Chapter: 2520

Rachel's gaze lingered on him, captivated by his understated elegance.

Alberto, sensing her scrutiny, paused in his culinary endeavors, meeting her gaze with a quizzical arch of his brow. "Why the intense stare?" he inquired, his voice smooth like velvet.

Startled by his attention, Rachel's gaze darted away, her fingers fidgeting with the linen napkin in her lap as she hastily conjured an excuse. "Oh, I... I was just lost in thought."

Alberto's lips curved into a gentle smile, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. Without a word, he deftly swapped his meticulously prepared steak with Rachel's untouched one.

“What? Not hungry?" he asked, his tone low and teasing, as he observed her still-distant demeanor.