Chapter 1472
Hazel nodded in absolute seriousness. “Exactly. Those of us in the underworld love names that tell you exactly what you’re dealing with. It makes building a reputation so much easier p>
“When people hear it, they think, ‘Oh, The Panacea, must be medical.’ It’s highly efficient p>
She grew increasingly confident in her logic. “Look at Demon, or Ghost Doctor. They’re all pretty self-explanatory, right p>
Julian was amused by her reasoning. “That’s true. You certainly know exactly what their specialties are the moment you hear them p>
He didn’t pry any further, simply adding gently, “Since you’ve already handled the arrangements, as the older brother, I’ll gladly follow your lead p>
Hazel let out a massive internal sigh of relief.
Crisis averted.
She looked down at the last few bites of panna cotta in her bowl, her happiness fully restored.
But Julian suddenly spoke again. “Miss Hazel, thank you for your hard work p>
Hazel’s head snapped up.
The soft dessert wobbled gently in front of her, an irresistible temptation.
But the man sitting across from her was looking at her with such elegant warmth, a soft smile on his lips.
The lighting washed over his face, casting a golden, comforting glow over his striking features.
His voice was so tender.
He was the Lancaster family’s eldest heir.
A ruthless corporate titan who could bankrupt a rival with a polite smile.
Yet here he was, sitting in the kitchen, cooking her pasta, making her dessert, and gently telling her he appreciated her hard work.
Hazel’s heart skipped a completely unprompted beat.
And then, it started racing.
She blinked.
Feeling suddenly flustered, she lowered her head and shoveled the last scoop of panna cotta into her mouth.
As if the sugar rush could drown out the sudden pounding in her chest. Weird, there was no alcohol in this dessert, so why did her face feel so hot?
“I-it wasn’t hard work at all,” she mumbled past the spoon. “Just doing my job p>
Julian noticed the tips of her ears turning red beneath her crimson hair, and his smile deepened.
He decided not to tease her anymore.
Once Hazel had scraped the bowl entirely clean she patted her
stomach with supreme satis
“I’m stuffed p>
Her stomach and her soul were completely at peace.
Rubbing her belly, she stood up. “I’m going to head back and get some sleep.” Julian stood up as well. “Wait a second p>
Before Hazel could ask why, Julian turned and pulled out a beautifully wrapped pastry box.
He opened it to reveal several immaculately crafted artisan pastries, neatly arranged inside.
Every single one looked like a work of art.
And they looked incredibly delicious.
Julian handed the box to her. “Take these to your room. In case you get hungry later tonight p>
Hazel’s eyes lit up all over again. “Julian, you even prepped midnight snacks p>
Julian smiled. “You were out working
so late
XX
figured you might
get
angry again, so made a few
extras p>
Clutching the pastry box to her chest, Hazel was overwhelmed with emotion.
Julian was way too thoughtful!
He made her pasta from scratch.
Then a gourmet panna cotta.
And now he even had a late-night snack box ready for her.
She was suddenly incredibly thankful she came back tonight.
And that she stumbled right into Julian’s personal cooking session.
What kind of legendary luck was this?
It was the best night ever.
Hazel hugged the box, practically floating toward the door. “Thank you, Julian! I’m
heading to my room now p>
Just as she reached the doorway.
Julian’s deep, smooth voice drifted over from behind her. “Hazel p>
Hazel’s footsteps faltered, and she looked back at him.
Julian stood in the warm glow of the kitchen, his features as gentle as ever.
But when he spoke, his tone carried
a fraction more weight than before.
orts
“A place like Whitecliffe Harbor
dangerous. Whether it’s you or your friend, don’t push yourselves too hard p>