“Roni?”
The man rested against the headboard, draping a light blanket over her and toying with a strand of hair near her ‘ear. “How about dining at the One Piece Restaurant next time?”
The One Piece Restaurant had transformed into his headquarters. There, he held dominion.
“Hmm?” Veronica, still half in slumber, struggled to grasp Matthew’s words, responding with a vague murmur.
A suggestive smile curved at Matthew’s lips. He bent down, exhaling softly into her ear, causing her soft locks to caress her skin teasingly.
His voice grew quieter. “The sound insulation there is exceptional. I’d rather witness you being uninhibited.” Unlike here, where he dreaded any loud sounds that might draw attention.
“I’m tired, let’s sleep.” Veronica reached out and hugged Matthew’s waist, rubbing against his chest to find a comfortable sleeping position.
“Okay, let’s sleep.” Unable to bear seeing her so exhausted, Matthew was relieved to see that her sleep quality had improved. In the previous year at Bloomstead, she had battled severe insomnia, often relying on alcohol to find respite in sleep. Since their union, her condition had ameliorated; she could now doze naturally, lifting the weight from Matthew’s heart.
The next day, Matthew rose early to purchase ingredients and prepare breakfast. With the meal prepared, a small group gathered in the dining room. After Eleanor’s first shared meal with Matthew at the table, it became customary for him to join Master Crayson and the others.
“Iron Pillar, Eleanor contacts you quite frequently. You better be careful. This person is not simple.”
Master Crayson hinted, being cautious of him.
“Miss has already reminded me.” Matthew nodded and continued to eat, trying to lower his presence as much as possible.
“Yeah, I also find Eleanor’s attitude toward you very strange. Could it be that she really likes your cooking?” Mateo chewed on the meat ravioli while muttering, “Although your cooking skills are indeed good.”
But he always felt that something was not right.
“No matter her purpose, you must be careful and vigilant. The people from the Eleanor Family are not simple characters. Be careful not to be used.”
Master Crayson drank his porridge and glared at Iron Pillar. “I’m worried that you will be used by unscrupulous people and hurt Veronica.”
“Okay, I will be careful.” Matthew played the role of a simple and honest person in front of them, so he remained silent, almost perfectly establishing the image of Iron Pillar, without leaking any information.
“Grandpa, since you don’t trust Iron Pillar, let me go to the palace banquet with them. With me there, the danger level will be reduced, right?”
He had begged for a long time yesterday, but Master Crayson had refused, which made Mateo unwilling to give up.
“Are you sure you’re not exaggerating?”
Master Crayson snorted coldly. “Go out with me in the morning to meet a few people. The hidden clan’s ascension ceremony is still a month away, and many things remain to do.”
“Can I refuse?”
“Give it a try! I’ll ensure you’re unable to walk!” Master Crayson’s proclamation quashed any objection. Mateo seethed. “Bias. You’re solely concerned about Roni, hmph.”
Observing his petulant demeanor, Veronica couldn’t help but chuckle. When she first met Mateo, she thought he was a calm person. After all, he spoke very little and seemed to be someone with ideas.
Yet, the Mateo of today seemingly contradicted that impression-a sunny disposition and an unassuming nature now colored his persona.
