While Rebecca and Audrey shopped, Anderson was in the middle of a meeting when his assistant leaned in and whispered into his ear.
His brows furrowed slightly.
"Meeting adjourned."
He didn't wait for a response before walking out.
The directors exchanged looks.
"Did we make a mistake?"
"The CEO never leaves midway."
Mark shook his head. "It has nothing to do with you."
Then, under his breath—
"Something's off."
Anderson didn't stop walking till he reached his office.
"Boss."
A man stood inside, head lowered.
Anderson took his seat. "Speak." He ordered.
The report was delivered—everything from the café to the confrontation with Clara. No detail was left out.
After he was done, silence followed.
Anderson tapped the pen lightly against the desk.
"Are you sure it was her? Rebecca?"
"Affirmative, boss. I dare not make a mistake."
Anderson paused in his actions.
"Where is she?"
"Miss Audrey dropped her off."
"And the shopping?"
"Miss Audrey handled it."
"I understand. Make sure she is reimbursed."
"Yes, boss."
"You may leave." He waved his hand, and the shadow guard walked out of the office.
The office fell into silence as Anderson pondered on the new report.
He had gotten two reports today, with each different from the rest, but closely related.
Firstly, she claimed not to know Carl, even dismissed him. And now, she fought for her marriage.
She always got into a brawl whenever she encounters Clara. But today... it was different.
She handled the matters calmly. Her actions took Anderson back to when they had just gotten married.
His eyes narrowed. "Rebecca, what are you planning to do?" He asked, rising to his feet and walked straight to the window.
The glass window overlooked the city and he watched the bustling city with a faint sigh.
"Are you truly back to your normal self... or is this one of your schemes?"
------------------
Night fell.
The low hum of the engine cut through the silence.
Anderson exited the car. He walked into his home.
It was dark... as always.
He sighed, and continued walking.
"I thought Mr. Vance would not return home today."
At that sound, the lights came up.
Anderson was taken aback when he noticed Rebecca seated on the sofa. She was just on a simple night dress.
"Why are you still awake?" He probed, his brows creasing.
"Isn't it obvious?" She smiled and rose to her feet. Coming to stand opposite him, she touched his tie. "Waiting for my husband."
Anderson caught her hand immediately, and she gave him a pointed look.
"Relax. I just want to help you with your tie. It's not like I'm planning to kill you."
Anderson stared at her.
Rebecca's eyes widened. "Don't tell me I've previously tried to kill you?"
He didn't answer. But his silence was just as good as admitting.
"That's impossible." She shook her head, unwilling to believe.
"Are you trying to deny your actions?" He asked, his voice low.
Their eyes met, and he gave her an intense stare.
Rebecca choked. She quickly helped him out of the tie. "You must be pulling my legs." She grumbled.
Anderson rolled his eyes slightly.
"You should go freshen up." She handed him the tie. "Once you're done, come down. I prepared dinner."
Without waiting for his reply, she walked away.
Anderson's gaze lingered on her back for a short while before he left for his room.
A few minutes later, Anderson's legs found their way to the dining room where Rebecca was setting up the table.
Sensing his presence, Rebecca paused, and turned to him with a smile. "You are just in time. I prepared all your favourites—" she scratched the back of her hair. "—although I don't know if your taste has changed."
Anderson's eyes scanned the table. Lemon-Herb Crusted Dover Sole.
This was truly his favourite.
He turned to her speechlessly. This change.
"I remembered you liked the Dover Sole, Anderson. I kept the seasoning light—just lemon and herbs from the garden. No heavy sauces tonight."
He paused. His gaze lingered on the dish longer than necessary.
"You remembered."
He remembered telling her when she was eighteen that this was his favourite meal.
He never expected that she'd remember.
"Sit." She walked over to him, and pushed him to the seat. "The meal would only taste good when served hot."
Anderson didn't understand what was going on. He only sat quietly as he watched Rebecca serve the meal.
His gaze was fixated on her. The way her lips curved slightly, to the way her red hair bounced.
He blinked slightly.
"Becca—"
The word slipped out before he could stop himself.
He froze.
Rebecca turned to him with a smile, "yes?"
"Uhm... it's nothing." He shook his head.
Rebecca's grin widened as she placed the plate in his front.
"You must have had a rough day." She murmured, leaning in to take a good look at him. "Wrinkles." She whispered.
Anderson swallowed. She was close to him, her soft breath falling on his nape.
He picked up the plate, his grip tightening.
"Go on. Eat." She urged, while still standing close to him.
Anderson's grip tightened on the plate until his knuckles turned white. "I won't be able to eat with you standing so close to me."
"Oh... right." She nodded, and took a seat across from him.
Anderson silently heaved a sigh of relief.
He took the first bite under Rebecca's expectant gaze.
"So, how is it?" She inquired. "I feel that my skills are rusty." She commented.
He didn't respond. But he took another bite. And then another.
Rebecca chuckled softly. His actions were the best answer for her.
Anderson was done with the meal in just a few minutes.
Seeing him finish the meal, Rebecca let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
She looked at him expectantly as though expecting a compliment.
"You never cook for me—" he wiped his mouth elegantly. "—except you need something. Tell me, what do you want this time?"
Rebecca opened her mouth to speak but no words came out.
"I'll give you the card tomorrow. As you requested."
He said, rose to his feet, and left the table, leaving behind a stupefied Rebecca.
"Wait!" She screamed after she returned to her senses.
Anderson stopped in his tracks.
She came to stand opposite him, blocking his path. Since he was a head taller than her, she had to crane her neck just to meet his eyes.
"I genuinely prepared that meal for you. And your actions were to dismiss my efforts?" She took a deep breath. "Don't you think that is cold... even for you."
Anderson stared down at her, his gaze darkened. "Do you think I'll embrace you just because of a little change after everything you've done?" He scoffed. "You are dreaming, Rebecca."
Without waiting for her response, he directly walked past her, leaving her to stand in the dining room.
Rebecca watched him leave, and her brows knitted.
"Just what did I do to have Anderson lose all his trust in me?"
Her palms balled into fists, her eyes flashing with determination.
"Then I'll find out…" Her gaze hardened slightly. "…and fix it."