Chapter 1865:


    “Oh, Robin! How lovely,” Bethel said warmly when she saw him. “Are you staying for dinner tonight?”


    Robin was weighted down with shopping bags, several of them packed with fresh produce. “Yes, Bethel,” he answered, managing a smile. “I’m staying for the meal.”


    He pushed the sadness down and kept his expression easy and bright, even as something heavier pressed against the inside of his chest.


    “Dn is a wonderful cook. You’re going to love what he makes tonight,” Bethel said.


    Robin leaned in slightly and muttered, “Bethel, his cooking isn’t all that remarkable. I know how to cook too, you know.”


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    “Is that so? Then perhaps you and Dn should have a contest. I’ll be the judge!” Bethel said, eyes dancing.


    Robin shifted on his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well… I’m not quite at his level yet,” he admitted. “But I’m going to practice. One day, I’ll definitely be the better cook.” He was being stubborn, and he knew it — because Dn was, in truth, exceptional in the kitchen. Only ine surpassed him, and even the professional chefs at Morfort Restaurant couldn’t quite match what Dn produced.


    “Then you’d better work hard at it,” Bethel said, guiding him to the sofa with a gentle hand on his arm. “If you find a girl you love, a well-cooked meal is one of the finest ways to win her over.”


    The thoughtnded, and Robin turned it over quietly. He nced toward the hallway — Christina and Dn were elsewhere — then lowered his voice. “Bethel, do you think cooking is part of the reason she fell for him?”


    His heart beat a little faster while he waited.


    “It might be one small part,” Bethel said with a knowing smile. “But the real reason is simply that Dn is a genuinely good man.”


    Robin took her arm and pressed on. “Am I a good man too, Bethel?”


    “Of course you are, Robin. You’re wonderful,” she replied,ughing quietly at his shameless need for reassurance.


    “Just you wait, Bethel. Once I track down ine and get his recipes from him, I’ll cook you a feast that puts everything Dn’s ever made to shame,” Robin dered.


    He was fully convinced of it. Cooking, he reasoned, couldn’t be thatplicated — and once he had ine’s techniques in hand, the contest would barely be a contest.


    “I’ll look forward to that day, Robin. You really are such a sweet boy,” Bethel said, herughter warm and unhurried.


    Robin leaned a little closer and dropped his voice to a conspiratorial murmur. “Be honest with me, Bethel. Who do you like more — me or Dn?”


    “You, without a doubt,” she answered without hesitation.


    Dn was a good person, but he was quiet and tended to hold himself at a distance. Robin, on the other hand, filled a room — always talking, always finding some way to make herugh until her sides ached.


    “Your instincts are excellent, Bethel,” Robin said, giving her an approving nod. “No wonder you’re the true authority at Dawson Group.”


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