Chapter 94

Jasmine, seated across from Joshua, felt a quiet and inexplicable awkwardness settle over her. Joshua remained silent, his gaze fixed on the view outside the window. Meanwhile, Hayden, unfazed as always, began ordering dishes. Soon, plates of food arrived at the table. The air quickly filled with the sharp aroma of bright red chilies and pungent spices. Joshua's frown deepened. To him, these dishes were nothing short of a disaster. None of them looked remotely appetizing. As everyone exchanged uncertain glances, Whitney was the first to react. She waved over a waiter and politely asked for a pot of hot water. Then, she picked up her fork and carefully began rinsing the fiery red dishes in the steaming water, trying to wash off the excess sauce. A few moments later, the food looked noticeably milder. She placed the cleaned pieces onto Joshua's plate and smiled warmly. "Try it. It shouldn't be too spicy anymore." Jasmine, quietly observing, felt a complicated mix of emotions sti