The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 31

Garnett went back to his room to shower. The hot water washed away most of his exhaustion.

He thought about Lavinia's reaction. She had been dumped halfway in the rain, yet she hadn't thrown a tantrum. After returning home, she was even completely focused on reading her thesis.

Changing into his loungewear, he walked out and leaned against the kitchen doorframe, watching her back.

Her nightgown was oversized, looking like a style a college student would wear.

It made him involuntarily imagine the slight emptiness his hands would feel if he were to embrace her slender frame from behind.

A few stray strands of hair clung to the nape of her neck, looking somewhat ticklish.

"What exactly did you put in that noodle soup?" he asked her back.

Lavinia froze for a moment.

"Nothing special. Soy sauce, salt, and green onions. That's it."

"Why does it smell so good?"

"Noodles have their own natural aroma."

He walked over, raising his hand to wrap around her waist, pulling her back against him.

Lavinia completely stiffened.

"When you cook it, the broth is perfectly clear, and the taste is exceptional." He gently rested his chin on her shoulder. "How do you do it?"

She smelled the cologne on him. Another woman's. It hadn't even washed off in the shower.

"Don't let the water boil too hard. Keep it at a gentle simmer, and skim off any foam. That makes the best soup."

"I see," he smiled faintly.

She guessed why he was asking.

*Once you learn it, you can make it for yourself in the future.*

Lavinia grabbed a bowl and served the noodles. Garnett stood beside her, watching.

"Are you really not mad?" he suddenly asked.

Lavinia was sprinkling green onions. Her hand paused, and she asked in return, "What is there to be mad about?"

Garnett caught her momentary stiffness. He let out a cold laugh.

"I really appreciate your magnanimity tonight, Mrs. Harper."

Lavinia had just set the bowl on the dining table. Hearing those words, a sharp pain pierced her heart.

She didn't understand why he had to be this way.

As he passed through the living room, his phone buzzed. His assistant had sent a file with an image attached.

It was a family crest, a river wave crest, looking like a lying uppercase S.

Corinne: [The person who reported us left this crest behind.]

It was exactly the same mark left by the person who had outbid everyone at the charity auction.

Garnett stared at the image for several seconds, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper.

Who in the world was it?

***

Lavinia received a call from the hospital first thing in the morning. Her uncle's cancer had spread, and he needed a second surgery immediately.

By the time she rushed to the hospital, Latham had just been given a sedative and was asleep.

Dr. Roland invited Lavinia into his office, closed the door, and spoke with a heavy tone. "Ma'am, your uncle's condition can't be delayed any longer. Can you get the P-Drug or not?"

Lavinia's heart was in turmoil. She pressed her lips together. "I can. But I need time."

Dr. Roland fell silent for a few seconds.