Was she seriously trying to work her way into Lyndon's life and interfere in his marriage?

Yet, from what he had seen over the past few days, she appeared to be a kind and gentle girl, with no such intentions at all.

He'd need to corner her one of these days and get the truth out of her.

Soon after, Rita returned with a glass of water. "Here you go, Lyndon."

"Thanks."

Lyndon expressed his gratitude and quickly drank all the water.

Rita observed how quickly he finished drinking, a bit surprised.

She didn't linger on the thought, though. Her attention was briefly caught by his Adam's apple moving as he drank, finding him unexpectedly attractive even in such a simple act.

"Lyndon, give the crispy pork a try."

Rita speared a piece with her fork and placed it onto Lyndon's plate.

He remained silent, setting aside his empty water glass. Just then, Tilda arrived, carrying a large steaming plate.

"The pasta is ready. Just give it a taste. Fair warning—I'm no expert in the kitchen, so feel free to refuse if they're terrible."

Lyndon, already feeling full from drinking too much water, glanced at the half-eaten pasta in his plate. For a brief moment, he was tempted to set down his utensils and call it a night.

But then he thought of his wife.

He pictured her, face flushed from the kitchen steam, working hard to prepare this meal. A pang of guilt settled in his chest for even considering rejecting it. Pushing aside his hesitation, he picked up his fork and continued eating with quiet grace.

Tilda observed him closely, watching as he silently ate half the plate.

Her gaze fell on his empty water glass. A flicker of guilt crossed her mind. She really should find a way to make it up to him Later.

"Casper, here you go." Rita handed Casper a plate of pasta.

"Thank you."

Casper accepted it, inhaling the rich aroma of the broth. Lyndon's words from earlier echoed in his mind—his quiet reminder not to hold any grudges against Tilda.

After a brief hesitation, he glanced at her and awkwardly cleared his throat. "Tilda.. Thanks for the effort."

His words made her pause mid-bite. Did Casper just thank her? Her brows lifted in surprise.

Across the table, Lyndon's lips curved slightly at Casper's remark.

So, the boy had actually Listened to him. That was refreshing.