"Chloe and I are friends. When I heard she was having a housewarming, of course I had to come and congratulate her," Preston Vance said in a gentle voice.

He wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the piercing intensity opposite him.

He glanced at the dishes and meat on the table and said with great regret, "Mr. Grant, your timing is unfortunate. This was a meal for three, and we’re just about finished."

’Chloe...’

’He says it so familiarly.’

The coldness in Walker Grant’s eyes deepened. While the expression on his handsome, sharp-featured face didn’t change, an invisible pressure began to spread, creating an inexplicable sense of oppression.

"Since you’re finished eating, you two can leave. The rest of the evening is for me and my wife," Walker Grant said flatly.

Chloe Reed took several deep breaths before walking over and saying, "We’re not done. I’m not full yet."

She sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and started eating.

Then she looked at Preston Vance. "Mr. Vance, would you like some more?"

Preston Vance glanced at Walker Grant with a half-smile and said, "Sure."

That glance was tinged with mockery and provocation.

The coldness swirling in Walker Grant’s eyes intensified.

His dark gaze landed on Chloe Reed.

’She’s so friendly to others.’

’He had even warned her so many times not to get too close to Preston Vance, but she never listened.’

Rage burned in his chest, making him incredibly agitated.

Iris Yates also tiptoed back. She looked at Walker Grant, her mouth moving as if she wanted to curse him out, but she held her tongue.

’Forget it.’

’Running my mouth would feel good for a second, but being on his bad side is a death sentence.’

’I need to stay alive.’

The hot pot was still bubbling away, but the atmosphere was no longer as relaxed and warm as before.

A pall had fallen over the table, making the meat in their mouths seem tasteless.

Walker Grant watched Chloe Reed swish a piece of meat in the pot. He then grabbed her hand, redirected her chopsticks, and brought the food to his lips.

Then, without batting an eye, he ate it.

Chloe Reed’s brow furrowed. ’I want to jam these chopsticks right into his brain!’

Walker Grant said coolly, "Not bad. I want more. Keep going."

The affection he showed was completely natural, and his gaze as he looked at her was incredibly gentle.

Then, he shot a glance at Preston Vance before quickly retracting his gaze.

Chloe Reed put down her chopsticks and said, "I’m full."

Iris Yates also put down her chopsticks and said, "Um... Chloe, there’s not much here anyway. Why don’t you come and stay at my place tonight?"

Chloe Reed looked at her and gave her a small smile. "No need. It’s fine here."

Walker Grant, however, turned to Preston Vance. "It’s getting late. Isn’t it time for Mr. Vance to head home? Or are you planning to stay and do the dishes?"

He told him to leave as if he were the host, his expression unchanging.

Chloe Reed said, "Mr. Vance is my friend. You have no right to tell him to leave."

Walker Grant raised an eyebrow slightly. "So you want him to stay the night?"

Chloe Reed keenly sensed the danger. Just as she was about to say something, Preston Vance spoke up. "Staying the night isn’t out of the question, as long as Chloe doesn’t mind."

Chloe Reed’s head immediately started to throb!

’Why is he getting involved in this now!’

’When Walker Grant snaps, he’ll spare no one. He’ll mow everyone down equally!’

She looked at Preston Vance and forced a smile. "Mr. Vance, it’s not a good time. I think you should head home for now."

Preston Vance gave her a helpless look.

’In a situation like this, I really shouldn’t stay any longer.’

’I only said that on impulse just now.’

’Even I was stunned after I said it.’