Chapter 361

Chapter 361:

“Sorry to interrupt,” Andrew’s voice was soft and courteous, but it carried an unmistakable air of authority that made Kevin feel small and unimportant in his presence.

Kevin gulped nervously. “I didn’t expect you to come, Mr. Klein.”

“Madisyn mentioned your cooking is exceptional, so I thought I’d experience it myself,” Andrew said with dignified calm. He offered an expensive gift, heightening Kevin’s anxiety even further.

Kevin took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “It’s a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Klein. Please, make yourself at home.”

As Kevin retreated to the kitchen to continue cooking, he tried to steady his nerves. He reassured himself that despite Andrew’s imposing presence, the situation could work to his advantage. If Andrew felt envious of the attention Kevin was giving Madisyn, it might create tension between them. When that happened, Kevin would be there to comfort Madisyn, possibly winning her favor more quickly. With this thought in mind, a mischievous smile crept across his face.

Dinner soon began, and Kevin proudly presented the dishes. The spread looked impressive, and Madisyn gave him an approving thumbs up. “You’ve really outdone yourself, Kevin.”

“Thank you, Miss Johns. I hope you enjoy it,” Kevin replied modestly. “Please, dig in.”

Madisyn and Andrew took their seats, and Kevin served a bowl of soup to Madisyn. “Miss Johns, I know you’re always busy with work, so I specially made this soup for you. It’s good for your health.”

“You’re knowledgeable about health remedies?” Madisyn asked, intrigued.

“Yes, a bit of such knowledge helps in cooking,” Kevin said with a smile.

Madisyn replied warmly, “I appreciate that.”

“I’ve also prepared some of the soup base for you to take home,” Kevin added.

“Thank you.”

Kevin aimed to curry favor with Madisyn, hoping to provoke a reaction from Andrew. As the CEO, Andrew was accustomed to being the center of attention and wouldn’t easily tolerate being overshadowed. Yet, he remained composed, focusing on the meal as if Kevin’s efforts were of no consequence. This only deepened Kevin’s frustration, feeling as though he were making futile attempts to impress Madisyn.

“Miss Johns, there’s a little something at the corner of your mouth…” Kevin started to reach out instinctively but hesitated. “Let me get you a tissue.”

While he was fetching the tissue, Andrew had already gently wiped the stain from Madisyn’s mouth, his touch both tender and intimate. “Your artist is really talented,” he commented smoothly.

“Well, Edge Entertainment only works with the best,” Madisyn said with a smile.

Watching their effortless interaction, Kevin felt a pang of jealousy. Despite his best efforts, Andrew seemed to eclipse him with a single graceful gesture.

“By the way, Kevin, your cooking is superb,” Madisyn said, turning to him with genuine appreciation.

“I’m pleased you think so, Miss Johns,” Kevin replied, regaining some of his confidence.

“You know, I’m considering recommending you for a cooking reality show. Your skills are exceptional, and being on the show could really enhance your profile.”

“What?” Kevin blinked, taken aback.

Andrew nodded in agreement. “You truly know how to recognize and nurture talent, always providing them with the best opportunities.”

“That’s just part of my job,” Madisyn replied simply.

It hit Kevin then—the reason Madisyn had praised him and visited his home wasn’t personal. She was evaluating his cooking for the show. His heart sank, and he felt his face flush with disappointment.

Madisyn noticed his change in demeanor and asked, “Is something wrong? If you’re not interested, that’s perfectly fine. We respect every artist’s choice. But those who’ve been on the show have gained significant fame, so I thought it might be a great opportunity for you.”

“No, Miss Johns, I’m just surprised by your thoughtfulness,” Kevin managed to smile through his dismay.

Madisyn returned his smile with politeness. “The company aims to support our artists. Since you chose to join us, we want to honor that trust.”

Kevin said, though his enthusiasm had waned.

Throughout the rest of the dinner, Kevin remained quieter than usual, focusing on his meal. After the meal, he saw Andrew and Madisyn out.

Before they left, Kevin turned to Andrew. “Thank you for the gift, Mr. Klein.”

“You’re welcome,” Andrew replied with a slight nod.

“Drive safely,” Kevin called out as he watched them depart.

As the door closed behind him, Kevin felt a jolt of disappointment pierce through his chest. He had convinced himself he would succeed, but now it was painfully clear that he had been transparent from the beginning. Madisyn’s kindness and Andrew’s calm demeanor left him feeling embarrassed and foolish. They were considerate people holding high positions, but still mindful of their employees. Kevin felt they were destined for continued success.

Just then, his phone rang. It was his agent. “Kevin, I’m sending you details about a reality show. It’s Miss Johns’s recommendation. Take a look. She’s right; it’s a perfect fit for you.”

“I’m in,” Kevin said.

“Don’t you want to review it?” his agent asked, surprised.

“Miss Johns recommended it. It must be worthwhile,” Kevin replied.

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