Chapter 461

Chapter 461:

He rubbed his stomach absently and let out a low chuckle. “I suppose I am.”

Averi’s face lit up with excitement. “Then… can you cook?”

Noah stilled.

The expectant sparkle in Averi’s eyes made it impossible to ignore the question. “Mr. Wall, you can cook, right? I really want to taste something you make.”

Noah exhaled slowly. He wasn’t exactly a chef, but when he was faced with that hopeful gaze, refusing wasn’t an option.

Taking a deep breath, he rolled up his sleeves. “Alright. I’ll give it a shot.” With that, he marched into the kitchen, fully aware that he was stepping onto dangerous ground.

A short while later, he emerged—with a bowl of mashed potatoes.

The mashed potatoes were smooth and velvety, rich with butter and cream, their golden surface speckled with vibrant green scallions. A warm, savory aroma filled the air, wrapping the room in a comforting embrace.

“Averi, come try this,” Noah said, setting the bowl on the dining table.

With an excited cheer, Averi dashed over, his wide eyes locked onto the dish as if it were the greatest treasure.

Noah scooped up a spoonful, blowing gently to cool it before holding it up to Averi’s lips. “Careful—it’s still hot. Blow on it first.”

Averi obediently puffed at the spoonful before taking a bite. The moment the creamy potatoes hit his tongue, his face lit up with pure delight. “Wow! It’s so yummy!”

Noah found himself smiling—an easy, genuine expression that rarely found its way to his face.

But before Noah could say anything, the sharp click of a key turning in the lock interrupted the moment. The door swung open.

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Both Noah and Averi turned their attention toward the entrance. Standing there quietly in the doorway was Alex.

Noah’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a shadow of irritation. He hadn’t expected Alex to show up at the door, entering with a key.

Alex was equally stunned to find Noah in Sadie’s apartment. He hesitated briefly before his expression settled into an uncomfortable calm. He had rushed over after receiving Carol’s call, concerned for Sadie and Averi.

“Alex!” Averi beamed, his excitement clear as he greeted Alex.

Noah’s brow furrowed deeper. He was puzzled why Averi referred to Alex, his biological father, so easily. Yet, Noah could feel the deep bond between them, which sparked an unexplainable irritation within him.

He set down the bowl he was holding, his voice cold as he addressed Alex. “Mr. Howe, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to show up unannounced at this hour?”

Alex’s hands tightened into fists at his sides. Clearly, Noah was sending a warning.

Taking a controlled breath, Alex managed to keep his anger at bay, responding evenly, “Mr. Wall, I was just concerned for Sadie and Averi.”

“Concerned?” Noah’s scoff was sharp. “Mr. Howe, don’t you think your ‘concern’ is rather excessive? Sadie and Averi are under my care.”

“Your care?” Doubt clouded Alex’s eyes.

“Don’t bother yourself, Mr. Howe,” Noah continued, his tone edged with a challenge. “You seem to find reasons to show up often. Could it be that you have… ulterior motives?”

Alex looked visibly annoyed. He struggled to maintain his composure, replying sharply, “Watch your language, Noah!”

“Watch my language?” Noah mocked. “Mr. Howe, remember this is Sadie’s home, not your domain. What right do you have to tell me what to say?”

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