of his mouth subtly curved upward.

Just as the food was ready, Orion walked through the door.

He saw the spread on the table, then cast a highly amused glance at Caleb, who was still wearing an apron.

Without standing on ceremony, Orion washed his hands and sat right down at the dining table. “Perfect timing.”

Caleb didn’t say a word.

Lemira looked at the food. The portions were massive, and the plating was brutally practical—everything was served in giant bowls.

She took one bite and her eyes immediately lit up. They weren’t lying; Caleb’s cooking was phenomenal.

To make such large portions taste this incredible took real talent.

Initially, Lemira had worried they wouldn’t be able to finish all the food he made, but with two large men at the table every single plate was wiped clean.

Everyone was in high spirits after the fantastic meal.

Lemira looked at Caleb and joked, “Whoever ends up as your girlfriend is definitely going to get fed until she’s a little piglet.”

Feeling Lemira’s teasing gaze, Stella blushed furiously, bolted from the table, and scurried away.

Orion turned his attention to Lemira. “When do you plan on handing that man over to the police?”

“Evelina has to be at the station too. But she had a pregnancy scare

tonight and have

might miscarry We

to wait for an update from the

Langstons first.”

Orion frowned in distaste. “Why are the Langstons always so full of drama?”

Lemira shook her head helplessly. “We’ve waited this long, a day or two more won’t hurt.”

True to her prediction, Lucian called

I.ne

her the very next day. “Evelina’s condition isn’t great. She’s in the hospital right now under strict observation to save the pregnancy

Typical.

“Your family really is nothing but trouble. I plan to send her father to the police station to turn himself in, but Evelina must be there in person.”

After all, Hale’s condition for surrendering was making sure Evelina was safe. Not that Evelina was anything but useless anyway.

“Don’t worry, I’ll arrange it on my end. I’ll also make sure Evelina convinces her father not to cover for the Sinclairs.”

Lucian hung up the phone. He glanced through the door at Evelina lying in the hospital bed, a surge of pure rage boiling in his chest.

Evelina had single-handedly ruined the Langston family, yet he couldn’t punish this toxic woman. Instead, he had to treat her like absolute royalty.

Just then, a doctor approached him, holding a sealed document. “Mr. Langston, the paternity test report you requested is ready.”