Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 801 "The dishes are all set. Let's eat." Michelle pressed her lips together, then, as if compelled by some unseen force, said, "I was going to help bring the food out too... | just didn't make it in time." "Miss Keller, there's no need to be so polite." Lenny placed the final bowl of soup at the center of the table and offered a faint smile. Michelle paused, surprised. It felt as though his attitude toward her had suddenly softened. Before, every time Lenny saw her, he had been wary and on edge, his face tight with caution.

He had never once spoken to her with such courtesy, much less shown initiative in making peace. "It's you all who are being too polite. Aren't we... friends now?" Michelle dipped her head, her voice low, tinged with embarrassment. In truth, she had never truly hated Khloe. But when someone takes the person you love, who could remain completely free of resentment? ---- What was done was done. Regret came too late. A severed thread could never be tied back together. Michelle knew her obsession had long outweighed her feelings, yet her love for Nick had been sincere.

Everyone denied that truth -Nick included. Only Khloe had said she believed her. From the moment Khloe agreed to work with her, Michelle felt as though she had finally been set free. Free from the shackles of her past obsession. Free, at last, to forgive herself. Her words left the air hanging in silence for several seconds. Heat crept across her cheeks. "What | meant was... we're partners now..." "Of course we're friends." Khloe blinked, then smiled. Charlotte added cautiously, "Michelle, | didn't dare ask... When you say 'we,' do you mean only Khloe?

Or does that include Lenny, Noah, and me too?" Charlotte's question instantly lightened the mood. Michelle curled her lips into a smile. "Of course. Anyone who can sit down and share a meal together is a friend." Noah hadn't planned on joining the conversation, yet Charlotte ---- had dragged him into it. To him, the word friend was both familiar and strangely distant. It had been a very, very long time since he had spoken of friends. He didn't need them Still, not wanting to dampen the atmosphere, he simply picked up his fork. "Can we eat now?" "Yes. Friends, let's dig in.

Charlotte, Noah, thanks for the wonderful spread." Khloe spoke, lifting a glass of plain water in a symbolic toast. Charlotte responded immediately. Glasses clinked together, producing a clear, pleasant chime. And yet, for all the liveliness, something was still missing. That evening, Lenny personally drove Michelle home. She had been staying at a hotel since returning to the country, unwilling to trouble anyone. But now that she had been completely honest with her parents and they were supporting one another, there was no reason to remain there. "Miss Keller...

you've worked hard today." In the car, Lenny took the initiative to speak. Michelle was in good spirits, her voice gentler than usual. "It... it wasn't too bad. You've worked hard too..." She paused. "I mean, ---- you and Khloe worried about me quite a bit today." "Yes. Madam is very warmhearted. She may appear strong on the surface, but inside she's always been soft. Don't be fooled by how decisive she can be at times-she values loyalty and affection above all else." Once Lenny began praising Khloe, he couldn't seem to stop. Michelle pouted. "I know your heart belongs entirely to Khloe.

| also know Khloe is wonderful in every possible way. But aside from saying I've worked hard... do you really have nothing else to say to me?"