His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The idea of traveling to St. Barts should’ve excited me.

Sun. Sand. A private island villa. Sophia and Jay practically begged me to come.

But instead of excitement, all I felt was a tight knot in my chest. I couldn’t ignore it. I couldn‘

t say yes without checking in with the one person who had always helped me sort through the noise, my mom.

I curled up on the couch with a warm mug of tea, took a deep breath, and dialed her number.

She picked up on the second ring.

“Emily? Hope you’re doing alright?”

“Yeah… I mean, mostly. Can we talk for a bit?”

“Of course, honey. Talk to me.”

So I did.

I told her everything. Started from the day I stepped into Liam Black’s mansion, to our tension–filled working relationship, the rooftop moments, the kiss, and the confusing silence that followed. Then, this spontaneous invite to St. Barts with his family.

She was quiet for a moment. I could hear her steady breathing, like she was mentally lining everything up, processing it all one piece at a time.

“So…” she said finally, “you kissed him?”

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I groaned. “Yes. And I may have started it.

She chuckled softly. “Oh, Em.”

”

“I know. It’s messy. But it wasn’t just the kiss. It’s the whole… energy. He’s hot and cold. And now I’ve been invited to a tropical family getaway with people I barely know. I’m not sure what I’m walking into. It feels like a lot.”

She didn’t respond immediately.

Then, with calm wisdom in her voice, she said, “Emily, you’re grown. I raised you to think for yourself, to protect your heart, and trust your instincts. If going makes you happy, go. If it doesn’t, then don’t. But don’t let fear make the choice for you.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Thanks, Mom.”

“And whatever you decide, let me know. And send pictures if you end up surrounded by palm trees and gorgeous chaos.

I smiled, eyes pricking with unexpected tears. “You’re the best.”

She laughed. “Yes, I’m aware.”

After I hung up, I just sat there, staring at the ceiling, letting it all settle.

Then I texted Lisa.

Me: Thinking of going to St. Barts with Sophia and Jay.

Her response came five seconds later.

Lisa: GIRL, DON’T THINK, GO. It’s freaking St. Barts. Don’t play. Book your sexy island

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self in.

I laughed out loud. Leave it to Lisa to hype me into anything.

Decision made, I grabbed my phone again and texted Sophia.

Me: I’m in. St. Barts, here I come.

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I didn’t even have time to set my phone down before the doorbell rang.

Sophia stood there with oversized sunglasses, bright pink lip gloss, and a grin that screamed mischief.

“I knew you’d say yes!” she squealed, pulling me into a tight hug. “Let’s go shopping!”

“Shopping?” I blinked.

“Obviously. You’re not showing up on an island full of hot cousins and glam moms in your sad little sneakers and sensible chef shorts.”

I gave her a look. “Wow. Thanks.”

“Love you too. Now grab your purse. We have a wardrobe emergency to fix.

She was already halfway to the car.

As we pulled out of my street, she added casually, “Quick stop before the mall. Liam left some documents at home. We’re dropping them at his office.”

I tried not to react.

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But my stomach did that annoying little flip anyway.

I hadn’t seen him since our last conversation. He told me he was confused, and I told him I wouldn’t be part of the emotional tug–of–war.

Now I was headed straight into his space.

Just perfect.

Liam’s company headquarters was exactly what I imagined it would. Sleek, imposing, and unapologetically masculine. A towering black glass skyscraper that shimmered beneath the California sun, with the words Black Industries in silver across the entrance like it belonged

in a movie trailer.

Security waved us through the private lot, and we entered through a side entrance meant for executives.

The elevator was silent and polished, with mirrored walls and soft gold lighting. Sophia hummed a tune like this was just another normal day, while I tried not to hyperventilate beside her.

When the elevator doors opened, we stepped into a top–floor reception that looked more like an art gallery than an office. White marble floors. Panoramic views of downtown LA. Sculptures and wall art so abstract I was afraid to even glance at them too long.

Sophia floated through the space like she owned it.

“Hey Monica! Love the new bangs. Kyle! Finally trimmed that beard?”

Everyone smiled and waved back. She was clearly the office darling.

I, on the other hand, stayed quiet trying to blend into the backdrop while knowing I very

much didn’t.

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We reached the black double doors labeled CEO – Liam Black.

Sophia opened them without knocking.

And there he was.

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Liam stood behind his desk, sleeves rolled, posture rigid, focus sharp. His phone was pressed to his car until he looked up and saw me.

For half a second, his eyes locked on mine. Steady. Unblinking.

He hadn’t expected me.

Something subtle shifted in his expression. A flicker of surprise and something else he carefully concealed. If he felt anything seeing me, he didn’t show it, not obviously. But I felt it in the slight shift of his stance, the pause before he spoke.

His office was a physical extension of him. Minimalist, masculine, deliberate. Slate gray walls. Clean lines. Black shelves filled with curated books, sleek awards, and framed black- and–white photographs. A floor–to–ceiling window behind his desk showcased the entire city skyline. A glass bar glinted in the corner, untouched.

He ended the call without a goodbye, set the phone down, and stepped around the desk.

“You brought them,” he said to Sophia.

“Of course. I’m your favorite sibling, remember?” she grinned.

Liam’s eyes returned to me. “Emily.”

“Hey,” I said softly, adjusting the strap of my bag.

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His gaze dipped briefly down my frame, followed by a quiet smile. Small. Genuine.

“You look good,” he said. “As always.”

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