Chapter 255:Poor Appetite and Cold Shoulders

(Third-person's POV) The morning light filtered through the kitchen windows as Emma Chase moved with surprising energy, considering her exhausting night. Her small hands grabbed ingredients from the refrigerator with determination. Noodles, vegetables, and the seasonings Tristan had thoughtfully provided were spread across the counter. "Do you like your noodles spicy?" she called over her shoulder without thinking. When no response came, Emma turned to find Erik Blackwood watching her intently from his position on the sofa. His amber eyes tracked her movements with an intensity that made her cheeks warm. "Um, I'll make it mild then," she mumbled, turning back to her task. Erik continued observing her as she bustled about like a busy spinning top, her movements swift yet slightly clumsy. Her small frame barely reached the higher cabinets, forcing her to stretch on tiptoes. From his vantage point on the sofa - positioned perfectly to oversee the kitchen - he could see her struggling