Chapter 364: Chapter 363: Definitely Not Him

"That was me," Rex replied casually, leaning back in his seat. Thought since we’d eaten half the menu already, why not take some for later? Dinner time’s coming anyway. Besides—" his tone shifted lighter, almost teasing, "the food’s too good to leave behind. Would be a shame not to."

Sophie perked up instantly. "Wait, so this means... midnight snack? Rex, you’re officially my soulmate."

"Or breakfast, depending on how long you hoard it," Rex deadpanned.

The table erupted in laughter again,

Of course, the extra food was just the surface excuse. The real reason was Elara. Rex caught the way her eyes lingered on the feast earlier, the faint hesitation in her hands when she finally allowed herself a bite. He knew that look. The guilt of eating something good while thinking of family back home who couldn’t.

It wasn’t pity... he wasn’t the type. It was recognition. Because he’d lived that and knew that feeling.

Of course, in his past life, he didn’t have a family, only an orphanage that barely counted as one.

An orphan from the start, he carried that guilt anyway. Whenever he sat down to a decent meal, there was always a nagging voice reminding him of the kids back at the orphanage, kids who even though didn’t have to go to bed empty stomach, but still didn’t have anything that you can call good. All thanks to corrupt management who misappropriated a large portion of funds.

So when he finally scraped his way into a job, even though his pay barely covered his own needs, he made it a point to donate a big portion of it back to the orphanage. Not because he owed them, if anything, the place had thrown him out the moment he turned eighteen, a trash bag of hand-me-downs his only "graduation gift." But the children weren’t at fault. Why should they suffer for the greed and neglect of adults?

And he had heard that, the old management had been dragged out and punished, the ones who had been pocketing money meant for food and clothing, leaving kids to starve on watered-down soup. Justice, some called it.

Of course, it was definitely not him who exposed all of that. Absolutely not him who spent nights quietly digging, connecting threads, gathering receipts and hidden records. It certainly wasn’t him who packaged it all neatly and dropped it online, sparking outrage across the city and forcing officials to act. No, no—he had nothing to do with that storm.

He smirked faintly at the memory.

Still, the result was worth it. The crooked staff were tossed out, new management took over, and for once the orphanage wasn’t just a place to dump unwanted children... it became something closer to a home. Donations poured in, stricter oversight kept everyone honest, and for a while, even the bleakest corners of that place lit up with small joys.

Not that it erased the scars. Not that it changed how they had treated him, how quickly they’d shoved him out the door the day he turned eighteen. But at least the kids who came after wouldn’t have to endure the same.

And now, watching Elara, he saw shades of that same guilt... the quiet kind that gnawed at you when you filled your plate knowing your family was still going without.

So yes, he ordered the extra dishes. On the surface, it was just indulgence, an excuse to take food home for "later." But underneath, it was for her. A small way to ease that guilt he knew too well.

Anyways, back to reality... Rex leaned back in his chair and casually waved for the bill. While waiting, the girls kept up their teasing, Sophie loudly declaring she definitely wasn’t the one who ate the most. Elara raised an eyebrow and pointed at the empty dessert plates stacked in front of her, while Daisy smothered a laugh behind her hand. Rex just shook his head, lips quirking.

When the waiter returned with the leather folder, Rex opened it with a single glance, then closed it again like it was a piece of paper he found on the street. The number would have made most people’s hearts stop, but for him? It didn’t even register. Without batting an eye, he handed over a sleek black card, signed with an almost lazy stroke, and even tossed in a generous tip. The waiter’s eyes nearly sparkled, and the customers nearby shot not-so-subtle glances, envy practically dripping off them.

Under that atmosphere, Rex and the girls stood and made their way out, laughter following them as naturally as their steps. Arms loaded with takeaway bags, they looked like they had just walked out of some lighthearted slice-of-life drama. Rex too carried two bags, though not for himself.

Under that atmosphere, Rex and the girls stood and made their way out, laughter following them as naturally as their steps. Arms loaded with takeaway bags, they looked like they had just walked out of some lighthearted slice-of-life drama. Rex too carried two bags, though not for himself.

Outside, Daisy jingled her keys and reassured the others she’d drop them home. The girls piled into her car, waving back. After a round of cheerful goodbyes, the car pulled out, and Rex stood there a moment, hands in pockets, watching until the taillights faded. Then, slipping his phone out, he typed a short message.

Moments later, a modest-looking sedan eased up to the curb. No flashy lights, no roaring engine... just a plain, everyday car. The doors opened and out stepped Victor and Kaelan, both sharp in their suits but looking oddly mismatched with the bland ride.

Looking curiously at the sedan, Rex raised a brow. "Where’s the Regalia?"

Victor straightened, tone matter-of-fact. "That car stands out too much. We parked it at your place and brought this one instead. This one’s more discreet."

Rex glanced once more at the plain, almost forgettable sedan, then nodded slowly. They weren’t wrong. The Regalia was the pinnacle of luxury, the kind of car that turned heads on every block, drew cameras, and made traffic lights feel like runways. It was basically a rolling monument to wealth and taste. Driving it around would’ve been like putting up a neon sign: Important people inside, please rob gossip at your leisure.

"Fair point," Rex admitted with a faint smirk, then lifted the two bags he’d kept aside and handed them over. "Here. Eat something."

The two bodyguards exchanged a glance. Kaelan’s lips pressed into a line, Victor hesitated. It was an old argument, and Rex could see it coming.

Sure enough, Kaelan sighed. "Boss... we’ve already talked about this—"

"It’s fine," Rex cut him off, voice steady but not harsh. "I know. Just take it and eat. When I say so."

There was no room for further protest. With helpless looks, they accepted the bags. Rex could almost hear their inner thoughts: We’re supposed to protect him, not take takeouts.

Then, as if something had just clicked in the back of his mind, Rex added casually, "One more thing. Look into the orphanages around L.A. Find out which ones actually need help... not the ones putting up a show."

Neither Victor nor Kaelan asked why. They didn’t give him any questioning looks, didn’t pry into his reasoning. They just nodded, filing it away as another order to carry out, Kaelan already pulling out his phone to jot it down, Victor committing it to memory with that soldier-like efficiency.

(End of Chapter)