Chapter 23 

Allison chuckled casually and said, “That’s because you don’t really know me.” Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she turned to Kate and teased, “Kate, you sure you don’t want a photo? ‘Cause if not, I’m outta here!” 

Kate was fuming; she was dying for that picture! Allison was in in the car, and her pride wouldn’t let her back down. “I don’t care,” Kate retorted stubbornly. 

“Alrighty then, see ya!” Allison waved them off, hit the gas, and the car zoomed away, kicking up dust as it vanished from view. The blue Bentley was gone in an instant. 

Kate was livid. “Shawn, what do you see in such a shallow woman?” she snapped. 

Shawn rubbed his temples, sighing, “She wasn’t always like this. Lately, it’s all been about marriage pressure and renting fancy cars.” 

Kate speculated, “Maybe she’s feeling threatened by how close we are. She probably rented the car to fit in with our crowd.” Crossing her arms, Kate shook her head, a hint of pity in her eyes. “Well, rented’s rented. It’s not really hers. All she can do is take pictures. Sad, really.” 

“Enough, it’s cringy,” Shawn muttered as he headed back to the mansion. 

A while later, Allison parked the car in a paid lot outside the gated community. She wasn’t ready to park it in Shawn’s garage or spill the beans about her background just yet. 

That night, dinner was the usual spread of bland, health–conscious dishes. Allison brought her own takeout from a trendy local spot. She casually opened the containers and let the delicious aroma fill the room. Shawn couldn’t resist sneaking a peek at her meal. The spicy buffalo wings and Cajun crab legs looked absolutely mouthwatering, and the bold aroma teased his senses and appetite. His mouth was practically watering. 

In stark contrast, his own meal looked plain and tasteless. Allison slipped on disposable gloves and dived into her food, peeling the crab legs with focus. Shawn loved crab legs, too. Back when they’d dine together, Allison would always peel the crab for him. 

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, pretending not to care while sneaking glances at Allison. Inside, he’s serectly hoping she’d share some of her crab. But she simply savored each bite herself, relishing the flavors. 

Catching Shawn’s gaze, Allison turned to him and asked, “What’s up? Why are you staring at 

me?” 

Shawn faked a cough, masking his awkwardness. “Can’t you eat something less… greasy?” 

Before Allison could reply, Kate butted in, “Oh, people with less refined tastes love such strong flavors. Allison, the smell of your food is overpowering. Maybe take it outside?” 

Shawn’s face darkened at Kate’s comment. He had been eyeing the food, eager for a taste, and here was Kate, suggesting only people with less refined tastes enjoyed it. 

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Chapter 23 

Allison licked her lips, starting on another crab leg. Her tone was mischievous as she replied, “Kate, you clearly don’t know Shawn. Why not ask if he likes this food?” 

Kate blinked, caught off guard, and turned to Shawn. “Shawn, do you…?” 

Shawn’s brow twitched as he forced down a bite of his salad. “Just drop it, let’s eat.”