At the dining table, Laura was wolfing down food. Clara watched her, shaking her head with an amused smile. “Laura, slow down. There’s plenty of food. No one’s going to snatch it from you.” “You don’t get it,” Laura said between bites. “Eating your cooking feels like a blessing from lifetimes of good karma. This is heavenly! I wonder which lucky man will get to enjoy your cooking for life.” Clara chuckled. “Finish eating first. Afterward, we’ll go shopping. I need to get some household items and hire someone to help clean.” “Sounds great.” Meanwhile, Archer was at a fine-dining restaurant when his phone rang. “Hello,” he answered, his voice cold as he glanced at the caller ID. “Archer, I’ve wrapped up filming! I’ll be back in a few days to spend time with you. Did you miss me?” Mira’s voice was cautious yet hopeful. “No,” Archer replied curtly, his tone sharp enough to end the conversation right there. After a moment of silence, Mira spoke hesitantly. “Archer, are you still upset about what I did last time?” Archer let out a cold laugh. “Upset? Not at all. I’m grateful to have such a generous girlfriend. With your schedule packed with projects, you’ll stay busy for a while. Don’t let me hold back your career.” “Archer, I’m sorry! I—” Mira began, but Archer cut her off, ending the call abruptly. Rubbing his temples, Archer sighed. Even the luxurious meal before him felt tasteless. Clara and Laura drove to the mall and bought a pile of home essentials. They also hired a housekeeper for regular cleaning. By the time they returned, it was already dark. After unpacking and organizing everything, it was 8 p.m. Laura collapsed on the couch, chatting with her husband on the phone. Clara headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner, filling the entire villa with the mouthwatering aroma of her cooking. The enticing smell caught the attention of the neighbors. “Who’s cooking? It smells amazing!” “I’m drooling just from the scent!” “It must be the new neighbor.” A small crowd gathered outside Clara’s door, murmuring with curiosity. Archer drove into the villa community and noticed the group outside the house across from his. He ignored them, parked his car, and went inside. After making a quick call to Taylor, he said, “Taylor, bring the documents I left at Dane Mansion and the urgent files from the company. Have Michael deliver them.” Hanging up, he headed for the shower. Clara stepped outside, noticing the people gathered by her door. Smiling warmly, she said, “Hello, everyone. I’m your new neighbor. Have you eaten yet? Come in and join me for dinner.” “Don’t mind if we do!” Clara welcomed the neighbors inside with a smile. As they gushed over her cooking, she took a moment to glance at the villa across the street. The car was parked, so its owner must already be home. The neighbors’ praises filled the room. “This is incredible! Why does it taste so good? This is the best food I’ve ever had. I feel so lucky to eat this!” Clara laughed at their enthusiasm. Taking some food in a container, she headed to the villa across from hers. Knocking on the door, she waited for a response. “Yes? Can I help you?” Michael asked, arriving just as she knocked. Clara smiled. “Hi, I’m your new neighbor. I just moved in and wanted to bring you a little something as a gesture of goodwill.” “Thank you very much,” Michael said, accepting the food container. Clara nodded and returned home. Archer came out of the shower, dressed in a robe that revealed his chiseled collarbone. “Mr. Dane, I’ve brought your documents, and your new neighbor sent this as a welcoming gift,” Michael said, placing the container on the table. Archer glanced at the food and said indifferently, “Leave it there. I’ll get to work. Starting today, stay here in case I need anything.” “Understood,” Michael replied, leaving the room. Opening the container, Archer caught a whiff of the food’s tantalizing aroma. Unable to resist, he picked up chopsticks and started eating. This is incredible! Could the neighbor be an elderly lady with decades of cooking experience? he wondered. Before long, Archer had finished every last bite. “Clara, did you give the neighbor their welcoming gift? Who lives over there?” Laura asked between bites. “Yeah, I sent it over. The neighbor seems to be an older gentleman,” Clara replied casually.