Chapter 58 Entangled with You

Chapter 58 Entangled with You

Henry chuckled softly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear with a tenderness that was unlike his usual self. "Well, at least you're on my side now."

"We're in a life-and-death partnership right now. Of course, I'm on your side," Amelia emphasized the word "partnership," trying to downplay the growing tension between them.

But Henry wasn't about to let her off the hook. He squeezed her wrist gently, his tone turning serious, losing its earlier teasing edge. "Just a partnership?"

Amelia's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly changed the subject. "Let's not talk about this. The show's still recording outside, and I need to finish preparing the food."

She turned to head towards the stove, but Henry grabbed her wrist, pulling her back. He stepped closer, the already narrow kitchen space shrinking further, leaving less than a foot between them. The scent of cedar from him mixed with the aroma of the food, creating an intense, almost suffocating atmosphere.

"I won't deny the partnership," Henry's gaze fell on the tips of her reddening ears, his tone earnest. "But don't think you can deny what's between us."

Feeling uncomfortable under his scrutiny, Amelia struggled to free her wrist. "Haven't you had enough of this game?"

Henry tightened his grip, his fingers gently caressing her wrist, his voice carrying a hint of obsessive seriousness. "I'm the most persistent person you'll ever meet. Once I latch onto someone, I never let go. This lifetime, I'm sticking with you."

If anyone else had said this, Amelia might have been moved. But this was Henry. She knew his nature too well, always using flirtatious words to tease. The safest approach was to let his words go in one ear and out the other. She pulled her wrist back, wiping her fingers on her apron, her tone as casual as discussing the weather. "Sure, whatever makes you happy."

Henry raised an eyebrow at her indifferent attitude, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Amelia, do you even have a heart?"

"I do, just not invested here," Amelia picked up the knife and resumed chopping vegetables, the blade making a crisp sound against the cutting board. "I advise you to stop this. If we keep this up, rumors will start flying."

"Let them talk," Henry said, leaning against the counter with his gaze fixed on her busy profile, his tone carrying a playful edge. "Who cares about rumors? If people think we're together, it'll make those chasing after you back off."

"No way," Amelia rejected without hesitation, her hands never stopping. "Your reputation isn't great. If rumors start about us, I'll get roasted online."

Henry sighed, his fingers brushing against the food nearby, his tone a bit defiant. "My reputation isn't great? And Ralph's is? Didn't he also get caught up in rumors with a female fan?"

"That was a misunderstanding, and it was cleared up long ago," Amelia said, placing the chopped vegetables into a bowl and turning to look at him with a warning in her eyes. "Stop saying things that could be misunderstood."

"Why?" Henry stepped closer, the kitchen's warmth mingling with his cedar scent, enveloping her. "Afraid you can't control your feelings?"

Amelia was about to retort when the kitchen door suddenly opened. Emma stood there with an empty plate, her cheeks flushing red at the sight of Henry, almost dropping the plate. "Sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt! I just wanted to thank Ms. Martinez!"

She quickly walked over to Amelia, placing the empty plate on the counter, her voice full of gratitude. "Ms. Martinez, I don't know what I would have done without you today. You're so smart and capable, and your cooking is amazing. Whoever marries you is really lucky!"

"Don't say that, it's nothing," Amelia smiled, about to downplay her role when Henry interjected. "That's not necessarily true."

Both Emma and Amelia turned to look at him. Emma's eyes were full of confusion, while Amelia's gaze warned him not to say anything inappropriate—Emma already had a crush on Henry, and any strange comments from him could lead to more misunderstandings.

But Henry seemed determined to stir the pot, a playful smile on his lips. "Marrying a career-driven woman like Amelia? Poor guy. She'd be so busy with work, she'd have no time for her husband. They'd probably have to keep the marriage a secret to protect her strong, independent image."

"Secret marriage?" Emma was even more confused, scratching her head. "Why would she need to keep it a secret? Ms. Martinez is amazing, getting married should be a good thing!"

Henry didn't answer directly, instead casting a meaningful glance at Amelia. "Some people, they look all proper on the outside, but who knows how many people they're stringing along in private. Smiling at one person today, being nice to another tomorrow. If they got married, they'd have to keep it secret to avoid being called a bad person."

His words, though seemingly teasing, were clearly aimed at Amelia's close relationship with Ralph.

Amelia understood perfectly, feeling both angry and amused. She had never seen someone so shameless, a man constantly embroiled in scandals, daring to call her a bad person.

But Emma didn't catch the underlying message. Already smitten with Henry, she was too distracted by his smile and handsome profile under the kitchen lights to pay attention to the rest of his words.

Henry finished speaking and left the kitchen. Emma stood there, her eyes glued to his retreating figure, a wide smile on her face. Amelia patted her shoulder. "Stop daydreaming, the food's almost ready. Go call everyone for dinner."

"What? Oh, okay!" Emma snapped out of her daze, blushing as she ran out of the kitchen.

Dinner was ready soon, and the table was filled with dishes.

Ralph and Aurelia came over to help carry the food, while Emma busied herself distributing utensils, bringing a lively atmosphere to the living room. Everyone tasted Amelia's cooking and gave her a thumbs-up.

"Ms. Martinez, your cooking is amazing! Better than any restaurant!" Emma praised between bites, her eyes shining.

"Yeah, Ms. Martinez, if we ever get the chance, I'd love to eat your cooking every day," Ralph added sincerely.

Amelia smiled, about to respond when Henry's phone rang on the table.

He glanced at the caller ID, his expression darkening as he got up and walked to the balcony.

A moment later, Henry's cold, hard voice carried from the balcony, freezing the air in the living room. "Lily, you've been in this industry long enough. Are you an idiot? Cecilia's spreading lies and ruining reputations, and you still want to plead for her?"