?Chapter 146:


    Ste couldn’t help but worry that one of Rita’s meals mightnd her in the emergency room.


    Rita nced at William beside her before stepping forward with determination. “Ms. Russell, I’ve been practicing a lottely. Please let me try again—I promise not to mess it up this time!”


    Ste responded with a polite, strained smile. “Of course, Rita. I have full confidence in you.”


    As she spoke, she discreetly opened the food delivery app on her phone.


    An hourter, Rita’s voice rang out from behind them. “Dinner’s ready, Mr. Briggs, Ms. Russell!”


    It wasn’t until William helped Ste over to the dining table that she caught sight of the spread—and stared at Rita in disbelief. Had Rita actually made these dishes?


    “Rita, when did you start practicing behind my back to reach this level?” Ste asked, recalling how disastrous Rita’sst attempt in the kitchen had been.


    “Ms. Russell, have a taste first. Let’s see if it’s up to your standards,” Rita said with a cheerful smile, politely pulling out a chair for her. It wasn’t that shecked the skills—William simply never allowed her near the stove. She hadn’t really had the chance until now.


    Ste sat down and tried a spoonful.


    To her surprise, every dish tasted amazing.


    “Rita, this is incredible! I’m honestly impressed,” she eximed.


    She couldn’t hide her surprise as she looked at the beautifully ted dishes. Was this really the same Rita who, not long ago, only knew how to rinse vegetables and couldn’t seem to learn anything no matter how many times she tried?


    Rita stood beside her, beaming. “Ms. Russell, you actually taught me these recipes a while ago. I just practiced a few more times. You’re a great teacher, that’s all.”


    Herpliment sounded genuine, but something about it made Ste pause.


    Feel the thrill at gα?ησν????s﹒??o??


    She couldn’t say exactly what it was, just a faint feeling that something didn’t sit right.


    Still, she chose to brush it off. At the very least, she wouldn’t have to worry about cooking anymore—Rita could handle that.


    After dinner, Rita helped her upstairs. Ste took a quick shower, then eased into bed with her tablet in hand, ready to go through some work. Her injured knee meant she couldn’t make it to the office in person, but that didn’t mean she could simply disconnect.


    Too much was going on over there. Even if working remotely wasn’t the most convenient option, she had no choice but to stay involved however she could.


    Hours passed without her noticing. By the time she wrapped everything up, the clock had crept past 11:40 PM. Letting out a quiet sigh, she shut down the tablet, nestled under the nket, and quickly drifted off to sleep.


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