Chapter 887

The aroma of cooking filled the kitchen as Ethan Roscente chopped vegetables with one hand while balancing his phone between his shoulder and ear.

"Mr. Roscente, why do I hear running water?" Simon Eisner's puzzled voice came through the receiver.

Ethan deftly sliced an onion into thin strips. "Preparing dinner."

"You're cooking yourself?" Simon nearly bit his tongue in shock.

Ignoring his assistant's astonishment, Ethan focused on the recipe's instructions for heat control.

"Unless there's anything else, I need to hang up. The fish is going in."

The call ended before Simon could respond.

Staring at the darkened screen, Simon couldn't reconcile the image of the ruthless negotiator from boardrooms now wearing an apron in a kitchen.

In the living room, Vivian Laurent's phone vibrated.

A message from Dominic Atlante appeared: "Since when are you and Ethan Roscente so close?"

Vivian frowned and typed back: "What do you mean?"

"Check trending."

She opened social media to find photos of her and Ethan grocery shopping had gone viral.

In the images, her hair was casually tied in a ponytail while Ethan pushed the cart beside her. They were selecting fruits, his head slightly tilted toward her with uncharacteristic gentleness.

The comments section exploded:

"Relationship goals!"

"That look he's giving her—I'm melting!"

"Someone get these two a marriage license!"

Her finger hovered over the screen before secretly saving the photo.

Their first candid picture together.

The clatter of cooking utensils drew her toward the kitchen.

Ethan stood at the stove, sleeves rolled to his elbows revealing toned forearms as he expertly flipped ingredients. The range hood hummed, casting flattering light on his focused profile.

"Need help?" Vivian leaned against the doorframe.

He immediately set down the spatula and approached.

"Go back out," he urged gently, steering her by the shoulders. "Grease isn't good for your skin."

His palms felt warm and dry, carrying a faint scent of fresh ingredients.

Vivian looked up. "I'm impressed by how quickly you've improved."

The corner of Ethan's mouth lifted. "For the right person, it's worth it."

Heat crept up her ears. As she turned to leave, his fingers circled her wrist.

"Ten more minutes," his voice lowered. "I made all your favorites tonight."