The Heiress's Second Chance At Vengeance (Eliza) novel Chapter 562

Chapter 562 The Hunger of Pride

55

+8 Pearls

Cramer didn’t know what to say. Anyone with half an eye for nuance should have realized that when he asked for light dishes, he hadn’t meant the bland plates the kitchen produced. But since those had been his exact words, he had no choice but to swallow the frustration.

“I understand. Leave them,” he said.

“Yes, Mr. Cullinan.”

The maid all but fled, whispering in the hall as soon as she was clear.

“I was terrified–he looked so upset just now, I thought he’d scold me!”

“Really? But didn’t he specifically ask for the kitchen to cook? That means you did fine.”

“Still… don’t you think maybe he actually prefers Miss Vivian’s cooking?”

“Impossible. She’s the one he dislikes most. Why would he eat what she makes?”

From inside the study, Cramer caught every word. Heat coiled in his chest, a pressure he couldn’t release.

It was true–he had led everyone to believe he despised Vivian. He himself had believed it. But hearing them dismiss her so easily made him want to refute it.

Was it possible he didn’t dislike her as much as he thought?

Had he simply been too harsh on her all along?

Agitation prickled under his skin. He slammed his papers down and strode into the hall.

The maids froze, pale with fear, expecting punishment.

But he only gave them a cold glance. “Throw out everything that was just brought up.”

They gaped, not understanding.

He turned away without explanation.

Left no choice, they carried off the untouched dishes and dumped them.

“What was that about?” one whispered.

“I have no idea…”

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7:32 Sat, Sep 13 B

Chapter 562 The Hunger of Pride

55

+ Pearls

The next morning, Cramer found himself oddly expectant. Breakfast had become something to look forward to–Vivian’s cooking always surprised him, delicate, inventive, and delicious.

But when he opened his eyes, the cart that rolled in carried the same old breakfasts of the past.

Dishes he used to eat not because he loved them, but because they filled the stomach quickly.

“Breakfast today was from the kitchen?”

“Yes, sir. They remembered you used to like these most.”

The maid had thought hard after last night. Mr. Cullinan must have found the light dishes unsatisfying, she reasoned. So this morning she had instructed the kitchen to prepare his former favorites.

But his face darkened again. He didn’t even touch them.

“Clear it all.”

She froze. “But Mr. Cullinan, you’ve got a full day of meetings. If you skip breakfast and your blood sugar drops-”

“Did I not make myself clear?” His glance was icy.

The maid bowed and whisked everything away.

As the plates left the room untouched, his secretary ventured, “Sir, are you really not eating? You’ve got a long day ahead.”

But Cramer’s mind wasn’t on business.

All he could think about was why Vivian hadn’t cooked for him. He hadn’t punished her, hadn’t spoken a word against her. Wasn’t his hint obvious enough?

“Let’s go to the office,” he said curtly.

The workday couldn’t wait.

Meanwhile, in her room, Vivian’s nerves twisted tighter with every minute.

When Eliza walked in, she hurried to her side. “Ms. Rivers, are you sure he’s not upset? I heard he threw away all the breakfast. He’s got meetings all day–what if he collapses from skipping meals?”