Chapter 418

After the meal, the sky outside gradually darkened. Inside the dimly lit room, the lingering scent of Jalpurian cuisine mingled with the tense atmosphere, creating an ambiguous allure.

The chefs respectfully cleared the tableware and departed, leaving the office quiet once more—so silent that Sophie and Cedric could hear each other's breathing.

Sophie pursed her lips, feeling a hint of embarrassment from the lingering taste of salmon. She realized she had momentarily yielded to Cedric's influence, quickly suppressing the faint smile tugging at her lips, yet unable to calm her racing heart.

'Sophie Luxford, have you never eaten Jalpurian food before? Why did you succumb to him so easily over just one meal?'

Annoyed, she gritted her teeth. She knew her frustration wasn't solely about the meal—it stemmed from the realization that the once arrogantly domineering man she loved was now making an effort to understand her.

Deep down, she acknowledged that without Cedric, she had been livi