Page 176 of Cruel Devotion

I guided Monique over. “Chef Li Mei is the genius behind the Palace’s renowned dishes. Her recipes are a blend of traditional techniques and innovative flavors.”

The chef bowed in front of Monique. “Welcome, Ms. Jones. It is an honor to have you here.”

Jones?

I froze.

What? And how did Chef Li Mei find out?

Monique nodded at the chef. “Nice to meet you.”

I studied Chef Li Mei. “How did you find out her name?”

She gave me a sad smile. “Your father called an hour ago and ordered me to make the best meal possible for your first date with Ms. Jones.”

Goddamn it. He still has eyes and ears all around me, spying and reporting back.

I scowled. “But you kept my menu for today?”

“Yes, Mountain Master. Your father had a list of items but I kept with the dishes that you requested.”

“Thank you.”

“I should return to the meal.” Chef Li Mei bowed again and rushed away.

Her staff followed.

Stunned, I turned to Monique. “Your last name is Jones?”

“Well. . .” Monique shrugged. “Yeah. My last name is Jones.”

What the fuck?

She cleared her throat. “Actually, Banks was telling me today that. . .Chanel’s last name was Jones.”

The revelation hit me like a lightning bolt, and for a moment, I felt the ground beneath me shift.

The word echoed in my head.

Jones.

It was a coincidence, surely, but in the depths of the palace where past and present were intertwined, it felt like something more.

Even more, I could feel Monique’s eyes on me, studying my reaction.

What the hell is going on? Father. . .is that why you chose her?

I knew I needed to compose myself, to push away the sudden rush of emotions and thoughts that threatened to overshadow our date.

Forget about it now.

With effort, I mustered a smile, masking the turmoil inside.

Get back to the date.

“Jones.” I repeated, more steadily this time. “It’s a common name. That’s an. . .interesting coincidence.”

“Well. . .” Monique shifted her weight to the other foot. “Chanel and I are probably cousins, due to having the same greatgrandfather. Banks and I are a part of his secret family and all that drama.”

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