Chapter 97

Today was the last day Alexia would be bringing Waylon glazed ribs.

As she packed the lunchbox, her face looked serious.

A lot had happened over the past week. She had canceled on Waylon twice because of personal matters.

Thinking about it now, she realized it wasn't fair and didn't match her values of being honest and reliable.

So today, feeling genuinely remorseful, she made the lunch with care, hoping to use this chance to apologize for how recklessly she'd behaved the night before.

No matter what their relationship was or might turn into, that didn't justify her impulsiveness.

Carrying her guilt, Alexia showed up at Waylon's office right around lunchtime.

As the elevator doors opened, she ran right into Waylon in the hallway.

His usual calmness somehow made her feel even more self-conscious. "Hi, Waylon," she greeted, a bit stiffly.

Waylon arched a brow and let out a small chuckle,though it felt slightly forced. "What brings you by without any warning?"

" just remembered I had to bring you the batch of glazed ribs today-the last time."

"The last time, huh? You make it sound like I won't be around to eat any more."

Alexia quickly waved her hand and gave a nervous laugh. "No, no, don't say that! You'll get plenty more and live a long, healthy life!"

Simon, watching from nearby, couldn't help but frown.What was going on between the two now?

Waylon nodded politely. "'Thank you, but I won't be able to enjoy your ribs today. I've got a two-hour meeting starting in ten minutes."

"That's alright. I'll wait. I have something I need to talk to you about in person," Alexia replied, keeping her smile intact.

Waylon shot Simon a look, and Simon instantly understood. "Ms. Jenkins, this way please. You can wait in the lounge."

"Thanks," Alexia said politely with a small nod.

She walked over to the sofa, sat down quietly, and waited patiently.

One hour went by.

Then two.

Then three.

And finally-four.

Her calm and quiet patience slowly turned into full-blown frustration.

A million wild thoughts flooded her mind.

Why was Waylon still not back? Was he doing this on purpose?

Was he angry? Most likely!

She smacked her forehead in disbelief.

Seriously? Had she actually believed he'd return?She must've been out of her mind. Of course he was playing with her.

Waylon was clever. If he wanted to mess with someone, he could do it in his sleep. He must be mad, and this was payback.

"Waylon, you stingy jerk!" she muttered under her breath.

And just as her frustration hit its peak, the door finally opened and Waylon walked in.

Caught off guard, Alexia shot up from the couch in a panic, only to lose her balance and fall right back down with a thud.

Leaning against the doorframe wwith his usual calm demeanor, Waylon raised a brow and smirked."Alexia, what were you calling me just now?"

Alexia quickly smoothed down her messy hair and acted as if nothing had happened. "What? I didn't say anything. You must've imagined it. Didn't you say the meeting would last two hours? | waited nearly four. Is this how a man of honesty and integrity behaves?"

Instead of getting flustered, Waylon remained cool and composed. "There were some unexpected delays. But when exactly did I ever say I was honest and trustworthy? Do you have a time, place, or quote? Or was that just something you made up in your sleep?"

Alexia was at a loss for words. His comebacks were way too sharp.

She huffed, unable to hold it in any longer. "Waylon, I honestly pity the girl who ends up dating you."

Unbothered, he shot back, "Don't waste your sympathy on others. You'd do better worrying about yourself."

Maybe it was guilt over what happened the night before, or maybe she just didn't have the energy to argue-either way, Alexia found herself unusually patient with Waylon today. "I actually came to talk to you about something."

Waylon's expression shifted slightly, his gaze focusing on her. "Alright, I'm listening."

Just as she opened her mouth to speak, an unexpected sound cut her off-her stomach growled loud and clear.

Waylon's eyes instantly dropped to her flat stomach.

Mortified, Alexia slapped a hand over her face.If only she could sink into the floor right then and there.

"You haven't eaten?" Waylon asked, frowning. "You seriously sat here for four hours without touching a thing? Are you insane?"

"I just wasn't hungry before," she muttered defensively.

Waylon walked over and took her wrist. "Come on,let's go get food."

"But I made glazed ribs," she mumbled, thinking it'd be easier to just warm them in the microwave.

Waylon, as if he knew what she was thinking,looked over and said, "Alexia, those are mine. I'll eat them tonight."

Alexia blinked, confused. "But they're not even fresh anymore. Doesn't that bother you?"

Waylon reached out and tapped her forehead gently with his knuckles. "Have some faith in your cooking,will you? Whatever you make tastes good no matter when I eat it."