Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1706

He looked at Sylvia, a hint of grievance in his eyes. "I haven't even had breakfast, so I just wanted to cook a bowl of noodles. How was I supposed to know these rustic stoves are so damn hard to light?" He then glanced at her again, genuine admiration lacing his tone. "You are pretty amazing, though. You got it burning in two seconds."

He peered back into the kitchen. The black smoke had cleared, and the warm glow of the fire was dancing against the walls. "I will go back in. The water should be boiling soon." He turned to head back inside.

"Stop. Don't cause any more trouble," Sylvia said helplessly, grabbing his arm to stop him. "Go wash your face at the sink. I will cook." With that, she headed for the kitchen.

After taking two steps, she paused. Turning her head, she looked at the makeshift ice pack sitting on the steps. Pressing her lips together, she finally walked over, picked it up, and gently pressed it against her swollen cheek. Only then did she lift the door curtain and step into the kitchen.

Steve stood frozen in place, watching her awkward, reluctant compromise. He raised an eyebrow, his mood visibly improving. He strolled over to the outdoor sink, turned on the faucet, and began scrubbing his disastrous face and soot stained hands.

By the time he was completely clean, Sylvia was walking out of the kitchen carrying two steaming bowls of noodles. Even though the estate had been vacant for a long time, the cellar still held some preserved dry goods. Sylvia had even managed to salvage a few fresh greens from the ruins of the collapsed greenhouse in the yard.

The noodles were simple and light, topped with vibrant green leaves and a few drops of sesame oil, radiating an incredibly appetizing aroma. Sylvia placed both bowls on the wooden table in the yard, sat down, and picked up her fork without saying a word to him.

Steve did not immediately walk over. Instead, he went back to his SUV parked outside the gates, retrieved a sealed manila envelope, and finally took a seat at the table. Looking down at the simple, beautifully clear broth, his Adam's apple bobbed. He suddenly realized that after a lifetime of eating luxurious delicacies, he was going absolutely crazy for this plain bowl of vegetable noodles.

Picking up his fork, he eagerly gathered a generous portion and brought it to his mouth. Swallowing with profound satisfaction, he couldn't help but sigh. "Getting to eat a bowl of noodles cooked by your own hands is truly a rare privilege."

After a long pause, Steve reached out and slowly pushed the manila envelope across the table until it rested in front of her. Sylvia's gaze fell on the envelope, but she didn't move.

"I know bringing this up now is cruel to you," Steve's voice was low, raspy, carrying an almost imperceptible hint of pleading. "But Sylvia, I cannot let you keep misunderstanding me. I refuse to carry a baseless sin and have you hate me for the rest of your life."

Sylvia finally looked up, her red eyes locked onto his. Meeting her bloodshot gaze, Steve spoke with absolute solemnity. "Your grandfather's death had nothing to do with me."

He pointed to the manila envelope on the table. "Inside are all the medical records from the day he collapsed, along with a comprehensive investigation report detailing everything that happened from start to finish." Steve gave her a profound look, adding gently, "Eat your noodles while they are hot. Read it after you finish."