<b>Chapter </b><b>367 </b>
<b>She </b>was really craving that spiced duck, but it looked like she would have to miss out this time.
Owen suddenly asked, “Are you hungry now?”
Aria paused, then smiled. “Starving.”
Owen smiled back. “Go get your things ready. I’ll whip something up.”
Aria hesitated. <b>“</b>Isn’t that too much trouble?”
Owen shook his head. “Not at all. Just needs to simmer.”
It’s best not to eat overly greasy food at night. Braised spiced duck was just right tender and falling off the bone.
Owen turned to open the door. Seeing the trash bag in his hand, Aria stepped forward and offered, “Want me to take that out for you?”
“Don’t worry,” Owen replied. “Just some stuff I’m sorting out. They’re not in a hurry.”
“Got it.” Aria walked into her apartment.
As soon as Owen entered his apartment, he moved a chair to the balcony.
Since Aria rarely came homete, Owen didn’t want to ask her directly. Instead, he sat by the door, reviewing case files, and only picked up the “trash” he’d prepared in advance when he heard hering back just to run into her.
Good thing he nned this ahead of time, otherwise, she would’ve missed the spiced duck.
Aria changed into her loungewear and checked her phone. Seeing Vanessa’s message, she wasn’t sure whether tough or cry.
They almost had her convinced with that story.
With a sigh, she replied: [If it’s just private gossip, let them have their fun.]
Vanessa shot back: [Lol, got it.]
Everyone had just assumed Aria was the official girlfriend. But if anyone had dared to spread rumors that her bestie was the other woman, she would’ve hacked into their group chat and shut it down immediately.
While packing, her phone kept buzzing incessantly.
She unlocked it, opened Russell’s chat, and saw a surveince video.
A momentter, a man’s photo and profile appeared.
[Vanessa’s anti–fan. Hardcore supporter from the rival/studio. He’s already been handed over to the police.]
Aria typed: [Thanks.<b>] </b>
Russell: [Time to honor your promise.]
Aria: <b>[</b>Handling problems on set is literally your job as the production head.]
At <b>the </b>top of the chat, “Russell is typing…” shed repeatedly, until finally a message appeared, the words sent through gritted teeth<b>: </b>[<b>Aria</b><b>, </b><b>don’t </b><b>test </b><b>my </b>patience.<b>] </b>
Aria: [I’ve already told Olivia everything. Curtis has the diary. I’ve never seen it, never read it<b>.</b>]
<b>1/2 </b>
Wed 18 Jun. C
<b>Chapter </b><b>367 </b>
<b>Aria </b><b>put </b>her phone down, finally able to <b>pack </b>her things in peace,
<b>Just </b>as she finished packing, a message from Owen propped up. [Ready.<b>] </b>
<b>Aria </b>washed her hands and headed straight to his ce.
At the dining table, Owen lifted the lid, and
am rose, casting a warm golden glow under the chandelier.
Aria was immediately hit by the rich, mouthwatering aroma.
Owendled some amber–colored duck broth over the rice, letting it soak in before topping it with a few generous slices of tender meat.
He slid the bowl in front of her and said gently, “Have more meat. There’s not much rice, just a little is enough. This broth really brings out the vor
There was also a side dish and a fruit tter on the table.
Owen slid it over, his wrist bone gleaming cold white in the light. “This is to cut the grease.”
Aria bit into the duck leg, her eyes narrowing in delight as the rich marinade vor burst in her mouth. “This is delicious.”
His cooking skills had improved even more.
Owen noticed the sparkle in her eyes and smiled. “Most of the credit goes to my housekeeper’s recipe. There are other recipes too–wait until you’re back to try them.”
He decided to visit his parents‘ home and ask the housekeeper for her secret recipe.
Worried about overeating and not being able to sleep, Aria controlled her appetite and didn’t eat too much.
She headed back to her room, took a quick shower, and settled into bed <i>for </i>the night.
<b>AD </b>