Liza woke up feeling groggy and drained. She rubbed her temples as she descended the stairs, her body aching from the events of the previous night. As she reached the dining room, her eyes landed on Gavin, calmly eating breakfast at the table. He looked completely refreshed, as though nothing had happened. Meanwhile, she had exhausted herself saving him, yet he didn’t so much as glance her way in gratitude. He wasn’t even waiting for her to join him. The nerve of this man! “What a selfish jerk,” she thought bitterly, glaring at him from the staircase. But just as the thought crossed her mind, Gavin’s head turned, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. Her heart skipped a beat. It felt as if lightning had struck her. How had he sensed her irritation so quickly? Was he reading her mind? Liza froze on the spot, her expression betraying her shock and guilt. She quickly plastered on a wide, overly cheerful smile and approached the table. Gavin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. Her attempt to appear innocent only heightened his suspicion. He had distinctly heard her voice moments ago in his mind: “What a selfish jerk. I worked so hard to save him last night, and he’s just here eating as if nothing happened. Ugh, what a bastard!” Amusement flickered in his eyes as he watched her. Her face was a mixture of forced politeness and suppressed annoyance. She had no idea he could hear her unfiltered thoughts. As Liza neared the table, Gavin set his utensils down and looked at her intently, as though trying to unravel a mystery. Just then, another thought rang in his mind: “Why is he staring at me like that? Does he think I look awful? Ugh, it’s all his fault! I’m so tired I can barely stand!” Gavin blinked, puzzled. It was her voice again. There was no mistake. He could hear exactly what was on her mind. To confirm, he asked, “George, did you hear Ma say anything just now?” George, standing off to the side, shook his head furiously. “Not a word, President! You must be imagining things. Your eyes are already giving you trouble—don’t tell me your hearing’s going too! Poor President, you’ve—” “Shut up.” Gavin’s cold command silenced George instantly. Turning back to Liza, he studied her more closely. “Mrs. Stone, you don’t look well this morning.” Liza almost burst out laughing from sheer frustration. “Oh, so now he’s worried about my appearance? Is this bastard mocking me? Does he have any idea how hard I worked to save him last night? My entire body aches, and he’s just sitting there like nothing happened!” Her thoughts were practically screaming, and Gavin heard every word. His lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. Liza crossed her arms, huffing internally. “That’s it. Today, I’m taking a full break! I’m going to treat myself to a big meal and relax.” Gavin’s smile deepened. Now there was no doubt—he could hear her thoughts loud and clear. And he had to admit, Mrs. Stone’s inner dialogue was far more entertaining than he had anticipated. A big meal, was it? He made a mental note to indulge her . After all, she had earned it. Gavin leaned back in his chair, his gaze calm but deliberate. “George, bring the imperial chef over to prepare something suitable for Ma.” Within the hour, the chef arrived in a rush, clearly informed about Liza’s condition from the previous night. He meticulously prepared a selection of light and nourishing dishes, presenting them with care. “Ma,” the chef began gently, “you need to take better care of your body. Strong flavors and spicy foods might not be the best for your current state. Try to stick to lighter, healthier options for now.” Liza’s cheerful expression faltered the moment she heard this. She clenched her fists under the table, her dissatisfaction building. Last night, as she drifted to sleep after her exhausting efforts to save Gavin, she had envisioned a very different morning. Surely, once Gavin realized how she had saved him, he’d shower her with gratitude. Maybe even offer a few kisses. If not that, at the very least, he’d whisk her off to enjoy a sizzling barbeque feast. But reality had other plans. There were no kisses, no heartfelt thanks, and certainly no barbeque in sight. Instead, here she was, staring at bland, soulless food. Her irritation bubbled to the surface. “I want barbeque! This man is unbearable. He can’t even manage a thank-you, let alone barbeque! And a kiss? Forget it! Gavin, you’re a complete jerk!” Suddenly, Gavin rose from his seat, his dark eyes focused on her as a faint smirk appeared on his lips. Without a word, he approached, his arm wrapping firmly around her waist. His breath, warm and teasing, brushed against her cheek. “How about I take you out to eat?” he asked, his voice low and inviting.Liza’s eyes lit up immediately. She nodded so eagerly it was almost comical. “Yes! I want—” Before she could finish, Gavin’s lips curved into a sly grin. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, but stopped short of her lips. “Not barbeque,” he murmured. “Your body is still weak. Greasy food won’t do you any good.” Liza’s glowing excitement dimmed slightly, but she wasn’t giving up that easily. Her eyes darted to his lips, a mischievous idea forming in her mind. With a sweet smile, she purred, “Alright, I’ll listen to you. No barbeque for now… but I want a kiss instead.” Gavin’s eyes darkened with amusement, and he leaned in, capturing her lips in a lingering kiss. As his arms enveloped her, Liza’s heart raced uncontrollably, though her thoughts were anything but calm. “This is unfair! I still want barbeque! Gavin, you’re the worst! I need barbeque, spicy enough to make me cry! It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten what it even tastes like. You think one kiss will make me forget? Dream on!” Gavin pulled back slightly, his deep gaze searching hers. “You’re upset because I won’t let you have barbeque, aren’t you?” he asked in a voice that was both teasing and serious. Liza’s face instantly broke into a forced smile. “What? Of course not! I love you the most. I’ll do whatever you say,” she replied, her tone sugary sweet, though her inner thoughts betrayed her. Gavin smirked knowingly as a flurry of indignant thoughts poured from her mind. He could hear every one of them loud and clear—and he found them absolutely delightful.