Chapter 106
Chapter 106 Quiet Dinner Talk
Quiet as she was, Zora had clearly been raised with fine manners.
She was nothing like the spoiled, malicious, ill-mannered girl others gossiped about.
Those rumors were nothing but nonsense.
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If Zora really were arrogant and overbearing, leaning on the Marlow family’s influence to do whatever she pleased, she would never have let herself get bullied time and again.
“Thank you, Leighton p>
Only then did Zora pick up her fork and start eating. The seasoned roast beef was melt-in- your-mouth tender, full of deep, savory flavor. Every bite was simply delicious.
“How is it?” Leighton asked softly.
“It’s really good.” Zora nodded earnestly.
“Getting praise from you makes this dish worthwhile. I haven’t cooked in ages, and I was worried my skills had gotten rusty-that I wouldn’t make something you’d like,” Leighton smiled gently.
“Try the other dishes too. I’d be honored if any of them win your favor.” He glanced at the rest of the food on the table, then looked back at her, his deep eyes filled with quiet anticipation.
“Mhm.” Zora picked up her fork and tried the pepper pork skillet.
The bell peppers were mild, with lightly charred edges. The thinly sliced pork was seared to a crisp, glistening with savory juices, yet not greasy at all. It was perfectly seasoned on its own.
“It’s tasty.” She looked up again, giving a serious, straightforward answer since she knew he was waiting for her thought.
“Seems my cooking’s pretty great, earning such high praise from you.” A soft laugh escaped Leighton.
“You actually know how to cook?” Zora ventured into small talk, breaking the silence after listening to him talk for so long.
“I had no choice,” Leighton chuckled lightly. “My dad sent me overseas alone when I was younger. The food abroad was terrible, so I had to teach myself to cook. Turns out it’s not such a bad thing after all p>
Zora blinked at him. “Huh? What do you mean p>
“Now I can cook for you, so you don’t have to rely on takeout all the time.” His voice carried a
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Chapter 106 Quiet Dinner Talk
warm, playful tone, deep and mellow as it lingered in the quiet room.
Zora stared at him. He spoke like he was joking, yet his words felt strangely sincere.
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“You’re really talented. I can’t cook at all.” Zora had never learned to make meals growing up. Her mentor never let her near the kitchen, saying cooking fumes were harsh on young girls’
skin.
“It’s fine if you don’t know how. Girls don’t need to cook for themselves. Someday you’ll have someone who’ll make all your meals for you. Guys like me, though—if I can’t cook, I’ll never find a girlfriend,” Leighton spoke in a lazy, easy tone.
“You’re making food for your future girlfriend… and I’m eating it now. Isn’t that improper?” Zora looked up at him with genuine confusion.
“…I’m in no hurry to settle down anyway. For now, I’m happy cooking just for you p>
Leighton couldn’t hold back a quiet laugh at her earnest, deadpan question. His eyes crinkled into warm, amused curves.
She really was such an adorable little ray of sunshine.
Zora watched him laugh, not quite understanding what was so funny. He seemed to smile all the time-every time she saw him, he had that gentle smile, and it suited him perfectly.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” She noticed he’d barely touched his food, as if he’d made the whole meal just for her.
“I don’t have much of an appetite. Just watching you enjoy it is enough for me. Eat more, finish my portion too p>
Leighton barely took another bite. Work had kept him swamped lately, leaving him restless and unable to sleep well at night.
He’d left the calming herbal sachet Zora gave him at home while traveling, and had struggled with insomnia for days. On the worst nights, he’d only managed brief restless naps with the help of her pills-nothing compared to the soothing effect of the sachet.
“Have you been having trouble sleeping again?” Zora studied him closely.
“A little. I left your herbal sachet back home when I went on my business trip, and I’ve been too busy to get it.” Leighton nodded honestly.
He knew she understood traditional medicine, so there was no point hiding it from her.
Poor rest had completely killed his appetite.
He’d never expected the sachet to work so well; it let him fall asleep easily each night. Even if
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Chapter 106 Quiet Dinner Talk
he woke once or twice after midnight, it was far better than any sleeping aid.
“Do you have work to finish later tonight p>
Zora knew his insomnia was serious, not something that would fade overnight.
“Nothing planned. Why?” Leighton shook his head.
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“You should eat a little more, or you’ll wake up hungry in the middle of the night. After dinner, I can give you a head massage-it’ll help you relax, and you’ll be able to rest easier,” Zora suggested softly.
“That’s alright. I’ll manage fine with your herbal sachet. I’ll be able to rest then.” The warmth in Leighton’s smile dimmed slightly, though his voice stayed gentle.
“…Alright.” Zora caught the faint hint of reluctance in his tone. She pressed her lips together and lowered her gaze, choosing not to push the matter further.
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The Real Heiress s New Family Adored by All