Chapter 26

The soup was greasy and heavy, with a rich oliness—the kind Christopher associated with mass-produced kitchens. He still preferred Melody's cooking; it was lighter and different from anything he could find outside.

“Drink more, then! I’ll make it for you every day from now on,” Cynthia said cheerfully.

Hearing “every day,” he took another sip and replied, “I’ll help you pick up your documents tomorrow. Afterward, you can stay in one of my company’s hotels. No paparazzi will bother you!”

Cynthia bit her lip. After a brief pause, she smiled. “Okay. Thank you, Christopher.”

She tried to serve him more soup, but he refused. “I had a big lunch. You should eat more,” Christopher said, standing to pour himself a cup of tea.

Seeing this, Cynthia gritted her teeth, then glanced at the remaining food, deciding to choose a different restaurant tomorrow.

On the balcony, Christopher sipped his tea, trying to shake off the day’s heaviness while checking his phone. Melody hadn’t replied to any of his messages.

The more he looked, the angrier he became. He deleted their conversation, returned to the home screen, and messaged Sheldon to retrieve her things from the hotel.

Sheldon ran the errand, coordinating with Fiona, only to discover the items belonged to Cynthia. He felt a pang of betrayal toward Melody.

As he was leaving, before even reaching his car, he was surrounded by paparazzi taking photos and interviewing him. “You’ve got the wrong person! It’s not me!” he explained quickly.

The paparazzi dispersed, but some of Cynthia’s belongings were knocked to the ground. Fiona checked and realized valuable items had been stolen. Sheldon had no choice but to call Christopher and apologize.

Christopher, listening, was furious. “Are they thieves? How dare they steal the watch and handbag? Have you called the police?”

Sheldon confirmed he had reported it and that the hotel would assist with recovery.

At the dining table, Cynthia curled her lips into a smile, then limped toward him. “Christopher, it’s not a big deal. As long as Sheldon is fine, that’s what matters.”

“They are really desperate,” Christopher muttered, hanging up and turning to her. “I’ll buy you new ones,” he added, blaming Sheldon’s failure to protect them.

“It’s fine. Those things don’t matter,” Cynthia said understandingly.

Then, furrowing her brows, she remembered something. “What should I do? My documents are in the bag, and replacing them will take time.”

“Stay at my place for now,” he responded. “I’ll have Sheldon bring your things over.”

“Won’t that be too much of a bother? Melody isn’t here, so you’d need her approval,” Cynthia said cautiously.

“Don’t worry about her. I make the decisions,” Christopher said expressionlessly.

Soon, Sheldon arrived with her belongings. Seeing Cynthia settled in the house while Melody remained hospitalized, he felt a deep sense of sorrow. After delivering everything, he left.

Christopher had assumed Cynthia only had a few things, but shortly after, Fiona arrived with more bags, filling the hallway.

“Christopher, this guest room is a bit small. What should I do if my things don’t fit?” Cynthia asked, looking troubled.

“Move them to Melody’s room,” Christopher said.

“Isn’t that inappropriate? What will Melody do when she returns?” she asked, biting her lip.

“There’s another small room. She can stay there,” he replied coldly.