As Kyson listened, his mood darkened.


    Suddenly, he mmed his fork down, stood up, and announced, “I’m full.


    Enjoy your meal.


    ”


    He headed for the stairs and disappeared in less than a minute.


    Sally shook her head and muttered, “What a hopeless case.


    After all these years and he’s married, he still can’t stand to hear about any hardship in Lucinda’s life.


    ”


    Dulcie sensed an undercurrent of tension.


    “Sally, was Lucinda you mentioned closely connected to Kyson? Why does he react like that when you talk about her?”


    Sally offered a strained smile.


    “Oh, I almost forgot you were here, Dulcie.


    My apologies.


    It’s just old history.


    She was his childhood friend, nothing more.Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ”


    Childhood friend?


    Dulcie contemted this revtion.


    If this woman was the cause of Kyson’s perpetual moodiness, she surely mattered.


    Noticing Dulcie’s distraction, Sally served some food onto her te, attempting to distract her from her earlier words.


    “Try this, Dulcie.


    It’s delicious.


    And don’t worry about the childhood friend talk.


    It’s irrelevant.


    He married you, which means you’re the one he loves now.


    ”


    Ryder pressed a hand to his lips, and then cleared his throat conspicuously.


    He realized Sally’s remarks were only stirring more trouble.


    “Dulcie, don’t mind her.


    She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.


    Just enjoy the meal.


    Our chef’s cooking rivals that of any Michelin- starred restaurant.


    Make sure to try everything,” he encouraged.


    “Okay.


    Thanks, Ryder.


    ”


    Dulcie continued eating, trying to push the thoughts away, yet the name “Lucinda” lingered in her mind.


    It was ten o’clock in the evening.


    Kyson was still working in his study.


    Dulcie, holding a ss of freshly squeezed juice prepared by the chef, knocked on the door of his study.


    “Come in.


    ”


    His voice was calm and carried an attractive timbre.


    She opened the door, ced the juice on his desk, and expressed her gratitude.


    “Mr.


    Shaw, thank you for helping me in the yard today.


    I’ll be more vignt and ensure I’m no trouble to you here.


    ”


    Kyson ceased typing and looked up slowly.