Katelyn’s gaze tightened, a flicker of worry in her eyes. Was this some kind of test from Vincent? But how could he know about her allergy to chocolate? It was a small detail—one that even Carol hadn’t picked up on.

Katelyn took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising tension in her chest. She told herself it was nothing more than overthinking. There was no way Vincent could know her so well. Maybe it was just a coincidence after all. Maybe he really was just trying to be nice.

Holding Vincent’s medical report against her chest like a shield, she quickly came up with an excuse.

“Chocolate’s too fattening. And, honestly, I don’t really like it.”

“They’re small pieces. They won’t overwhelm your body,” Vincent said. “Skipping breakfast can drop your blood sugar. A small piece will help keep you steady.”

His gaze never left her, steady and searching, as he watched her flinch at the sight of the chocolate.

“What’s wrong? You don’t like chocolate?” he asked, his tone light but probing.

Katelyn’s grip on the report tightened, her mind scrambling for a reason. “Thanks, Mr. Adams, but I really don’t like it.” Vincent’s voice slowed, deliberate, as if weighing each word. “Is it just a dislike, or is it something more? You know, Katelyn can’t have chocolate because she ‘s allergic to it.” Katelyn’s eyes shot up to meet his, her heart skipping a beat.

Katelyn’s grip on the report tightened, her mind scrambling for a reason.

“Thanks, Mr. Adams, but I really don’t like it.”

Vincent’s voice slowed, deliberate, as if weighing each word.

“Is it just a dislike, or is it something more? You know, Katelyn can’t have chocolate because she’s allergic to it.”

Katelyn’s eyes shot up to meet his, her heart skipping a beat.

“How did you—”

Katelyn’s eyes widened, a flicker of surprise flashing across her face. How did Vincent know about that? Had he really been paying attention to her that closely, noticing every detail, even her allergy to chocolate? She forced a casual smile, trying to downplay it.

“Mr. Adams, I think you’re making a bigger deal out of this than it is. I just don’t like chocolate. It’s not really that strange, is it?” Fresh chapters posted on find{n}ovel.net

Vincent’s lips twitched into a subtle, almost teasing smile. He kept his eyes on her, as if silently daring her to keep up the act just a little longer.

Before she could respond, the door opened with a soft creak. Samuel walked in, holding a large bouquet of lilies, his steps confident and sure.

“Mr. Adams, this is for you,” he said, placing the flowers on the desk with quiet authority.

Katelyn’s gaze dropped to the bouquet, her expression shifting in a way that was hard to read. She barely had time to react before a string of rapid sneezes overtook her.

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