Without realizing it, Hank had become his sister’s enabler for many years.Mrs. Brown was at a loss for words.The door opened.Hank dropped the conversation with his mother, guessing that Jessica had come home.As expected, when the door opened, Jessica walked in with two portions of fast food.“Darling, you’re back. You’re right on time—let’s eat. I got two set meals for us.”Jessica walked over, carrying the two set meals. She sat down beside Hank and opened a bag to take out one set meal and passed it to Hank. Then, she placed her portion on the coffee table, opened the fast food cover, and began to eat.Hank looked at his mother, then looked at Jessica, and asked, “Darling, did you only get two sets? What about Mom and Dad?”Jessica said as she ate, “I didn’t buy any for them. They can cook whatever they want. There are still two packets of instant noodles at home—enough for them to have one each. And there still are three eggs, enough for the three of you to have one each
The first thing the next morning, Duncan got up anxiously. He got changed and went out the door after washing up without even eating breakfast.He was terrified that his mother would shove Lily on him and make him accompany her everywhere.In the face of a mother who was always urging him to get married, the best policy was to leave.Truth be told, Duncan could understand where his mother was coming from since he was already thirty-six, after all, and not twenty-six. His eldest nephew was about to get married too while as the youngest uncle, he still had no girlfriend. How could his mother not be worried then?The result of escaping to Brynfield so early in the morning and calling Zachary at the entrance to the neighborhood was—“Go away!” Zachary was still lying on his bed with his wife in his arms. When he received the call from his good friend, with a dark expression, he bluntly replied Duncan with those two words.“Why are you so fierce? Considering our many years of friendsh
“Mr. Lewis is already here. Hurry up, get up, and go outside to bring him in,” Serenity said as she once again got out of bed. Zachary tried to pull her back onto the bed once more, but she expertly dodged him.As he watched her walk to her wardrobe to take some clothes, he said, “It’s not like I asked him to come over and wait. He wanted to come over, so just let him wait. Once Kevin is here, we can get Jim to go out and lead them both in to save Jim from making the trip twice.”Serenity picked out the clothes she was going to change into and also grabbed a suit for Zachary.“I’m on leave, so I’m not wearing a suit.”Serenity turned back, holding the suit, and very quickly grabbed a different set of clothes for him to change into.She walked into the bathroom to change, and Zachary said to his wife’s receding back as he held his clothes, “Honey, we’re already an old married couple. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about changing in the same room.”Serenity could not be bother
Zachary responded faintly, “Nana, didn’t you say I’m bad at cooking?” “You are, but I’m your nana. As bad as your food tastes, I’ll honor you so you’ll have some confidence.” Zachary was speechless. Ring, ring, ring…His phone rang, so he answered it to remove himself from bickering with his nana. He had never been able to win arguments against her. “Zachary, I’m at the entrance of your neighborhood, but I can’t enter without an access card. Duncan is here too. He said he has been waiting for half an hour.”It was Kevin who called. Their nana informed them in their family group chat last night that everyone in Wiltspoon had to return to the manor today. Serenity’s elders were going to visit for the first time, so the others had to be home to welcome them as a form of respect toward her. After all, Serenity would be the wife of the head of their family in the future. Her authority should be established bit by bit. “You came real quick.” Zachary added indifferently, “
Serenity greeted Kevin and Duncan with a smile. She closed the door after Duncan entered the house. By the time she turned around, she saw that Grandma May had asked everyone to gather for breakfast. Zachary doted on his wife and knew what Serenity liked to eat, so he asked Kevin to bring some of her favorites. There was plenty to choose from. Even though Duncan showed up uninvited, there was enough food for everyone. After having a full meal, Grandma May instructed Duncan, “Duncan, go to Liberty’s place now to pick up her and her son, then go to my place together.” Duncan’s eyes flickered. He immediately wondered why he was summoned again. He asked, “Grandma May, how many people have you asked to join the barbecue?” “I don’t know? In any case, I notified everyone in the family group chat. Everyone in Wiltspoon is to return to the manor today.” Duncan was speechless. It sounded like the Yorks were going to have a family meeting. Duncan only wanted to gather with a few f
Wildridge Manor was the home built with love by Zachary’s grandfather for his wife. It covered an extremely vast area. The landscape of the manor was artificially created according to Grandma May’s preferences. Grandma May liked an antique and classic feel, hence Wildridge Manor was built like a garden. The gate of the manor opened. It was worth noting that the sons of the Yorks usually lived in their respective villas and would only return to the manor during festivities such as Christmas and New Year’s for a few days to accompany the elders. Apart from those times, it would be difficult to see them here. Today, the sons returned and were especially early. A few of them even had breakfast with their parents. As for their parents, regardless of the plans they made, they turned them down and waited conscientiously for Grandma May to return. Serenity was going to Wildridge Manor with Zachary for the first time. On the way, when she listened to Grandma May talk about the sce
Grandma May patted the back of Serenity’s hand as she spoke. “You and Zack haven’t held your wedding yet anyway. It’s not too late to have a child after the wedding. You should enjoy your romantic time together during this time.” It was fine as long as the young married couple was not taking contraception methods. They would have a child sooner or later. Serenity responded with a hum. She was not in a hurry, so she would just go with the flow. “Zack.” Grandma May suddenly asked Zachary, who was driving, “Has Callum made a move?” “How would I know? I only care about what he does in the company. I don’t care about what he does after work. He’s an adult and not a three-year-old kid. He doesn’t need his big brother watching over him.” Grandma May choked. “Nana, do you mean Camryn?” Serenity added, “I’ve seen her in person.” Grandma May had long known that Serenity and Camryn had met. She even knew Serenity had helped Camryn at the banquet, but she pretended not to know
Grandma May was glad to see the manor’s gate open. She turned to look at Duncan’s car behind them. Liberty and her son were in his car. Following behind Duncan’s car was Darrell’s family of three. Clive had to keep the pregnant Alice company because she was having morning sickness. She vomited everything she ate and only wanted to stay in bed every day, so it was not convenient for them to get out of the house. The second son of the Stones was rarely home, and Mrs. Stone did not ask him to come with. It would be enough for her and her husband to show up with Elisa.Zachary led everyone to park their cars in the open parking lot. Sam, the manor’s head butler, welcomed everyone with a smile. While Zachary opened the door to get out of his car, Sam opened the door for Old Mrs. York and reached out to support her. Unsurprisingly, she pushed him away and refused his help—it would make her look weak when she was clearly strong. “Old Mrs. York.” Sam smiled and greeted her w
Tati had made it clear that she did not love Austin, and purely admired him. Why was Isabella looking at her like that? Austin’s fiancée would never be her. If it were, Austin would have treated her differently. So who on earth was Austin’s fiancee?Why would Old Mrs. York choose someone from Windermere for him?Austin came to be a chef before pursuing his future wife. Which city in Windermere was his fiancée from? Was it Satbury?If it were Satbury, which elite daughter could it be?There were many elite daughters in Satbury, but not many were superior to the O’Connor daughters. Tati recalled Austin’s special treatment toward Isabella. A thought crossed her mind, ‘Is Isabella the lady Old Mrs. York has chosen for Austin?’“Tati, I want to discuss something work-related with you.”Isabella thought Tati remained silent because of Austin’s news. Therefore, she used work as an excuse and brought Tati to the study on the second floor. After closing the door, Isabella poured
Louis and Phillip were not the only ones worried. Even Delphine and the rest were anxious too. While they did think it was inappropriate for someone of Austin’s status to be their chef, the food he made was truly delicious. They had already gotten used to his cooking. If he were to leave, they would have to adjust their tastes to another chef’s cooking. Tati had even more concerns. Isabella admired capable people. Austin was highly skilled in cooking and had a head for business too. Moreover, he was a young master of a wealthy family. That made him more suitable for Isabella. Would Isabella be attracted?Isabella probably could feel how differently he treated her, right?“Did you chase Austin away, Isa? Why didn’t he come back with you?”Louis continued asking questions. He was worried that Isabella might have fired Austin. Not only could Austin make delicious food, but he would also play with the boys. Louis and Phillip really liked Austin. They thought he was fun,
Austin knew her question was related to Tati.He was aware of Tati’s admiration for him.Nevertheless, he recognized Tati’s feelings as pure admiration. On the contrary, Tati must have noticed that he treated Isabella differently. She probably told Isabella about it in private, but Isabella simply did not have plans for marriage due to her heavy responsibilities. Austin said with certainty, “No. Although I haven’t succeeded in pursuing her, I’ve set my heart on her. She’s my fiancée, and she’ll become my wife in the future. The York family doesn’t allow divorce unless our wives cheat on us. However, that definitely won’t happen.“Every woman Nana chose has a good character and values.“I’ll be loyal to my marriage and family. I’ll only love my only wife for my entire life. How outstanding other women are is none of my business.”Austin did not want to be like Dylan. He would rather spend more time inventing recipes. Isabella said with a hint of regret, “Okay.”She had to te
Isabella could not find anyone who suited her tastes in Satbury. She knew the city was filled with talented young men, but none made her heart race. Their goal was usually the O’Connor family business. The men knew Louis was young and that Isabella was the head of the family. If they could win her heart, it would be equivalent to conquering the O’Connor family. From there, they could gradually swallow the family whole. Isabella dared not date anyone. She was scared of falling into someone’s trap. She would not let her feelings show, even if she had a crush on someone.“Many people are aiming for my family’s status and wealth. I dare not date or get married for fear that I’d destroy the family once and for all. Those people will go to great lengths for money and power.”Isabella was even wary of young masters of wealthy families, let alone ambitious men from inferior backgrounds. “I know Nana is doing this for us. She had chosen our wives. Our parents didn’t need to worry
Isabella knew it would not be that quick. By the time Louis could take over, which would be twenty years later, she would already be close to fifty years old. If she got married and had children within the next two years, her children could inherit her businesses a few years after Louis took over the family business. That way, she could finally retire for good. “Austin, you’re aware that I sent someone to Wiltspoon to investigate your background, right? There was no information about you being a young master of the Yorks. Was it because you didn’t want me to know about it?”“No.”Austin said honestly, “I wasn’t aware. Zachary was the one who told me that you investigated me twice. You couldn’t find the connection between me and York Corporation because Zachary covered it up for me.“He knew that I was here to cook and improve my skills. If you knew I was a young master of the wealthiest family in Wiltspoon, you might not have hired me as your private chef. If so, I wouldn’t be
Isabella smiled and said, “If the person taking over the family business doesn’t have true ability, they won’t be able to bear the responsibility. In this way, they can still prove themselves. Of course, starting a business from scratch and inheriting from a generation or two back is different.“For those who are supported by their family, no matter how many achievements they have, others will say they relied on their family’s support. If they fail, people will call them useless and a waste, and that family wealth will never last more than three generations. They’ll just wait for your family to go bankrupt.“So, without real ability, no one can take over the family business.”Austin was silent for a moment before responding, “What you say is true. My eldest brother, for example, is very capable. Although we could all take on the responsibility, none of us is as steady as he is. He’s the real anchor of our family. With him around, we don’t have to worry even if the sky falls.“Becau
Oh, right. Ruth mentioned that the York family elders were very open-minded.Open-minded elders and a good family culture were what cultivated outstanding children. It was little wonder that Austin was exceptional and bore such an impressive demeanor. It turned out that he was from a prestigious family.“Isa, what's wrong with Austin? Can we start eating now?”Louis and Phillip were completely confused. All they knew was Austin was not from a simple family, and that he was very capable. Even Ruth had shaken hands with him.The two boys were too young to understand anything besides that. They were just hungry and wanted to eat. It was cold, and the barbecue was very comforting to eat hot off the grill.Isabella smiled and said, “All you two think about is eating. Well, the meat and vegetables are all cooked, so we can start eating now.”As she spoke, she grabbed some meat, shrimp, and vegetables for her baby brothers. Then, she began eating, and everyone followed suit.Ruth too
After Austin left, Isabella asked her friend, "Ruth, do you know the Wiltspoon Yorks? Is Austin really one of them?"“You’ve never been to Wiltspoon, Isabella, and it's so far away. Plus your family doesn't have business there, so it's normal you don't know much about them. I was there for half a month for a trip, and my in-laws have business there.“Last time, when I went on a business trip with my husband, we heard a lot of gossip and rumors related to the York family.“In Wiltspoon, there are several prominent families, but the wealthiest and most powerful is the York family. York Corporation holds the same status in the business world of Wiltspoon as your family does here.”Ruth was introducing the York family to everyone, giving them a preliminary understanding of the family. After that explanation, Ruth added, “The York family has a great family culture to boot. The men in their family are all very loyal. Once they marry, they will remain loyal to their wife and family for
“Your family? As in, Wiltspoon’s York Corporation? Is that your family’s company?” Ruth asked in shock. She looked at Austin, disbelief written all over her face. The members of the O'Connor family were all watching the two of them.“Yeah, that’s my family's company. Our ancestors were good enough to build a strong foundation my elder brother now manages.”“Where do you fall in the order of your siblings and cousins?” Ruth had once traveled to Wiltspoon with her husband for a business trip and had spent half a month there, so she knew a bit about the most prominent family in Wiltspoon. She had also been deeply impressed by the good values the Yorks had. She had heard that the York sons were all exceptional, talented individuals, and indeed, Austin was exceptionally handsome—so much so that it could even incur a god’s jealousy. But how did a young master of the York family end up working as a chef for the O'Connor family?Though York Corporation was based in Wiltspoon, its fina