Chapter 1467
Hazel was speechless.
The line went dead quiet for a second.
Then, Julian let out a low, rich chuckle.
Hazel felt her ears burn.
She coughed twice, trying desperately to maintain her cool, badass persona as The Sovereign of the Gray Zone. “Actually… I am a little hungry p>
Julian’s voice was laced with amusement. “Do you want to come down and grab a bite? I just made some artisan pasta p>
Hazel’s eyes instantly lit up. “Julian, you made it yourself? You know how to cook p>
“Yes.” Julian’s voice was impossibly smooth. “Miss Hazel, would you do me the honor of tasting my cooking p>
Hazel bolted upright from the bed.
“Absolutely p>
“I’m honored p>
“Wait right there, Julian, I’m coming down p>
Hanging up the phone, Hazel grabbed her jacket and sprinted downstairs in her slippers.
Guilt?
Secrecy?
Her solemn vow to Serena about not being bribed by food?
All tossed out the window.
Food first. Everything else could wait.
The Lancaster family kitchen.
The lighting was warm and inviting.
Julian stood at the island counter. He was still wearing his dress shirt from the gala, though the sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing the sharp, clean lines of his wrists.
He was carefully plating the freshly cooked pasta into a porcelain bowl.
His movements were unhurried and precise.
He looked far too elegant to be cooking; it was as if he were crafting a masterpiece.
Hazel sprinted into the kitchen and was instantly hit by an incredibly rich, savory
aroma.
Her eyes sparkled. “Oh my god, that smells amazing p>
Julian turned to look at her.
The girl’s red hair was a messy bedhead, Ã jacket was thrown
carelessly over her shoulders net
one of her slippers was barely
and
Clinging to her foot
Gone was the fierce, leather-clad biker with bold red lipstick who ruled the streets.
Right now, she looked more like a greedy kitten lured in by the scent of a fresh catch.
The amusement in Julian’s eyes deepened. “Slow down. No one is going to take it from you p>
Hazel sat at the dining table, watching with wide eyes as he placed the bowl in front of her.
Inside the porcelain bowl, the pasta was perfectly al dente, resting in a rich, savory broth. It was topped. with a flawlessly soft boiled egg and sprinkled with crisp, golden garnishes.
Steam curled into the air.
It was just a simple bowl of pasta.
Yet it looked as exquisite as a signature dish from a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hazel grabbed her fork and eagerly took a bite.
A second later, her eyes widened dramatically. “Mmm p>
With her mouth full of noodles, she gave him a vigorous thumbs-up.
Only after swallowing did she gasp, “Julian! This is incredible p>
“Is this really just pasta? How can simple pasta taste this good p>
She didn’t wait for an answer, leaning down to shovel another massive bite into her mouth.
Her cheeks puffed out as she chewed, looking exactly like a contented hamster.
Julian sat across from her, not touching his own cutlery.
He simply watched her eat in comfortable silence.
Seeing the utter bliss on her face brought a deep smile to his eyes. “I’m glad you like it p>
Throwing all concern for her image aside, Hazel kept eating bite after bite.
Hearing Julian’s voice, she nodded emphatically. “I love it! I love it so much p>
She took a sip of the broth, her eyes
curving into happy crescents.
“Julian you’re a billionaire who
practically runs the world. How do
you have such insane culinary skrus p>
“You really are Serena’s brother p>
Julian chuckled softly. “Whenever you’re hungry from now on, just come find me p>
“I’m actually quite a decent chef. I know how to make a lot of things p>
Hazel looked up at him, her eyes practically shining. “What else can you make, Julian p>
Julian listed them off slowly. “Crab bisque, rich chicken tortellini, honey-glazed BBQ ribs, caramelized baked apples, coconut panna cotta p>
Hazel was practically drooling at the list.
Watching her reaction, Julian’s voice grew even gentler. “So, whenever you’re hungry, just let me know. As long as I’m home, I’ll make it for you p>