Novel Palace
Chapter 52
Sebastian had wriggled and squirmed for a good while before he managed to escape from Xanthea’s clutches. He glared helplessly at his uncle, who not only didn’t help but also seemed to enjoy the torment. He whispered into Xanthea’s ear, “Xan, you can’t play favorites with Uncle Orion! He’s bigger than me, so his punishment should be tougher!”
Watching Sebastian so quickly betray their little alliance, Xanthea couldn’t help but think their nephew– uncle bond was as flimsy as a cheap plastic toy. But she certainly wasn’t going to let Orion off the hook easily.
After happily saving the photos, she walked towards Orion with a mischievously gleeful look in her eyes.
“Mr. Lockwood.”
“Feeling peckish?”
He beat her to the punch.
She hadn’t felt hungry until he mentioned it, but now that she thought about it, after a long tutoring session with Sebastian that left her fuming and a strenuous half–hour pool, she did feel a bit.
Wait a minute, this must be his gourmet trap! She absolutely couldn’t fall for it!
“Not hungry, not at all!”
Orion said, “I’ll cook.”
What?
Xanthea was almost doubting her ears. “You can cook?”
“Ms. Nightshade, you might not know this, but Mr. Lockwood isn’t just good at cooking: he’s exceptional. It’s a pity I’ve only had the pleasure once, on his mom’s 30th birthday, just one dish, but it was memorable. Sadly, I haven’t had that honor again.”
The butler seemed nostalgic, his face brightening as he recalled the event.
Xanthea grew more curious. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Who would’ve thought? The once mighty prince of the Lockwood Group, now the top authority at Twin Towers, could actually cook! She had a soft spot for men who could cook, especially when they were as infuriatingly handsome as the man before her. The prospect of tasting his cooking…
Xanthea hesitated, swayed.
Sebastian, seeing her about to be swayed by the promise of food, tugged at her sleeve, “Xan, aren’t you going to punish Uncle Orion?” Right, she had finally cornered this cunning mogul, and she might not get another chance. She definitely couldn’t let him get away so easily!
“If you cook for me, I might consider not treating you as harshly as I did Seb
“Deal.”
He agreed without hesitation, making Xanthea feel slightly guilty Was she being too barsh?
Her gaze wandered over him, lingering on his chest, recalling the scenes from that night at the Rlan Hotel that had left her heart racing. The memory of his physique and strength, his sculpted abs and biceps… He must work out regularly, right?
“Let’s keep it simple. Do some push–ups.”
“How many?”
Xanthea thought for a moment and held up a finger. He still had to cook, so she didn’t want him to exhaust himself too much.
“When you’re done, you have to say, Ms. Nightshade, you’re so awesome, I really admire you!”
She clasped her hands over her heart, mimicking an adoring fan. Orion, hearing the word ‘admire had a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Okay”
Sebastian pouted beside them, “You’re really not fair. You’re letting Uncle Orion off so easy!”
“Well, that’s the privilege of having culinary skills!”
Xanthea followed Orion into the gym area, watching as be loosened his tie and then began to do one– handed push–ups!
this how strong men work out?
But