L turned her head slightly, avoiding Dorian''s gaze. She was relieved she had worn something he hadn''t seen before today.


    Neither of them noticed her and instead turned to walk into the restaurant. While ordering, Nicole picked all her favorite dishes.


    "Eat more. Once you finish this project, you''ll take a few days off, right? Don''t stay at Kieran''s ce then.


    "Come to the Morgan residence for a few days to keep your grandparentspany. I''ll have the housekeeper take good care of you, too."


    L swallowed her bite. "It''s fine at Uncle Kieran''s ce. I''ll also return to the Morgan residence to visit you all."


    "He''s a grown man. How would he know how to take care of others? I heard from Mr. Mason that he doesn''t even eat on time. Sometimes, the meals I send over sit untouched because he''s too busy."


    Nicole sighed. "He''s just too hard working. If only he could share a bit of that dedication with thatzy brat Noah... I''d feel more at ease," she added while cing more food on L''s te.


    Seeing L''s obedient and well-mannered demeanor made her even more dissatisfied with her carefree son.


    L didn''t argue because she knew the truth. Nicole secretly watched Noah''s matches online, beaming with pride when he won international championships, though she would never openly admit it.


    She deliberately took her time eating, hoping to avoid Dorian and the others. However, just as they were about to leave, they ran straight into him, who had Zara hanging on his arm. They were walking with a group of five or six.


    Someone in the group looked up and noticed L. He opened his mouth to say something but hesitated when he saw the intimate atmosphere between Dorian and Zara. After all, he remembered that L and Dorian had broken up.


    After dropping Nicole off at the Morgan residence, L returned to Evergreen Heights. As she entered with bags in hand, she was surprised to see Kieran there.


    He stood upzily and naturally took the bags from her hands. Raising an eyebrow, he teased, "What''s all this? I''ll reimburse you."


    Lughed and pulled out a small box. "Here are the snacks you brought me for ate-night treat the other day. You said they were delicious."


    He raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised. He hid the faint, dark emotions in his eyes when he lowered her gaze.


    She chuckled lightly. "I told you I''d buy them for you when I returned."


    After he epted the box, she pulled out thest item, which was a pink dress. Holding it up against herself, she asked, "What do you think? Does it look good?"


    His gaze lingered on her slender and fair hand holding the dress, and he pictured how it would look on her-girlish and sweet, which was a style she didn''t often wear. However, this look actually suited her better.


    Kieran also understood why she avoided such youthful styles. She wanted to appear more mature and experienced, like a reliable negotiator for Dorian in various business dealings.


    Upon seeing his silence, L muttered softly, "Does it seem unsuitable? I thought it might be too girly, but Nicole-"


    "It''s very cute and beautiful. It''ll suit you perfectly," he said with a small smile. His eyes seemed to hold countless stars and were capable of effortlessly drawing anyone in.


    Looking at his slightly messy short hair, an outrageous thought appeared in her mind his head seemed like it would be really fun to ruffle.


    She froze, startled by her own idea.


    "Nicole picked it. After my project is done, I''ll wear it when I visit the Morgan residence. She''ll definitely be happy," she said quickly, regaining herposure and stuffing the dress back into its bag.


    As she headed toward her room, Kieran said, "Leave it here. I''ll have the housekeeper send it for dry cleaning. That way, it''ll be ready when you need it."


    L wanted to say it wasn''t necessary and that there was no rush, but she remembered what he had said about family and changed her mind. "Thank you, Uncle Kieran."


    She smiled, her upturned pink-tinged eyes resembling blossoming flowers- irresistibly charming without her realizing it.


    Kieran''s Adam''s apple bobbed slightly. His self-control always seemed to crumble so easily around her.


    His dark, unreadable gaze fell on the delicate snack box, which was tied with a pink-and-white ribbon in a yful bow. It carried the same soft, sweet charm as the woman standing before him.