Billionaire's Match (Khloe and Nick Hunt) novel Chapter 957

Ethan could no longer hold back and let out a cold laugh.

"Noah, what brings you back all of a sudden? I heard Lacuna's been taken down. You should be lying low too, shouldn't you?"

Noah paused at the words.

Charlotte shot Ethan a sharp glare.

Of all things to bring up—he was clearly picking a fight on purpose.

"Ethan, if you really can't eat, then don't force yourself."

Charlotte forced a smile at him, awkwardly trying to change the subject.

But Ethan only pressed further. Leaning his elbow on the table, he edged closer toward Noah.

"How could I not? Sharing a meal with an internationally wanted mercenary—I'm honored."

"Ethan!"

Seeing Noah's expression darken, Charlotte slammed her hand against the table.

"Charlotte."

But almost immediately, Noah spoke as well.

He set down his bowl, lightly brushing a finger across the corner of his lips where a trace of sauce lingered. His voice was low.

"I'm leaving tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't drag you into anything."

There was no discernible emotion in his tone, as calm as ever. Yet, his head was lowered, his expression hidden in shadow.

Charlotte felt as though something had gripped her heart and squeezed—painful, but impossible to put into words. She no longer had the energy to argue with Ethan.

Even Ethan found himself caught off guard by Noah's reaction. He had expected that with such obvious provocation, Noah would show at least some irritation. But instead, the man's composure—almost to the point of tolerance—made Ethan feel, for the first time, that he might be the one going too far.

"Cooking for you… isn't hard."

Her voice was soft. After speaking, the tips of her ears warmed, and she hurried to add, "When a friend enjoys my cooking, it makes me feel accomplished too."

Watching the two of them, Ethan felt a swirl of conflicting emotions rise in his chest.

By instinct, anything he wanted—he would obtain, no matter the cost. And if he couldn't have it, he would rather destroy it.

But Charlotte was an exception. For once, he had given a piece of his sincerity, trying to change, trying to approach her with honesty. Yet time and again, she trampled on that sincerity.

Under normal circumstances, he would have already flipped the table. But in this moment, beneath the anger, what lingered more was a quiet sense of desolation.

After dinner, Noah took the initiative to wash the dishes.

Charlotte seemed reluctant to be apart from him even for a moment. Though he told her to rest, she insisted on staying to help.

Ethan remained seated where he was. His gaze drifted to the unopened cake, which had been sitting alone on the coffee table ever since he arrived.