Chapter 68

Julian's features hardened into a somber mask, though the flush of embarrassment still slipped through.

For as long as he could remember, he had chased excellence-always top of his class, always the genius others admired.

Yet here, at the simplest tasks of the kitchen, he kept failing where others thrived.

After a beat of silence, he forced steadiness into his voice, as though reclaiming a fragment of dignity. "Next time,I'll make it better."

Cooking wasn't something that could be mastered in a single attempt. He believed that with repetition, with persistence,even this arena would eventually bow to him.

Without realizing it, he had already resigned himself to being the one who would cook for Yvonne in the days to come.

The corner of Yvonne's lips curved despite herself. She lifted another bite from the platter, only for Julian to intercept with a frown, his hand halting her midway. "Don't bother with that. I'll get Morton to pick up some proper food and bring it by later."

Yvonne ignored·his warning, chewing and swallowing without a flicker of emotion. Arching one brow, she quipped, "Well, it's not a total disaster-at the very least, the nutrition's balanced."

Julian's face twisted with a mix of pride and humiliation. He lowered himself into the chair, scooped up a bite, and forced it into his mouth. The bitterness made his brows knot instantly, but when he saw Yvonne eating as though it were a delicacy, he clenched his jaw and swallowed the mess instead of spitting it out.

By the time she set her utensils down, satisfied, Julian had already begun stacking plates. He carried them into the kitchen and calmly turned on the tap to wash them.

The light mood faltered a moment later when a sharp pang twisted in her stomach. She covered her mouth,retching softly, and the discomfort reminded her she couldn't forget her prenatal supplements. She cast a glance toward the kitchen, where Julian was still wrestling with the dishes, before slowing her steps. Pouring herself a glass of water, she discreetly pulled a pill bottle from her bag, tipped a few into her palm, and swallowed them with a careful sip.

Relief washed over her at the thought of Rodger granting the servants a week off. With fewer eyes in the house, the chances of anyone noticing her medication-and letting it slip to Rodger or Julian-were slim.That would have been far too troublesome.

The moment she turned, she was struck motionless. Julian stood in the doorway, pink apron still tied around his waist, dishwashing gloves dripping with suds, his gaze locked on her.

Startled, Yvonne instinctively tucked her bag behind her and forced a nervous laugh. "All done in there?What brings you out?"

"I was going to ask what happens if I use too much soap..." His voice was quiet, though his eyes were fixed on the pill bottle sitting openly on the coffee table.

His expression darkened slightly as he asked, "You're on medication? What kind is it?"

Caught off guard, Yvonne realized she had hidden her bag too hastily-the medicine bottle still sat exposed.

She snatched it up, her pulse quickening, and when she caught sight of the harmless vitamin label, a wave of relief steadied her nerves. Trying to look casual, she gave the bottle a little shake. "Vitamin C. Is there a problem with that?"

Julian stayed silent, his eyes locked on her with unnerving intensity. The heat of his stare unsettled her, and she instinctively looked away. Her throat tightened, but she forced out a light cough before murmuring, "I'm exhausted. I'll get some rest now."

Without waiting for a reply, she spun around and made for the stairs, her steps quick and unsteady,betraying the edge of panic clinging to her retreat.

Julian's suspicions solidified-the bottle had to contain something far more serious than Vitamin C.

He tugged off the sudsy gloves, pulled out his phone, and immediately called Morton.

When the line clicked alive, his voice was clipped and icy."Morton, are the lab results for that medication back yet?"

"Mr.Powell, I was just about to update you," Morton answered promptly."The tests finished a moment ago-I've already sent the report to your inbox."

Julian ended the call without another word. Opening the fresh email, he scanned the report, his expression hardening as a shadow settled across his eyes.