Raymond lounged on his armchair, one leg crossed over the other, lazily chewing gum while swirling a lollipop in his mouth. Dickson stepped into the room.
"Boss," he said, bowing as he met Raymond's piercing gaze.
"Prepare one of my Sharks to be delivered to Dragon… that's the new business deal I'm striking with him. I know he'll love it," Raymond ordered, a small, mocking grin curling on his sharp, handsome face.
Dickson bowed again and left the room. Once outside, he muttered under his breath, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Badass boss…"
Julie chopped onions with precision while Jose hovered beside her, long face and all.
"Knife," Julie demanded, and Jose handed it over.
"Now I remember," Julie said, glancing around conspiratorially.
"What?" Jose leaned closer, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
"I know who Diana likes," she whispered.
Jose's face lit up instantly. "Who?" he asked, practically bouncing with excitement.
"You… she likes you, Jose," Julie replied with a teasing smile.
"Me?! Me!!" Jose nearly shouted, pointing at his chest. "OMG! Diana likes me! I'm the most handsome guy in this clan, imagine that!"
"Lower your tone," Julie scolded, smacking his head with a spoon.
Jose rubbed his head, wincing. "Ouch… but still! She likes me!"
Julie grinned, turning back to the counter. "Here's some big-sister advice… since she's too shy to approach you, buy her flowers and go to her yourself."
Jose's face beamed. "I can't wait!"
Julie rolled her eyes but smiled. "Let's finish up fast and then go see Candy."
"I can't wait to see my crush… Candy. But to be honest, that girl is really beautiful and—"
Before he could finish, Julie landed a spoon on his head.
"Ouch!!" Jose groaned, rubbing the spot furiously.
Two hours later, Julie and Jose sneaked Candy into the kitchen after she begged them endlessly. She was determined to make Korean ramen noodles—her favorite dish.
"This is risky," Jose muttered, glancing nervously around.
"Please, just give me a few minutes. I've been dying to cook this, and you guys don't know how," Candy pleaded, eyes wide.
"Deal," Julie said. "But be fast—Boss and Dickson aren't around, and that's why we're letting you do this."
Candy nodded and made a playful deal gesture with her finger. Julie and Jose turned to leave for the vegetables.
"Julie, can you give me your phone? I want to take some pictures—this kitchen is gorgeous!" Candy asked, pouting cutely.
"She's adorable," Jose whispered, handing over his phone.
"Thanks, Josie," Candy winked at him, making him blush violently.
Julie scoffed as they walked away.
Once alone, Candy's playful expression melted into seriousness. She poured oil into a frying pan and set it on the stove, then leaned over the counter.
"I have to be fast," she muttered, dialing a number on her phone.
Distracted, she almost forgot about the sizzling pan of oil.
The call connected. "Hello?" her father's voice said, making her face light up with a mix of joy and longing.
"Father…" she whispered, about to speak when the door suddenly swung open.
Gasps escaped her lips as the phone slipped from her hand.
"Monster…" she muttered, eyes widening in disbelief.
Raymond stood in the doorway, Dickson beside him. Raymond's hands were tucked casually into his pockets, gum still in his mouth, his gaze hard and unrelenting on her.