His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 37

Kelvin’s voice followed behind me, quieter now. “Be careful, Emily. With him, the stakes always come high.”

I didn’t look back.

I just followed Liam out into the golden morning light, my stomach twisting with something I couldn’t name. My thoughts were loud, my pulse louder.

It wasn’t fear.

It wasn’t guilt.

It was the feeling of being pulled in two very different directions, by two men who hadn’t even begun to play fair.

And the game hadn’t even started.

The car slowed as we approached the main estate, and suddenly the ocean breeze felt heavier. It was like it carried expectations instead of salt. Through the tinted window, I caught my first glimpse of the place Sophia had referred to as “the real Black compound.”

This wasn’t just a compound. It was a palace.

The estate rose from the cliffside like it had been carved out of light and old money. White stone walls, clean–cut terraces, endless balconies draped in bougainvillea, and glass windows that reflected every inch of paradise. Security gates slid open as our convoy rolled in, and staff in crisp white linen waited at the entrance like we were royalty returning home.

When I stepped out, my sandals touched cool marble. I adjusted my sunglasses, pretending not to gawk, but the way the estate shimmered in the sun made it impossible not to stare.

Sophia leaned in. “Don’t let it scare you,” she whispered. “All bark, all noise. That’s this family’s specialty.”

“But they still bite?”

She smirked. “Oh, absolutely.”

0.00%

15:40

We climbed the steps, the group slowly spreading out as attendants offered refreshments and warm towels. Liam walked a few paces ahead, calm and self–assured. Kelvin lingered just behind, casually charming a staff member with a crooked smile.

Then the front doors swung open, and with them, the entire mood transformed.

“Emily!”

A woman with sun–kissed skin and warm chestnut curls came gliding out like joy in motion, arms wide, a smile even wider.

I blinked. “Oh..”

Before I could fully react, she pulled me into a hug that smelled like jasmine and lemon

blossoms.

“I’m so thrilled to finally meet you!” she gushed, holding me at arm’s length to take a good look. “You’re even more gorgeous than Sophia said. And she usually undersells.”

“Thank you… Mrs. Black?” I managed, cheeks warming. “You’re incredibly beautiful, truly.”

“Oh, no. Please. Laura.” She waved a hand. “Calling me Mrs. Black makes it sound like we‘ re at a shareholders meeting. We’re on vacation, sweetheart!”

Liam stepped forward, visibly uncomfortable. “Mom…”

“What?” she said, feigning innocence. “You won’t answer a single question a1 ut her, and now I’m not allowed to be excited?”

Heat rushed to my face.

Sophia covered her mouth, barely holding back a laugh.

Jay muttered, “This is the best day of my life.”

Laura linked her arm through mine. “Come on, sweetheart. You’re one of us now. You can’t feed this zoo for ten days and not be inducted.”

I let her guide me through a grand foyer, past impossibly tall ceilings and corridors that belonged in design magazines. The house smelled like orchids, citrus, and polished wood.

The sunroom had been transformed into a brunch haven. Towers of fresh fruit, chef–manned omelet stations, rows of golden pastries, and champagne chilled in crystal flutes. Soft piano

31.41%

15:40

music floated through the room. Everything glittered.

Everything felt surreal.

Kelvin was already there, casually pulling out the seat beside me before I could choose one.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify