?Chapter 2800:


    “Sit.”


    “Thanks,” Hadley murmured, taking the seat.


    “My pleasure.” Ellis sat beside her,dled some soup into her bowl, and pushed it toward her.


    “Go on, taste it.”


    “Alright.” Hadley scooped a spoonful, sipped, and pressed her lips together thoughtfully.


    “Well?” Ellis leaned in with an expectant grin.


    “Not bad.” She gave a simple, honest verdict.


    “Quite good, actually.”


    She hadn’t expected it—someone from his background, cooking this well. Ernest certainly couldn’t.


    Eric could cook, but his skills came from hardship, not leisure.


    “I learned because the circumstances demanded it.” Ellis seemed to read her thoughts and went ahead to exin.


    “Because of my job, I’m rarely home,” he exined.


    “Even though my family could hire help, back when I was starting out, appearances mattered. It was easier to just do it myself.”


    His gaze dimmed a little as he added, “Back then… there was someone…”


    “There used to be a friend of mine—someone who graduated the same year I did. We were assigned to work on projects together, and he would show up at my ce almost every day to freeload meals, all while having the audacity to mock my cooking and call it awful. That’s when I swore I’d perfect my skills.”


    Ellis’ eyes drifted, distant with the memory. Hadley’s brow furrowed slightly.


    “Are you and that friend still working together?”


    Ellis blinked and pulled himself back to the present. His calm demeanor returned as he gave a small shake of his head.


    “No.”


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    Something in Hadley urged her to ask more.


    “So… where is he now?”


    “Time to eat.” Ellis ended the discussion with a calm smile. He lifted his fork and carefully ced a portion onto her te.


    “Go on and taste the meat. I chose the lean cut since you’re mindful about what you eat. The vor isn’t as strong, but it’s healthier.”


    “Alright.” Hadley lowered her head and took a careful bite.


    “Add some vegetables too,” Ellis said, watching her closely as he continued serving her.


    “I can manage on my own,” Hadley muttered, a faint frown forming.


    “You should eat as well.”


    “Alright, then.” Ellis nodded. His eyes stayed on her, though his expression carried an unreadable haze.


    Hadley set her fork aside, picked up a napkin, and lightly dabbed at her lips.


    “I need to step away for a moment. Which direction is the restroom?”


    “There.” Ellis answered quickly, rising to his feet and pointing the way.


    “Thanks.” Hadley stood and walked toward it.


    The duplex was spacious, but near the restroom door sat a stack of belongings Ellis clearly hadn’t gotten around to sorting.


    Moving carefully, Hadley slipped inside without disturbing anything. On her way out, however, her shoulder clipped the pile.


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