The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 56

Charley was Saul's absolute best friend, which practically made him family.

Yumi looked longingly at the jar, so Lavinia poured her half a bowl. After one sip, Yumi's eyes lit up. "Oh my god, this is incredible! Better than an actual restaurant. There's so much good stuff in here!"

"Yeah, it's pretty good." Lavinia took a sip and was genuinely surprised by how delicious it was.

"Your family is so sweet to you. I wish I had someone looking out for me like that." Yumi looked envious. "Wait, do you guys live together?"

"No, just in the same apartment complex."

"Well, tell him to make extra next time so we can share!" Yumi was practically scraping the bowl.

Lavinia nodded, laughing. "Deal. I'll let him know."

After lunch, Lavinia sent Charley a text: [The soup was amazing. What did you put in it?]

He replied instantly: [Bone broth. Good for the joints.]

Lavinia burst out laughing.

She honestly couldn't picture someone as aloof and intimidating as Charley standing over a stove, watching a soup pot.

After work, she washed the thermos, placed it back in the parcel locker, and left a sticky note:

[It was delicious. I drank it all. Thank you.]

He hadn't mentioned which unit he moved into, likely to respect her privacy.

Given her current situation, keeping a bit of distance was probably for the best anyway.

That evening, while applying a face mask and reading academic papers, she got a message from Charley.

It was a photo of a massive crockpot, completely packed with ingredients.

Charley: [Slow-cooked ribs and beans. Good for your immune system.]

Lavinia couldn't help but smile as she typed back: [Do you have a girlfriend? My coworker loved the soup and wants to meet you. She's really cute.]

Charley: [Thanks, but I'm focusing on my career right now.]

Lavinia pouted slightly.

Tobin looked up, his gaze sliding right past Duncan and landing squarely on Lavinia. She was wearing a crisp white blouse and a navy pencil skirt, her hair pinned up, exposing the elegant curve of her neck.

His eyes gleamed with predatory amusement.

"Well, well. If it isn't Mrs. Harper," he drawled, tossing the menu aside and leaning back in his chair. "Does Garnett know you're having dinner with me tonight?"

Duncan froze, snapping his head toward Lavinia. "Mrs. Harper? Lavinia, you're Garnett Harper's wife?"

Lavinia pressed her lips together. "Yes."

She hadn't wanted to bring it up, but the secret was out now.

Duncan recovered quickly, laughing it off smoothly. "I didn't realize you two already knew each other. Lavinia, why don't you sit next to Mr. Jensen? It'll be easier to chat."

She didn't want to go anywhere near him. But she couldn't disrespect her boss in front of a client, so she forced herself to walk over and sit beside Tobin.

Tobin immediately leaned in, closing the distance between them. "Mrs. Harper looks quite appetizing in corporate attire."

Lavinia ignored the comment, subtly shifting an inch away from him.