"You must come home for lunch, or I'll tell your grandfather."

Grandma Blanche's voice brooked no argument through the phone.

Ethan Roscente didn't get a chance to respond before the call disconnected.

He set down his phone and pulled a cigarette from the drawer.

The crisp click of his lighter echoed sharply in the silent office.

Pale blue smoke curled from his lips.

Ethan narrowed his eyes.

Just what kind of spell had Jenna Roland cast on the old woman?

His grandmother might be softhearted in her old age, but he wasn't so easily fooled.

As long as he was around, Jenna wouldn't get her way.

Stubbing out the cigarette, Ethan checked his wristwatch before grabbing his suit jacket and striding out.

......

Aromatic scents wafted from the kitchen.

Jenna was setting the last dish on the table when the doorbell rang.

Wiping her hands, she hurried to the entrance.

Her breath caught when she opened the door.

Ethan stood there in his black suit, his handsome face expressionless.

Those deep-set eyes were glacial.

Jenna swallowed hard. "Mr. Roscente, you're back."

She stepped aside, closing the door quietly after he entered.

The man's expression looked even darker than last time.

Had Grandma Blanche said something?

Or had he misunderstood again?

Her stomach twisted with unease.

"Jenna's finished cooking. Go wash up first." Grandma Blanche's voice carried from the dining room.

Without a word, Ethan headed for the bathroom.

Grandma Blanche approached Jenna with a gentle tone. "Is Milo eating with us?"

"He said he's having lunch at a friend's." Jenna shook her head.

"Then let's start without him." The older woman nodded.

Jenna turned to serve the rice.

Ethan emerged from washing his hands, his gaze sweeping over the table.

The homely dishes appeared simple, yet inexplicably whetted his appetite.

Jenna returned with two bowls of rice, placing them before Grandma Blanche and Ethan.

She went back for her own portion and took the seat beside Grandma Blanche.

"Jenna's quite the cook." Grandma Blanche accepted her chopsticks with a smile. "Just looking at this makes my mouth water."

Jenna gave a modest smile. "I can handle home cooking, but I'd embarrass myself with Western cuisine. Please try it, Grandma."

Grandma Blanche picked up a slice of garlic stir-fried pork.

The moment the meat touched her tongue, her eyes brightened.

"How is this so tender?"

She remembered the tough, stringy pork from their last restaurant meal.

"It's marinated beforehand, and the heat is controlled just right." Jenna explained.

"With my bad teeth, I prefer it soft like this." Grandma Blanche nodded approvingly, shooting a glance at the silent Ethan. "I'll be coming over for meals often from now on."

"You're always welcome, Grandma." Jenna replied warmly.