Chapter 597

Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the dining room.

Evelyn stood before the table, her gaze shifting between two identical plates of ham and eggs. She casually picked up a slice of toast, layered it with ham and eggs, then added a few lettuce leaves.

The breakfast spread was excessively lavish. The fusion of Eastern and Western dishes was so nutritionally balanced it could have been crafted by a professional dietitian.

Alexander's eyes followed her chopsticks intently. Only when she took the first bite did the tension in his shoulders ease slightly.

"Auntie Wu prepared breakfast?" Evelyn swallowed her food. "You didn't have to wait for me."

"Auntie Wu went home." His voice carried a subtle hint of anticipation. "I made this."

Evelyn froze mid-motion. She stared at the half-eaten sandwich in her hand, her throat tightening involuntarily.

Memories from last night flooded back—the charred eggs, the lumpy bacon, and that ill-fated sweet-and-sour fish lying in the kitchen trash.

The only safe thing in her mouth right now seemed to be the lettuce.

"Is it terrible?" Alexander frowned slightly, picking up a slice of bacon to taste. "A bit overcooked, but the flavor's decent."

Evelyn eyed the nearly identical plates skeptically. "Are you sure you didn't mix these up with Auntie Wu's?"

She forced herself to take another bite—already doing him a favor.

Alexander sighed helplessly. "I specifically asked Auntie Wu to leave her versions too, in case you didn't like my cooking."

"So..." Evelyn glanced at the side dishes and porridge. "These are also duplicates?"

"Yes." He nodded. "From rinsing the rice to washing the vegetables—all learned on the spot. After last night's lesson, today went much smoother."

He said it casually, as if discussing the weather.

Evelyn sampled each side dish. Alexander's fingers clenched subtly under the table, more nervous than when awaiting tender results.

"I can't tell the difference." She set down her chopsticks. "The presentation on the right is worse. The left has too much sesame."

The corners of Alexander's lips lifted uncontrollably, his eyes glinting with quiet delight.

"Worth being this happy?" Evelyn found it amusing. "The man who couldn't even boil noodles has improved overnight."

Suddenly, she remembered the past. Back then, she'd been too busy to cook, and he'd never set foot in the kitchen. Turns out he wasn't incapable—just hadn't considered her worth the effort.

This realization cooled the warmth that had just begun blooming in her chest.

"If you like noodles, I can learn to make them tonight." Alexander looked at her earnestly. "Dough might be trickier, but I should master a couple of varieties by next week..."

"That's not what I meant." Evelyn quickly interrupted.

His gaze remained tender and focused. "I just want you to know—I'm willing to learn anything that's good for you. Starting now isn't too late."

Evelyn lowered her lashes, avoiding the intensity in his eyes. They knew each other too well—a single glance could reveal sincerity. But this sincerity had come too late.

She finished breakfast quickly and stood to clear the dishes.

"I'll do it." Alexander naturally took over. "Go get dressed. Don't be late."

The familiarity in his tone resembled that of long-married couples. For a fleeting moment, Evelyn pictured Alexander—apron-clad and bustling in the kitchen.

"What's wrong?" He studied her puzzledly.

Evelyn shook her head sharply, dispelling the absurd image. "Just thinking about work."

"Still wearing suits today?" He asked casually.

"Professional attire makes a stronger impression." She explained. "At my age, I need the wardrobe to command respect."

Alexander's gaze drifted toward the closet. "You could try the clothes I previously picked for you."

Those outfits had moved with them from the resort hotel but remained deliberately ignored by Evelyn. She refused to admit how Alexander had quietly infiltrated every corner of her life.