Chapter 11 My Person

• "Watch out!" A deep, magnetic voice came from behind her.
• A hand reached out, steadying her as she regained her balance.
• Anne turned to see who had helped her. She was surprised when she saw the man's face. "You ... you ... "
• Cole's cold, indifferent gaze swept over her before shifting to the arrogant Hope. His voice was just as icy as he asked, "What's all this commotion?"
• In Vespera, everyone in high society knew Cole.
• Hope was well aware that Cole was not someone to offend, though she couldn't understand why he would involve himself in such a trivial matter.
• "Oh, Mr. Hanson, what a coincidence running into you here." Hope adjusted her expression. "This clumsy girl ruined my clothes," Hope explained, glancing at Anne, who was now under Cole's protection.
• Cole turned to Anne and asked an unrelated question, "Did you make the soup?"
• Anne was taken aback. "What?"
• The manager quickly interjected, "He's referring to the soup the head chef asked you to make before he left."
• Anne looked nervously at Cole and admitted, "Yes, I made it."
• Did something go wrong with the soup?
• Did I offend not only this woman, but also this mysterious man?
• Anne noticed everyone around him treated him with the utmost respect, and her confidence wavered.
• What should I do?
• Cole suddenly said, "Very good."
• "What?" Anne looked up in surprise.
• If she wasn't mistaken, Cole just let out a fleeting smile.
• The manager was also taken aback and cautiously asked, "Mr. Hanson, is there something wrong with the soup?"
• Cole returned to his indifferent demeanor and said, "The soup was delicious."
• The manager was speechless at the unexpected turn of events.
• Hope cleared her throat and said, "Well, Mr. Hanson. She can cook, but her clumsiness still needs to be addressed."
• Cole glanced at Hope. His eyes were deep and menacing as he declared, "She's mine to discipline, not yours."
• Anne was dumbfounded. What did he mean by that?
• His?
• Cole continued, "From now on, Anne is my personal chef. I'll compensate you for your clothes, but demanding she kneel and apologize is out of the question. And you, as the Gordon heiress, might as well brace for the downfall of Gordon Group."
• Hope's face turned ashen, and she stammered, "Mr. Hanson ... "
• Cole ignored her. He pulled out a card from his pocket, handed it to the manager, and instructed, "Settle the bill and the compensation."
• Then, he looked at Anne and said, "Follow me."
• With that, he turned and walked away.
• Anne glanced at the despairing Hope and quickly followed him.
• Once outside the restaurant, Anne expressed her gratitude. She said, "Mr. Hanson, thank you so much for helping me out back there. I'll repay you for the money I owe."
• Cole raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. He asked, "How do you plan to repay me? Do you plan to repay me by working as an extra or a kitchen assistant?
• Anne knew that, with her meager earnings and the additional burden of paying for Silas's medical bills, it would be impossible to repay Cole anytime soon.
• She said uneasily, "I'll work hard."
• Cole saw her troubled expression and knew she couldn't repay the debt. He asked, "Do you remember what I said earlier?"