Chapter 117: Spare Your Efforts
Thea swiftly clapped her hand over Charlotte’s mouth, her face flushing with embarrassment.
"Sshh. ..Silent." Thea whispered urgently, her eyes scanning the classroom to ensure their exchange had gone unnoticed.
"We’re in the classroom." Thea whispered, her gaze darting around the room.
"I was just saying the tonics will boost your appetite.." Charlotte said innocently, her smile hinting at something more."What were you thinking?" Charlotte asked, her tone playful and provocative, as if knowing exactly where Thea’s mind had wandered.
Her cheeks flushed, and she glanced away, trying to compose herself amidst the subtle laughter that danced in Charlotte’s eyes.
"Are you thinking something naughty?" Charlotte asked, her eyebrows arching upward in playful accusation.
Thea’s cheeks deepened in color, her eyes darting away, unable to maintain eye contact under Charlotte’s teasing gaze.
She shook her head and denied "You’re thinking too much."
"Thea, teach me an easy dessert recipe. I want to sweetly torment someone today.." Charlotte said, her voice dripping with playful malice.
"Do you know your way around a kitchen?" Thea asked..
Charlotte grinned. "Enough to not burn water... hopefully."
"Something sweet, I take it?" Thea asked.
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. "Hmm..For someone who is not particularly sweet."
Thea smiled.. "Try: lemon sugar cookies, caramel apple empanadas, or cinnamon rolls with chocolate swirl"
"Cinnamon rolls with chocolate swirl then.." Charlotte said, her eyes sparkling with delight.
She smiled, scribbling down the recipe on a piece of paper. She handed it to Charlotte, who began to scan the ingredients and instructions.
"Thank you.." Charlotte said, her gaze still fixed on the paper. "I’ll give you the tonics after class ends."Thea raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across her face. "The tonics?" she repeated.
Charlotte’s smile turned enigmatic. "For the sweet torment, of course..in the future" She folded the paper, tucking it into her pocket, her eyes never leaving her.
The class bell rang, signaling the end of the session. Charlotte packed up her belongings and stood up, exchanging a glance with Akai.
Thea fell into step beside Charlotte as they exited the classroom. "You’re going to his apartment?" she asked..
Charlotte nodded,"Hmm... and I’ll make the dessert there."Her expression turned cautious. "What if you get caught?"
Charlotte’s confidence was unwavering. "No worries, he’s busy. He won’t be there at that time."Charlotte nodded reassuringly, tucking her bag over her shoulder.Thea’s eyes lingered on Charlotte’s determined face before nodding slightly. "Be careful."
After parting ways with Charlotte, she headed towards Thompson’s Residence. As she entered the grand foyer, the sounds of laughter and conversation enveloped her.
The living room was bustling with people, and her eyes scanned the room until they landed on Elizabeth, who was beaming with warmth.
"Sister Thea, you came!" Emerson exclaimed, hurrying towards her.
"Why are you waiting there? Come inside!" Elizabeth urged, gesturing for her to join the gathering.
Thea smiled, stepping further into the room with Emerson.."Good evening, Grandpa and Grandma," she said, approaching the elderly couple.
Rosie with her silver hair, nodded graciously. "Yes, dear, welcome."
As she exchanged greetings, Elizabeth who was sitting on the couch, looked up with a bright smile. "Good evening, Thea!"
Thea returned the greeting, her eyes scanning the room once more.
Elder Edward’s eyes sparkled with affection as he gazed at her. "You’ve been absent for too long, child.." he said, his voice tinged with gentle reprimand.
Her face flushed with regret. "Sorry, Grandfather. I should have visited sooner."
Elizabeth smiled warmly. "Thea, Emerson’s been eager to see you. It’s lovely that you’re here now."
As she exchanged pleasantries with Elder Edward, Brenda descended the stairs, her eyes shining with warmth.
"Brenda, you’re just in time.." Elizabeth said.
Brenda’s gaze locked onto Thea. "Hello, dear! It’s great to see you."
"How are you .aunt ?" Thea asked, returning the warmth..
Brenda chuckled. "Managing, despite these mischievous twins. They’re angels in public, but little troublemakers at home."
Elizabeth laughed. "Sister-in-law, you’re exaggerating! They’re perfect angels."
Brenda playfully shook her head. "You don’t know the half of it!"
Lydia whispered to Melanie, "Mother always likes to lecture us in front of elders."
Melanie nodded in agreement. "But what she said is true – we are troublemakers for her."
Just then, Brenda called out, "You two, come here!"That day, you were saying, ’Who is Thea?’ Well, she is Thea."
In perfect sync, Lydia and Melanie chimed, "Good evening, Thea."
Brenda smiled wryly. "She’s older than you, girls.."
Lydia quickly corrected herself, "We mean... Sister Thea."
Melanie echoed, "Sister Thea."
Thea smiled warmly, "Good evening, Lydia and Melanie. It’s lovely to meet you both."
The room filled with laughter, and Thea’s smile grew, feeling embraced by the Thompson family’s warmth.
Elder Edward smiled warmly. "You haven’t met each other for a long time. It’s lovely to see everyone together."
Emerson’s face lit up. "When will Brother Ryder come?"
"I’ve invited him to join us early, especially for you, dear.." Elizabeth replied.
Lydia whispered to Melanie, "Why is Emerson asking about Brother Ryder now? It’s so sudden."
Melanie shrugged, equally puzzled.
Lydia beckoned Emerson with a playful smile."Hey, little sister, come here."
Emerson walked over,"What’s up?"
Lydia leaned in, whispering, "We were just wondering why you’re so eager to see Brother Ryder."
Emerson’s cheeks flushed slightly. "No reason... just excited to see him... that’s all."
Charlotte arrived at Ryan’s apartment, carrying a small packet in her hand.
She entered the passcode and stepped into his apartment. Upon entering, she noticed the interior had reverted to its original state.
"Tsk, tsk..tsk.. What a pity.." she murmured, her gaze sweeping across the restored room.
Curious, she wandered onto the balcony and found the plants still nestled in their pots. A gentle smile played on her lips.
"He’s not heartless, after all," she said to herself, observing the lush greenery. "He’s been watering them daily."
She walked back to the kitchen and placed the packet on the countertop.She wrapped a cheerful light green apron, adorned with delicate daisies, around her waist. Next, she gently unpacked the packet’s contents.
"Okay, let’s start.." she said, inhaling deeply. She retrieved the paper Akai had given her, unfolded it with precision, and positioned it squarely in front of her.
Charlotte was elbow-deep in preparing decadent chocolate truffles when Ryan’s sudden appearance startled her.
"What are you doing in my apartment?" he demanded, his tone brusque.Charlotte’s flour-dusted hands halted mid-motion, a glob of rich chocolate suspended in mid-air. "When did you get here?"
Ryan’s eyes narrowed. "What brings you here?"
"Thought I’d surprise you with some desserts.." she said with a smile.
Ryan’s expression turned glacial. "Do you think my apartment is open to you whenever you feel like dropping by?"
Charlotte’s smile faltered. "I thought you’d appreciate the gesture."
"Spare your effort. Your desserts and you don’t interest me at all.."He vanished into his study, leaving Charlotte stung.
Tears pricked at her eyes, but she swiftly regained composure and resumed rolling the velvety chocolate between her fingers.
Ryan reemerged with his file, the enticing aroma of dark chocolate and sweet cream suddenly stirring his hunger.
She poked her head out from behind the kitchen door while observing him .
"Want to try some?"
"I don’t like sweet things anymore.."
He refused coldly. The straightforward remark he made earlier was meant to drive her out of the house.Unexpectedly, she stayed behind
Would the food she made be edible?
At first glance, she looked like a pretty spoiled young lady who had never done a single chore in her life.He was accustomed to seeing women like her.
Ryan took out a carton of fresh juice from the fridge.Charlotte pouted.It appeared he was determined not to try the food she made.
What a pretentious man.
Regardless, she had no problem enjoying the food herself.
She returned to the kitchen to continue making churros.
He appeared a few seconds later to take a glass for the juice. From the corners of his eyes, he noticed the woman shaping the dough into several long sticks in a practiced manner before placing them into the hot oil. Within seconds, golden logs floated to the top of the oil. They released a delicious smell that attacked his nostrils.
A hint of light flashed across his eyes.
He shifted his gaze downward. Beautiful cinnamon rolls with chocolate swirls were baking in the hot oven.
