Chapter 95

Edwin walked out of the bathroom, water still streaming down his hair. Just as he did, he caught Emilia's voice drifting through the hallway, filled with warmth as she showered Elias with praise. He found himself standing there, a tangle of feelings stirring inside him.

Edwin ran his fingers through his wet hair, then quietly moved closer, positioning himself in front of Emilia.

"I'm finished now. What would you like to eat?" said Edwin.

Emilia took one look at his messy, damp hair and shook her head. "Hold on. Let me grab the hairdryer. Dry your hair first before you do anything else."

Without another word, Emilia hurried off to find the hairdryer, missing the cold stare that passed between Edwin and Elias behind her back.

The moment their eyes met,Edwin let go of the gentle front he showed Emilia. He locked eyes with Elias,neither willing to back down.

Elias's expression turned cold in an instant, and the sharp edge in his stare left no doubt about his mood.

Emilia returned seconds later, holding the hairdryer out for Edwin. "Here, use this," she said, her return breaking the silent standoff between the men.

Even so, Elias's cool gaze lingered, and the tension between him and Edwin refused to vanish completely.

"Thanks," Edwin said quietly, his tone soft but lively, the kind of voice that drew people in as he took the hairdryer from her and gave Emilia a sheepish grin.

Emilia paused and finally took a good look at Edwin. He looked much fresher than the last time she had seen him at that KTV club.

His hair was still damp, his cheeks carried a healthy flush, and there was a pleasant scent about him that seemed to fit him perfectly.

It was almost a shame, she thought, that someone with his looks and presence was stuck working in a place like that. If Edwin hadn't needed so much money for his family, he would never have ended up choosing that rough, demeaning job.

"Ahem!" A sharp cough from Elias cut through the room, the sternness in his eyes impossible to ignore.

Emilia snapped out of her thoughts and turned to look at him,confusion flickering across her face.

Something was off. Why did Elias look so irritated?

"YOU-"

"YOU-"

Both of them started speaking at the same time, only to fall silent in surprise.

Breaking the awkwardness, Emilia spoke first. "Go ahead, you can talk first."

Elias got straight to the point. "What do you want toeat?"

"As long as it tastes good, I don't mind what it is," Emilia answered with a small smile.

It didn't matter if a dish was supposed to be her favorite. If it didn't taste right, she couldn't force herself to eat it. For her, flavor always took priority over name or nostalgia.

Elias clamped his mouth shut after that, saying nothing more as he pressed his lips together in a thin line.

All the while, Edwin busied himself with the hairdryer, though he was listening in on every word, pretending not to notice the tension in the air.

Lowering his head, Edwin let his bangs cover those striking eyes, hiding whatever thoughts lingered behind them.

A flicker of amusement played at the edge of his lips when he noticed Elias stumbling to ask Emilia about her preferences.

Cooking happened to be one of Edwin's true joys, and he was sure he could whip up something that would impress her.Running a hand through his now-dry hair, Edwin casually ruffled it, his features coming into full view.

While he was every bit as good-looking as Elias, there was a gentle charm about him, so unlike the sharp intensity that Elias wore.

"So, you both plan to handle the kitchen for real?" Emilia asked, glancing between them with a touch of hesitation.

Letting guests cook felt odd to her, and the thought of leaving everything up to Sloane weighed on her conscience. Cooking wasn't exactly her strong suit, and eating out sounded easier, but she was torn.

"We'll take care ofit," Edwin and Elias said in perfect unison, determination clear in their eyes.

Wilbur, ever eager, chimed in, "Don't worry, Ms. Harris. He could use some more practice, and I'll lend a hand."

The chance to taste Elias's cooking again was something Wilbur wasn't about to miss.

But with Elias's health uncertain, Wilbur figured they'd have to keep it simple-maybe just a couple of dishes at most.

With any luck, Emilia would notice how much effort Elias put in and might feel moved enough to grant them access to Asclepius's treatment.