Professor Kiliney and Grandpa Shaw had returned to Brookshire and had been trying to conduct video lessons online these past few days.With Penelope's companionship, Jon was adapting well. At this rate, Professor Kiliney would soon be able to formally begin Jon's lessons.Joey's recent actions had undoubtedly created another obstacle for Jon's studies."I know you and Joey don't get along. I had no choice but to call you," Penelope said."Your call came at the right time.""Do you have a way to make Joey focus on her treatment and stop troubling Jon?"Jon was like a blank slate, and after spending so much time with him, Penelope had become very protective. She couldn't bear to see him hurt, and her urgent tone was tinged with hope."We need to find out why she's doing this and then address the root cause.""Isn't she doing this because she's scared after getting injured and wants family by her side? Does she have any family besides Jon?""She's aware of Jon's condition. His pr
Feeling uneasy, I tossed and turned that night, barely falling into a light sleep when my phone rang.Thinking it was my alarm, I fumbled for the phone and tapped the screen.Still groggy, the phone rang again. My alarm was set to go off again after ten minutes - was my phone malfunctioning?I didn't want to deal with it, but the loud ringtone made it impossible to go back to sleep.I grabbed the phone I'd carelessly tossed beside my pillow and squinted at the screen.It wasn't the alarm - it was Luke calling.Thinking I was late for work, I quickly sat up and answered."Time for morning exercise," Luke said."Mr. Walker, can we postpone it for a couple more days?"Ever since seeing that video, I felt uncomfortable being alone with Luke and unconsciously tried to keep my distance. Fearing I might act strangely in front of him, I had made excuses to delay our morning workouts for three days.Having not slept well, my head felt heavy. Right now, all I wanted was to lie back dow
Luke placed his hand on my shoulder. "If you catch a cold, you won't be able to work, and I'll have a lot more on my plate.""I can go back and put on another layer."Standing close, I could smell the faint scent of his cologne.I instinctively stepped back, and Luke slightly tightened his grip on my shoulder. "Jen, my time isn't meant to be wasted on trivial matters like this.""I'm sorry, Mr. Walker. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."Luke was incredibly busy, and his time was precious. My tone was apologetic."You're my assistant. Your good health is beneficial to me.""I'll take good care of myself and try not to fall ill.""Let's go!"Luke had a home gym where he usually trained.I followed him into the living room.Marianne was busy in the kitchen. Hearing us, she came out and was delighted to see me. "Ms. Middleton is here! I'll whip up some breakfast for you!""Marianne…”"I made that custard you love. You should have plenty later.""Thank you, Marianne.”I cou
His muscles were beautifully defined, not overly bulky like a bodybuilder's, but very pleasing to the eye. It was hard not to steal a second glance.Beautiful things can be mesmerizing. I don't know how long it took before I realized my attention had been fixed on Luke the entire time.My face grew hot, and I quickly averted my gaze.Afraid he might notice, I sneaked a peek at him, saw he was focused on his training and hadn't noticed me. Only then did my wildly beating heart gradually return to its normal rhythm.To cover up my inner embarrassment, I pretended to do another round of stretches before getting on the treadmill.Learning from my previous gym experience, I set the speed to the lowest setting and walked slowly on the treadmill.Luke focused on his workout and paid little attention to me.I'm the type of person who wants to collapse after the slightest exertion, so I counted the seconds while walking.Time dragged on as if I were in purgatory. To distract myself, I w
Before I knew Luke was the man from that night, I felt very safe around him.I couldn't say that out loud."With Mr. Walker as my trainer, I'll have a strong physique in no time.""Sounds like it's better for you to stay by my side. I already have someone in mind for the inspection role.""I'll follow your lead, Mr. Walker."Luke came to the treadmill and glanced at the display.The speed was embarrassingly slow. My pride kicked in, and I wanted to cover the display. Seeing Luke notice my movement, I quickly put my hands behind my back, trying to act as if nothing had happened.Flustered, I forgot I was still on the treadmill. My feet stopped moving, and I lost my balance.Falling on a treadmill is no joke!I yelped in surprise. Just as I was about to fall, Luke quickly wrapped his arm around my waist and lifted me off the treadmill effortlessly.His body was hot from exercising, radiating heat. Our bodies were pressed together, and the wave of warmth made me flush all over.
"..." The dishes from Royal Chef are exquisite. Marianne’s cooking is delicious too, but there's still a gap compared to the restaurant. Ever since I tasted the chef's creations, I can't stop thinking about them. I totally understand foodies who travel far and wide for a good meal.If I had known Royal Chef’s chef was coming to town, how could I possibly refuse?For the sake of good food, I backtracked, "You need energy from food to diet effectively.""It's good that Ms. Middleton has such insight.""..." Was he complimenting me or mocking me?Never mind, as long as I get to eat delicious food, I'll be the bigger person and not quibble!With good food as motivation, I did the stretches very seriously.After finishing the stretches, I was about to go home to shower and get ready when Luke tossed me the jacket hanging on the treadmill. "Put this on, be careful not to catch a cold.""Thank you, Mr. Walker. I'll wash it and return it to you."Luke's clothes had his unique faint co
At noon, Luke and I arrived at the restaurant where the Royal Chef's head chef was located.The restaurant was not crowded. Following the waiter's lead, we went to the leftmost private room on the second floor.Luke had called ahead, so as soon as we sat down, the dishes started arriving one after another.Before coming, I had asked Luke's permission to contact Wendy.Wendy also had a soft spot for Royal Chef's cuisine. When she learned she could taste the chef's specialties in Johnsonville, she was thrilled.I sent the restaurant's address to her phone."Sweetie, I'm sorry to tell you that I have work to deal with and won't be able to enjoy this feast," Wendy replied.Wendy switched emotions effortlessly. She said pitifully, "Heaven must be testing me with great responsibility, first by tormenting my spirit and exhausting my body. I'll endure!"If Wendy had said this before joining the family business, I would have bantered with her. Now, with her fighting alone, I felt both w
I didn't react, so he bent down.A handsome face suddenly appeared in front of me, startling me. I quickly leaned back."Did I scare you?" Luke asked, releasing his hand from my shoulder."N-no, not at all," I stammered.Luke's eyes held a hint of amusement. Being so close, I could feel his breath on my cheek, causing my face to flush uncontrollably. Unable to meet his gaze, I lowered my eyes, glancing around nervously."Let's get out of the car," he said."Oh, right."I hastily agreed, clumsily getting out of the car.In my haste, I nearly hit the door frame. Luke quickly put his hand in front of my forehead, preventing me from making intimate contact with the car door.His palm was burning hot. It felt like I'd been scalded, and my face grew even redder. "Thank you, Mr. Walker."Luke said nothing, withdrawing his hand and walking towards the restaurant.His movements were graceful. What just happened seemed like a routine gentlemanly gesture for him, but it sent ripples th