Chapter 94

No one picked up on the way Elias's grip tightened ever so slightly on the arms of his wheelchair.

Wilbur, looking pleasantly intrigued, broke the moment with a light-hearted grin. "When it comes to food,there's honestly only one chef I hold in high regard."

He watched Edwin for a moment, suspecting there was more to the man than met the eye. With that thought, Wilbur decided he'd help tip the scales in Elias's favor. He couldn't stand the idea of someone else swooping in and overshadowing everything Elias had done.

Sloane's curiosity was instantly piqued. "Oh? Who might that be?"

Wilbur, grinning with obvious pride, gestured straight at Elias. "That would be him."

The answer caught both Emilia and Sloane off guard. Their surprise showed in their faces as they turned to Elias, their disbelief plain as day.

"Are you serious? You're not just hyping up your friend, right?" Sloane shot Wilbur a doubtful look.

The idea of a privileged heir, someone who had never needed to do anything for himself, actually knowing how to cook? That was hard to swallow. Who would believe-such a thing?

With all the resources the Dixon family had, they could hire the best chefs in the city. What reason could Elias possibly have to set foot in a kitchen?

The whole idea seemed absurd, the very image of a privileged socialite toiling in a kitchen almost laughable.

"I promise I'm not making this up. You'Il see for yourselves-once you've tried his food, you'll be convinced,"Wilbur explained.

Emilia's eyes drifted down to Elias's.legs before she spoke up. "We believe you."

"I don't-not unless I actually see him cook..." Sloane started to protest, but Emilia quickly reached over to cover her mouth. With a pointed glance, Emilia urged Sloane to notice Elias's wheelchair.

Only then did Sloane glance down, her realization dawning as she caught sight of his immobile legs.

Even if his skills were real, it felt wrong to expect him to cook-it would be asking too much, given his circumstances.

Emilia offered an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. She didn't mean-"

"It's fine. My legs might not cooperate, but my hands work just fine. If you'd like, I can make something for everyone to try." Elias waved off her concern.

A quiet determination simméred beneath his calm words. He wanted to prove he could do more than people assumed. Part of him was also itching to outshine Edwin, who always seemed to be hovering near Emilia.

Sloane stared/at him in disbelief. "You're actually up for this?" She hadn't expected him to volunteer,especially given his limitations.

An unmistakable chill came off Elias, his aura turning sharper and more commanding with every word.

"That's what I'm talking about! If he wants to prove his skills, there's no better way than by stepping up to the stove," said Wilbur, jumping in with enthusiasm as he sensed the shift in the room.

Ever since the accident, Elias had always bristled when people paid attention to his legs or brought up his disability.

Wilbur, all too aware of Elias's temper, felt a twinge of anxiety. He'd seen before what happened when Elias was truly pushed too far.

"Mr. Dixon, I have no doubt your food will be amazing. I'm actually excited to try something you make-it's not every day we get an opportunity like this." Emilia broke the tension with a warm smile.

Just like that, the cold air around Elias seemed to thaw. His shoulders relaxed, and the hard set of his features eased.

He knew she was only being gracious, but her words brought a quiet satisfaction he hadn't expected. "With that much confidence in me, l'Il make sure not to disappoint you, Ms. Harris," Elias replied, the faintest hint of a smile curving at the corner of his mouth.

What?! Wilbur almost did a double-take. Did Elias just... smile? And so quickly after all that tension?

By the time Wilbur looked again, the smile had vanished, replaced by Elias's familiar, distant calm.

Maybe he'd just imagined it.