The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!

Chapter 273: A One-of-a-Kind Gift

Ryan hesitated for a moment on the other end, gently reminding, "Maya, I remember... you’re not good at making desserts, right? This might be a bit challenging."

"I’m so smart, a mere dessert is no match for me. Besides, the first dessert cooked by a new learner is even more meaningful, isn’t it?"

Ryan was convinced by her. "I rarely see you so serious. Seeing your relationship getting better, I’m happy for you. Family, it’s really important."

"Getting better and better?"

"Yeah, you mention Mr. Rowe more and more, and now you’re making gifts for him. Didn’t he personally pick you up when you returned from the show last time? See, isn’t this getting better?"

Maya slightly parted her lips, wanting to say something, but in the end, she said nothing.

*

After countless baking failures, Maya realized the truth that one shouldn’t talk big so easily.

She really had no cooking talent. Not only was she bad at cooking, but she also made terrible desserts.

Looking at the burnt cookies in front of her, the pitch-black color was enough to deter anyone. Maya sighed slightly, picking up a cookie with her fingers, but before she could put it in her mouth, the master stopped her.

"Don’t eat these, they’ll upset your stomach! Don’t be discouraged, with diligent practice, you’ll definitely make delicious desserts. No one is born with certain skills."

Maya’s heart was a mix of emotions, unsure which sentiment weighed heavier.

After days of training, Maya finally made edible cookies. She tasted one herself, and her tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed.

Though not extremely tasty, they were barely edible.

Maya remembered that when she was modern, her cooking was pretty decent, at least not at the point of starving. How come after a few worlds her cooking ability dropped to zero?

The dessert master praised her, "You’ve learned quickly, but I can sense your reluctance towards baking. I assume the person you’re preparing desserts for must be very important to you."

The master handed her the elegantly packaged cookies. "If there’s a chance, see you next time, Maya."

Maya accepted and thanked him.

*

Knowing well that cookies don’t taste good if left too long, Maya directly had the driver take her to Valerius Group headquarters.

She smoothly made her way through, occasionally overhearing employees gossiping that she looked like the big star Maya Monroe.

Maya glanced around the crowd, remembering the last time she came, she didn’t receive so much attention. Could it be because she recently became popular?

Recently, she signed a contract with a world-renowned luxury brand, causing her net worth to soar.

Relying on her memory, Maya found the office, encountering Vincent Summers just as she reached the door.

Vincent, holding coffee, was slightly surprised to see her. "Maya, how come you’re here all of a sudden?"

"Why, can’t I come?" Maya teased.

"No, that’s not what I meant, I mean... never mind, you two are really strange."

Vincent always noticed the similarities between Ian Rowe and Maya; both liked to pull surprise visits without prior notice.

His gaze lowered, becoming delighted upon seeing the gift box in Maya’s hand, "Ah, is that a gift for Mr. Rowe?"

"I put a lot of thought into it."

Vincent clicked his tongue in wonder, "It’s my first time seeing you carry a gift over so solemnly. This is right, pamper him more, and maybe he won’t act fierce like a tyrannosaurus all day."

"Let’s talk later, I’m going in first."

Vincent handed the coffee to the approaching Assistant Lee, then personally opened the door for Maya, "Here, please."

Inside was very quiet, nearly silent.

But that person always had keen observation skills, the moment Maya stepped in, he turned his gaze towards her.

He looked mildly surprised, and upon seeing the gift box in her hand, his expression grew more complex.

"Missed me?"

Maya swiftly walked over, placing the gift box on the desk, "It’s a gift for you—cookies."

Ian Rowe withdrew his gaze with a soft smile, slightly tilting his head, and rarely teased, "Are these cookies you searched high and low for across mountains?"

"Of course not." Maya’s face showed a hint of regret, "The gift I prepared earlier got misplaced, Scott and I searched several times but couldn’t find it. So, I prepared these cookies, hoping you’d like them, hubby."

Ian chuckled, his long fingers flipping the packaging open. Upon seeing the cookies inside, his expression showed rare complexity, "Did you make these by hand?"

"Yeah, I put a lot of effort into learning this. Don’t judge its appearance; actually the taste... isn’t great either."

Ian couldn’t suppress his laughter, looking at her gently, "I must admit, this is a unique gift."

"Do you like it?"

"I really do."

Receiving a positive response, Maya instantly felt that the past few days hadn’t been in vain.

"You gave these only to me, right Maya?"

Maya didn’t understand his question but still answered, "Such troublesome desserts, I guess I won’t make them again."

A teasing smile appeared on Ian’s brows as this was the first time Maya saw him smile so openly. She had to admit he was quite handsome, making her instinctively take a few more glances.

"Try it." She spoke with a bit of urgency, wanting validation.

Ian picked up a cookie, chewing slowly, and affirmed to her, "Delicious."

"Don’t force yourself, just taste one to show meaning." Maya, knowing her own level, believed these cookies must be tough for the picky Ian to eat.

"Really, do you want to try one?"

Maya hesitantly picked up a cookie and stuffed it into her mouth, tasting the same as before, unchanged. She ate only one before deciding against having more, reminding Ian to eat less.

Due to an urgent notice, Maya had to hurriedly leave.

Vincent stepped in, seeing Ian in good spirits, teasing, "Maya’s more refreshing than coffee, huh?"

He leaned in to see the gift Maya prepared, suddenly changing his expression.

The cookies, very poorly shaped cookies, cookies that looked unappetizing.

More shockingly, Ian already picked up the last one, the box completely empty.

Vincent hurriedly exclaimed, "Wait, Mr. Rowe! Are these cookies edible? Won’t they upset your stomach?"

Indeed, Ian proved he wouldn’t listen to his warning.

Vincent fell silent for a moment, the image of the poor-looking cookies flooding his mind again.

With Maya doing the taste test first, followed by Mr. Rowe trying the cookies, was this karma or... true love?

Moments later, Vincent heard Ian’s voice:

"Bring me some candy."