Chapter 44
Chapter 44 Teasing Over Dinner
“With me here, do you really think you’re-needed p>
Jensen shot Leighton a sharp glance.
Finished
“Hey, she’s your cousin, which makes her our little sister too, right?” Leighton raised an eyebrow and glanced over at Jett.
Among the three of them, Jensen was the oldest, Jett the third, and himself the youngest of the group.
‘Couldn’t agree more! She’s your cousin, which makes her ours too-of course we’re gonna look after her,” Jett said, serving her some smoked beef from the platter. “Zora, go ahead and help yourself p>
‘Thank you, Jett p>
Zora’s eyes curved into a soft smile as she stared at the beef. Her pretty doe eyes looked bright and cheerful.
‘Here you go, Zora. The shrimp croquettes you wanted p>
Leighton handed her a small plate of shrimp croquettes.
Thank you p>
Zora had just taken a bite of the smoked beef. The bold smoky spice blended perfectly with the rich, aromatic dipping sauce, making her close her eyes in quiet delight.
She had barely finished the beef and was about to try something else when a plate of shrimp croquettes was set down in front of her.
Zora, why so cold all of a sudden? Have I somehow rubbed you the wrong way p>
Her reply was only two cold words. Leighton arched an eyebrow, the soft glint in his almond eyes fading a ittle as he looked steadily at the gentle, well-behaved girl across the table.
To Jensen and Jett, her tone was warm and sweet, yet all she gave him was a chilly, distant “Thank you p>
Leighton frowned slightly. Why was she treating him differently?
Could she still remember what had happened last time?
He swore it had only been an accident. She couldn’t hold a grudge over a mistake.
“Serves you right,” Jett laughed. “Ignore him, Zora. If there’s anything you’d like to eat, just tell me, and I’ll get it for you p>
“…She’s clearly treating me differently p>
Leighton had originally only meant to tease her a little, but the moment he saw Zora’s quiet, blank little face, all his playful mood faded at once.
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Chapter 44 Teasing Over Dinner
Looking at her carnest, clueless expression, he couldn’t bring himself to tease her anymore.
Still, he would never admit it. He kept à straight face and made a solemn excuse.
Finished
“I can tell Zora is far too generous to bear a grudge. Don’t let Jett lead you astray-he’s always been the unreliable one of us p>
He did not miss the chance to turn the tables and tease Jett right back.
If you want to dig a hole for me, I’ll dig one for you too.
Zora pressed her lips together softly. “I’m not p>
Her cousin’s two friends were so childish.
One silly, the other petty.
Leighton could tell he’d just been looked down upon again.
“Enough teasing, both of you. Aren’t either of you hungry? Just eat. I’ll take care of Zora p>
Jensen shot them a look, then placed a grilled chicken wing onto Zora’s plate.
“I’m hungry, of course I am. I skipped lunch entirely,” Jett said. “But I’ve still got time to look after Zora
too p>
“Is your anorexia acting up again?” Jensen looked up at him.
This guy had developed an eating disorder at some point, though no one knew exactly when.
“It’s not that. I just haven’t felt like eating much lately. But with all of you here-and especially getting to see our lovely Zora-my appetite’s suddenly come right back p>
Jett paused halfway to picking up his food, then smiled easily, serving himself a few slices of grilled potato.
Hearing Jensen’s words, Zora slowed down eating her chicken wing. She glanced across at Jett, whose complexion really did look off.
r
Beneath his carefree smile, his face was faintly pale, his lips drained of color.
He clearly wasn’t getting proper nutrition.
She made a mental note to prepare some digestive pills for him later.
Jett forced down a couple more bites before setting his utensils aside. He still had no appetite at all.
“Here p>
Leighton passed him a glass of iced lemonade, stopping his hand before he could reach for alcohol.
Jett glanced at him and smiled helplessly.
“Keep the lamb away-Zora’s allergic to it p>
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Chapter 44 Teasing Over Dinner
Finned
ensen spoke up quickly when he noticed Leighton reaching for the lamb platter.
Got it. If she’s allergic, we’ll have it removed right away. We can’t risk anyone serving it by mistake, or someone’ll definitely hold it against me p>
Leighton put the plate down at once, waved over a server to take all the lamb away, and checked the table o remove every dish containing lamb.
Zora was mid-bite of a shrimp croquette when she suddenly heard her name mentioned. She blinked ›lankly, completely caught off guard.
Leighton watched her, quietly amused.
How could she be so adorably clueless one moment, yet sharp and perceptive the next?
Zora, are you allergic to anything else? Tell us now so we don’t mess up later p>
Since she didn’t speak, Leighton turned his question back to Jensen.
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