Chapter 161 A Comforting Feast
Eula detected the playful mockery dancing in his eyes. Her teeth clenched in response. The man was a daily presence in her life, familiar with all her nuances. Despite her irritation, she chose to let his jest slide. "I'm not overweight—I need energy to shed pounds!" she retorted.Hardly had the words left her lips when she reached for a meatball, placing it in her bowl and savoring each bite. Judson, observing her relish her meal, couldn't help but smile. Dining with her was a joy, her enjoyment of food enhancing the flavor of his own meal.As Eula indulged, Judson attended to her, serving dishes he knew she favored. When she finally laid her cutlery to rest, a feeling of satisfaction enveloping her, a wave of guilt followed. She had overindulged, the delicious food tempting her to eat more than she should have.Her gaze flickered between the nearly cleared plate and the man seated across from her. He was sipping water, his dark eyes holding hers captive. "Are you full?" he asked. Eula felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She had vowed to slim down, yet she had just out-eaten him.She hadn't always been this indulgent. Although she had loved food since her childhood, her appetite had waned over the years. However, working with Judson seemed to have rekindled her old eating habits. Judson found her struggle charming, a desire to pinch her cheek rising within him.After a month of his 'feeding,' she had gained a bit of weight, her face appearing slightly fuller. She had been too thin before, almost worryingly so. Women should have some curves, he mused. He had always appreciated a fuller figure.Exiting the restaurant, they encountered a few colleagues. They greeted Judson with respectful nods. "Judson!" they called. He responded with a slight nod of acknowledgment. Eula offered them a warm smile, a friendly acknowledgment of their presence.Myles and the car were waiting in a nearby square. Judson made his way towards them, with Eula trailing behind. She slid into the seat next to him. Myles glanced over, giving a small nod. "Judson, we should leave now to arrive just before three. The auction starts at three," he suggested.
Judson responded with a nod, his long fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. The car pulled away from the square, blending into the flow of traffic.The hearty meal had made Eula sleepy. She had risen early that day and now felt the pull of sleep tugging at her eyelids. She yearned for a moment's rest. Suddenly, her hand was enveloped by Judson's larger one. Startled, she opened her eyes and attempted to pull her hand away, but found it securely held.Judson, his eyes closed, appeared completely relaxed, leaving Eula to stew in silent annoyance. Then, he made an unexpected offer. "Allow me to hold your hand for a while, and I'll reward you. Whatever you fancy at the auction, I'll bid on it for you," he proposed.Eula paused, taken aback. The items at the auction would undoubtedly carry hefty price tags. It was just holding hands, wasn't it? Compared to his previous overtures, this seemed trivial. Her love for treasures got the better of her, and she began to scheme. She would choose the most expensive item, just to see him squirm at the cost.Meanwhile, Myles, seated in the passenger seat, couldn't resist stealing glances in the rearview mirror. Judson certainly had his methods. In his pursuit of Miss Lowe, he was prepared to lavish her with gifts, even if she might reject them. His only recourse was to bring her to the auction and let her choose for herself.As Judson held her hand, a slight smile playing on his lips, he appeared content. "Eula, would receiving a gift make you happy?" he asked.
