Preston Vance’s house was right behind hers. You could tell if anyone was ho just by looking from the balcony.
Chloe Reed responded, "Mhm, I moved in as soon as the paperwork went through."
"Congratulations," Preston Vance said with a smile, then added, "Would it be convenient for to co over for a bit?"
"Of course. I’ll buzz you in right now." Chloe Reed smiled and pressed the door release button.
Preston Vance arrived quickly.
He was carrying fruit and dessert.
"It’s my first ti visiting, so I brought a little sothing. I hope you don’t mind," Preston Vance said as he handed the items to her.
Chloe Reed felt rather embarrassed. "You really didn’t have to bring anything."
Preston Vance said, "Don’t worry, I won’t bring anything next ti."
Chloe Reed couldn’t help but laugh. "Alright."
Preston Vance glanced around and said, "Haven’t moved your things in yet?"
"Mhm, I haven’t packed yet. Once I’m done packing, I’ll hire a moving company." Chloe Reed poured him a glass of water.
Preston Vance said, "You were in a big hurry to move in."
His gaze held a hint of inquiry. "Are you hiding from soone?"
Chloe Reed lowered her gaze, her long lashes trembling slightly. "I just wanted a change of scenery, that’s all."
Preston Vance sensed her guardedness and tactfully decided not to press the issue.
A mont later, her phone rang again. Iris Yates had arrived.
She ca up carrying bags of all sizes, panting for breath. "Chloe! Look, I even bought you a bunch of new dishes! Aren’t they pretty?"
She opened one of the bags right there at the door.
Chloe Reed nodded. "They’re gorgeous. Mr. Vance is here, too."
Iris Yates froze for a second, then peeked into the living room. Beaming, she greeted Preston Vance, "Mr. Vance, hello there!"
"Miss Yates, hello."
Iris Yates slipped on a pair of house slippers and walked in. "What are you doing here? How did you know my Chloe moved?"
Preston Vance replied with a smile, "I live right behind here."
"Oh, so that’s how it is!" Iris Yates’s face lit up with understanding. "You two must be fated to et!"
Chloe Reed pulled her along. "Stop talking nonsense. Co on, let’s go wash the vegetables."
She turned to Preston Vance and said, "We’re having hot pot tonight, is that alright with you?"
"Of course."
Preston Vance nodded and stood up. "I can help, too."
"Oh, no need! Mr. Vance, please, just stay seated. The two of us will have everything ready in no ti," Iris Yates said with a cheerful grin.
But Preston Vance ca over anyway, saying, "If we prepare it together, it’ll feel more like we’re all a part of it. Plus, the food tastes better that way."
Since he insisted, they didn’t refuse.
They washed and chopped the vegetables, arranged them on platters, filled the pot with water, and prepared the soup base and dipping sauces.
The process was surprisingly quick, and by the ti they all sat down at the table, their faces were flushed with excitent.
Iris Yates held up a beer. "Anyone want a drink?"
Preston Vance nodded. "I’m fine with that. I live just nearby."
Chloe Reed said, "Let’s drink! I moved into my new ho today. It’s a day for celebration!"
"Alright!"
Iris Yates opened the beers, handed a can to each of them, and sat down. "Co on, let’s start by celebrating Chloe’s new ho. Cheers!"
They raised their beers and clinked them together. As the hot pot broth began to boil, the atmosphere grew warm and harmonious.
「anwhile.」
「Downstairs from the apartnt building.」
Nathaniel Monroe said, "Walker, I found her. She’s living in this building."
After speaking, he cautiously glanced at the man beside him. Catching sight of a face as cold as frost, he instinctively shrank back.
’Walker is terrifying!’
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