Chapter 312

Every meal in this house was exquisite, and every dish was designed to tempt. And by the usual romantic script, when the proud, unyielding heroine's stomach began to growl, the rich male lead was supposed to gallantly invite her to dinner—especially when that same heroine might soon give his paralyzed mother the chance to walk again. True to form, Lucius moved first. He arranged freshly shelled king crab legs in perfect rows on a ceramic plate with practiced ease, then slid the dish toward Valerie. "The seafood at The Golden Chalice is flown in fresh from the coast every morning," he said. "You'll like it." Since someone was willingly serving her, Valerie saw no reason to refuse. She smiled, picked up her fork, and continued enjoying her meal, looking visibly content. Sonia and Bella were left ignored at the far end of the table. They exchanged awkward looks. Lucius turned to Bella. "Why don't you tell me your terms?" Bella forced her eyes away from the lavish spread before her