Chapter 226

"What did you say?!" Andrew's knuckles turned white, his grip on the phone threatening to shatter the screen. "Say that again!"

Even through the phone, Leo could feel the icy rage. His voice trembled. "Boss... you should check online yourself..."

Andrew ended the call abruptly. Holding a shopping bag in one hand and Daniel's small hand in the other, he strode into the apartment.

He dropped onto the couch, his long fingers swiping rapidly across his phone screen.

Susan watched the uninvited man, her temple throbbing. Was his face made of steel?

"Mr. Grant, what brings you here?" She turned to the man standing at the door.

Alexander's gaze was deep. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Reluctantly, Susan stepped aside. One intruder was bad enough—now there were two.

The thought of that online novel, The CEO's Obsession with His Internet Darling, made her want to hunt down the author, Nina Young, immediately.

"Old Mr. Nash asked me to tell you—dinner tomorrow night," Alexander said suddenly.

"Perfect!" Susan's eyes lit up. "I've been meaning to cook a few special dishes for him."

"Your sweet and sour ribs last time were excellent." A faint smile touched Alexander's lips. "I'll assist you tomorrow."

Andrew's head snapped up. He had just finished reading the latest chapter—where the protagonists went from cooking in the kitchen to something far more intimate.

"I'm coming too," he cut in coldly. "It's been a while since I visited Old Mr. Nash."

Susan ignored him completely, continuing her menu discussion with Alexander.

Andrew narrowed his eyes. "Susan, Daniel said he wants hot pot." He deliberately emphasized the words "family of three."

"Mr. Lucas, you're not welcome here." Her voice was like ice.

Then Daniel tugged at her sleeve. "Mom... just this once, please?"

Faced with her son's pleading eyes, Susan relented.

"Mr. Grant, you should join us too," she said pointedly.

Andrew's face darkened instantly.

Leo had prepared everything for the hot pot—even a divided pot for different broths.

Alexander slid a bowl of dipping sauce toward her.

"Susan likes it spicy," Andrew said, handing her a bowl of bright red sauce.

But she took Alexander's bowl instead. "Thanks, but I don't eat spicy anymore."

Alexander clumsily peeled a shrimp. "Try this."

Andrew's pupils constricted. He remembered exactly what happened next in that damned novel.

"I'll do it!" He snatched the plate of shrimp away.

The two men locked eyes across the table, the steam from the hot pot turning to frost between them.