Chapter 320: Intruding On Her Space

Meanwhile, at the grand culinary arena, the atmosphere was buzzing with overwhelming energy.

Emily practically dragged April into their suite, her eyes darting around frantically until they landed on Philippe, who was standing near his table in his white chef’s coat. He couldn’t see her from all the way up since the glass had always been a one way see through and Emily never told him she was one of the judges either, but her face kept flushing a bright, delighted pink just from watching him.

She had never liked anyone as much as she did with this man whom she had only known for four days.

April let out a quiet, amused breath, smoothing down the front of her cream blouse. She was tired of worrying. She decided even her sister deserved happiness, even if it was short-lived.

All Emily could do was pray for Philippe to win the competition on the last day, and then, he would become a part of Xavier’s staff. This way, he’d be protected and they could see each other once in a while if Xavier dropped by on his helicopter.

That was the only conclusion April could see where Emily would be satisfied.

"She certainly moves fast when motivated," Alexander murmured, stepping up right beside April. He gently took her hand again, his thumb lightly stroking the back of her knuckles as he looked down at her with fond, dark eyes. "Unlike me... I feel as though I’m constantly trying to catch up to you."

April looked up at him, noting the earnest warmth in his smile. Her mind briefly drifted back to her late-night dilemma, eyeing his broad frame and immaculate posture.

Alexander... she thought to herself, her dark eyes scanning him analytically. He looks refined, but beneath that tailored suit... he’s built just as solidly as Xavier.

"You don’t need to catch up, Alexander," April said softly, her tone steady. "You’re right where you need to be."

Alexander’s eyes flared with a sudden, rich warmth, a subtle flush touching his cheekbones at her straightforward words. He leaned down, his breath brushing against her ear. "Is that a promise, my sweet seer?"

Before April could answer, a cool, authoritative voice cut through the air behind them.

"Master Alexander, Miss April requires a clear path to her seat," Samuel said smoothly, stepping forward with his usual immaculate timing. He held a tablet resting neatly against his forearm, his glasses catching the bright stadium lights as his dark eyes swept over Alexander’s lingering hand with cool, unyielding professionalism. "The showcase is about to commence."

Alexander let out a low sigh, though a polite, practiced smile remained firmly on his lips. He released April’s fingers with a slow, reluctant graze. "Always so efficient, Samuel."

As April took her seat beside Xavier, the grand glass front offered a sweeping view of the arena below. Xavier immediately turned to her, his dark eyes softening as he reached over to gently adjust the collar of her cream blouse, his thumb lightly brushing the warm skin of her collarbone.

April tilted her head slightly, looking around at the two men currently occupying the armchairs on either side of her.

Normally, Xavier, Alexander, and Nat sat in the high-profile executive balconies across the stadium—exposed to the floor so the spectators and competing chefs could see the prominent figures gracing the event.

Yet here they were. In her one-way viewing judging suite.

"By the way," April began, her tone direct as her dark eyes flicked between Xavier and Alexander, "why aren’t you two in your usual spots? What brought you all the way over to the judging suite?"

She already knew the answer, of course, but asking was far simpler than acknowledging the obvious.

Alexander let out a soft chuckle, leaning back gracefully. "It’s dreadfully boring over there, April. I can hardly enjoy the event, so I decided keeping you company would be far more rewarding."

Xavier crossed his legs, a rare, faint smirk touching his lips as he offered his own dry explanation. "Same reason here. I’d rather keep you company than sit over there feeling like a display item in a showcase. The press won’t stop staring."

April gave a small, resigned nod. She figured there was nothing to be done about their sudden migration.

Down on the arena floor, the second phase was already underway. The chefs worked frantically at their stations, sending up the specified courses one by one through the service lift.

The judging routine proceeded as smoothly as always: a single bite from April, a single taste from Emily, and the remaining untouched portions vanished cleanly into April’s spatial dimension for safe storage. April would quietly deliver her precise evaluation, which Samuel then logged into his tablet to update the sector’s master scoring board.

Just as the third round of dishes was logged, the double doors at the back of the VIP suite burst open with a resounding thud.

The quiet, orderly atmosphere in the room vanished instantly.

Nat stepped through the doorway. He wore a dark silk shirt unbuttoned at the top to expose the black dragon ink creeping up his neck, his red hair slightly tousled, and his eyes burning with a sharp, arrogant heat.

He didn’t bother offering a glance to Xavier or Alexander, completely ignoring the instant tension that stiffened the room. His strides carried him straight across the room until he stopped directly in front of April’s chair.

Leaning down, Nat planted both of his large, calloused hands on the armrests of her seat, completely boxing her in. His scent of leather and spice were heavy, and warm, and it immediately flooded her senses, making her breath hitch.

"I tried staying away," Nat growled low, his raspy voice meant only for her ears, his golden eyes scanning her flushed face with absolute satisfaction. "Didn’t work out. So, tell me, sweetheart... are you still exhausted today, or can I pick up right where I left off?"

April sighed, her eyes looking straight up into his burning gaze without an ounce of intimidation. "Nat, what are you doing? I’m in the middle of something and you know it."