CHAPTER EIGHTY FOUR – WHERE TRUE PASSION LIES

Charlotte opened her mouth, a blistering retort on her lips about just where Vanessa could stuff her insipid assumptions about fine cuisine and social niceties. But before she could unleash her full fury, a sudden, wicked gleam entered Julian's eyes—one that she only ever saw in their most intimate private moments. "You know," Julian purred, a slow, devastating grin stretching across his handsome features. "I believe my darling Charlotte has a point—you have officially overstayed your welcome here, Vanessa." His gaze slid brazenly down the curves of Vanessa's body and back up again in a clear challenge. "But if you must insist upon this feeble crusade to undermine my wife's capabilities—perhaps we should take this outside the office, hmm? Put your money where your lascivious mouth is, so to speak." Julian's eyes sparked dangerously as they met Charlotte's, sending a delicious shiver skittering down her spine. "Tell me, my love...what do you say to a little culinary showdown to prove