Chapter 91

After dinner, Levi's expression darkened as he took a call from Samantha. Then, he hurriedly left. Shawn scowled, but the moment he saw Melanie carrying a bowl, he jumped as if startled and quickly slipped away. Melanie frowned silently. There was no need for him to act as if she were a plague. Still, it worked in her favor. She went straight to the kitchen to wash the dishes and, on a whim, brewed some tea for Derrick. He loved jasmine tea, with its soft, floral aroma and delicate, soothing flavor. Carrying the steaming tea, Melanie entered the study, where Derrick was locked in a tense game of chess with his second brother, Leo Quinton. She bent to pour the tea. As Derrick reached to make his next move, her chest brushed lightly against his arm, carrying the faint, comforting scent of jasmine. Though the chess match was meant to be serious, her presence made his thoughts unexpectedly waver. A low, commanding voice snapped him back. "Derrick, with this move, you're going to lose.