Chapter 33

It was not that Emilia and Sloane treated money as nothing-they were simply rich enough to think of Oliver's offer as unimpressive.

"If you ever need anything else, just speak up. As long as it's something I can handle, I'll do everything l can," said Oliver, a glint of sincerity showing through the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses.

"I'll take the car key, but the rest isn't necessary. What I do hope is that, when the time comes and I'm the one asking, you'll be there to help me," Emilia replied, her gaze steady though a quiet test lingered beneath her words.

"No problem. As long as it doesn't go against my principles, I'll stand by you,"Oliver answered, agreeing without hesitation.

With a soft laugh, Emilia said, "Appreciate it. Eat up before it gets cold. It's best while it's hot."

For a moment, Oliver paused, eyes flicking down at the food, uncertainty etched across his face.

Jeffry, catching on, leaned closer and whispered, "Mr. Edwards, if you're not comfortable eating here, I can take your breakfast back to the office for you."

Truthfully, Jeffry would be more than happy to take Oliver's share. He'd already sampled the food and decided this humble shop served some of the best breakfast he'd ever tasted. He planned to bring some extras with him when he left.

Oliver stayed silent, eyes following Emilia as she ate with obvious enjoyment. Her contentment made him curious enough toreconsider.

Eventually, Oliver reached for the utensils. When he looked over at Emilia again, she was nearly finished.

With deliberate care, Oliver lifted a portion to his mouth and finally tasted it. The sauce carried the depth of fresh seafood, each bite rich with flavor. One taste was enough to awaken his appetite. Strangely enough,this modest eatery had prepared a dish far better than what he had found in the most exclusive restaurants. The sight of Oliver eating without complaint left Jeffry stunned for a moment. Was this really the same

Oliver he'd always known?

Of the four at the table, Oliver took the longest to finish his meal.

Once Jeffry paid the bill, the group stepped out of the shop.

Not until the group had stepped outside did the remaining diners start chattering among themselves.

"My god, did you see them? Those people looked better than any celebrity I've seen. Honestly, they were something else-like walking works of art."

"Could it be they were filming something? People like that wouldn't normally eat here. They should be in some five-star restaurant."

"I doubt it. I didn't notice any cameras. Whatever-let's just post these photos online. Shame I couldn't catch a clear picture of the guy's face."

...

Inside the Dixon family mansion, Wilbur stood in the hallway, grinning as he tapped on the study door with his other hand holding atablet.

"Come in," Elias said, his tone flat and cold.

Wilbur wasted no time swinging the door open.

"Take a wild guess what I just found out," Wilbur said, wearing a mischievous smile.

Elias kept his focus on his paperwork, barely acknowledging Wilbur's arrival and refusing to answer.

A minute ticked by. Wilbur's patience snapped, irritation showing on his face. "Unbelievable! You're not even going to ask? You'd really let me walk out without saying a word?" His grin vanished.

"Get to the point," Elias replied, still staring at his work.

Irritated by the cold shoulder, Wilbur made a show of turning away with the tablet clutched to his chest."Forget it, then. The news is about Ms. Harris, but if you're not interested, I'll just keep it to myself." The moment Emilia's name left his lips, Elias finally set his pen down, his gaze lifting to Wilbur's retreating back. When it became clear Wilbur was actually heading for the door, Elias's cold voice cut through the air."Stop."