Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

But the memories were just too blurry.

It was like peering through a thick curtain-no matter how hard she tried, Chloe couldn't bring them into focus.

Still, as she watched Connor's broad shoulders disappear into the kitchen, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more between them than just a casual acquaintance. There had to be.

Yet, one thing had her completely stumped:

Why did Tim keep calling her "Mom"?

She was still lost in thought when a mouthwatering aroma drifted through the air.

The two kids, who'd been complaining about their empty stomachs for a while, immediately perked up.

"What's that smell? It's amazing!"

Connor came out of the kitchen carrying a steaming pot of soup. "Dinner's ready, everyone."

The kids barely waited a second-they dashed straight to the table.

Chloe followed, still a little stunned.

She couldn't believe it: in just half an hour, Connor had whipped up a full meal— four dishes and a soup.

There were sweet and sour ribs, stir-fried shrimp with eggs, beef with green peppers, sautéed veggies, and a fragrant mushroom soup.

Chloe gaped at the spread. "How did you do all this?"

Connor just smiled, a little mysterious. "Practice makes perfect."

He said it in this old-fashioned, almost poetic way that left Chloe baffled.

She looked at him, confused.

Aaron leaned over and explained, "Mom, Uncle Connor means he cooks all the time, so he's really good at it now."

Connor grinned, ruffling Aaron's hair. "Smart kid."

A little while later, the four of them were gathered around the small dining table again.

But this time, everything was different.

Gone were the sad, unidentifiable dishes from before-now, the table was full of colorful, delicious-looking food that smelled incredible.

Tim was practically drooling. "Dad, I want the sweet and sour ribs! Please, Dad, the ribs!"

He tapped his chopsticks on the table, eyes glued to the platter.

Sweet and sour ribs were his

favorite, especially when Connoret

made them. But Connor was always SO busy-getting to eat them was a rare treat.

Connor picked up his chopsticks and carefully placed a rib-not in Tim's bowl, but in Chloe's.

"Try it," he said. "I think you'll like it."

Only then did he serve ribs to the kids, who immediately dug in, gnawing on the bones with pure delight.

Chloe paused, taking in the smell. It was sweet, tangy, and somehow familiar, like a memory just out of reach.

She finally picked up the rib, took a bite, and stopped in her tracks.

It was tender

rand juicy, the flavors

perfectly balanced-just the right

amount of sweet and sour, nothing overpowering, everything in harmony. The taste blossomed on her tongue, making her whole body light up.

Chloe had never eaten anything so good.

Lucas liked to cook, too, and Chloe always thought his food was great-definitely

better than anything at the restaurants in Chinatown.

But after just one bite, she knew there was no comparison.

Mr. Connor's cooking was on a whole different level.

Connor watched her closely, and when he saw her eyes light up, he nearly laughed.

Some things really never changed.noveldrama

Chloe had always been a picky eater, never that enthusiastic about food.

But every time she tasted something she actually loved-especially something he'd made-she

hid

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that tiny spark in her eyes.

He knew her taste by heart.

Every dish on the table tonight had once been Chloe's favorite.