Billionaire's Match

Chapter 801

"The dishes are all set. Let's eat." Michelle pressed her lips together, then, as if compelled by some unseen force, said, "I was going to help bring the food out too... I just didn't make it in time."

"Miss Keller, there's no need to be so polite." Lenny placed the final bowl of soup at the center of the table and offered a faint smile.

Michelle paused, surprised. It felt as though his attitude toward her had suddenly softened. Before, every time Lenny saw her, he had been wary and on edge, his face tight with caution.

He had never once spoken to her with such courtesy, much less shown initiative in making peace.

"It's you all who are being too polite. Aren't we... friends now?" Michelle dipped her head, her voice low, tinged with embarrassment. In truth, she had never truly hated Khloe. But when someone takes the person you love, who could remain completely free of resentment?

What was done was done. Regret came too late. A severed thread could never be tied back together. Michelle knew her obsession had long outweighed her feelings, yet her love for Nick had been sincere.

set free. Free from the shackles of her past obsession. Free, at last, to forgive herself. Her words left the air hanging in silence for several seconds. Heat crept across her

was... we're partners

dare ask... When you say 'we,' do you

lightened the mood. Michelle curled her lips into a

sit down and share a meal together is a friend." Noah hadn't planned on joining the conversation,

had been a very, very long time since he had spoken of friends. He didn't need them. Still,

"Can we eat now?"

Noah, thanks for the wonderful spread." Khloe spoke, lifting a glass of plain water in a symbolic toast.

chime. And yet, for all the liveliness, something was

evening, Lenny personally drove Michelle home. She had been staying at a hotel since returning to the country, unwilling to trouble anyone. But now that she had been completely honest with her parents and they were supporting one another,