“Why are there so many flower stands? Who sent them?”Hank was a little jealous.Liberty was just a woman he threw away, and she opened a small breakfast diner with the money she took from him. However, there were long rows of flower stands on the opening day.“There’s no space for my flowers? Then I’ll get a re—”Hank was just about to say that he would get a refund from the flower shop, but Olivia immediately interrupted him. She took the flower stand from his hand and glared at him fiercely, then said to Liberty with a smile, “There’ll be space if you squeeze it in.”She took the flower stand outside and placed it at the spot of the stand that Duncan sent. If not for the fact that Serenity and Zachary, two people who she could not afford to mess with, were present, she would have smashed the flower stands sent by Duncan and thrown them away.Liberty did not want to have a fight with Hank and Olivia on the first day of business, so she turned a blind eye as long as they did not
Serenity knew the Brown family too well. She was worried that the Browns and Hunts would come over and cause havoc during the opening of her sister’s new store.The last thing anyone wanted on their store’s opening day was trouble.Serenity asked her husband for help, requesting him to arrange for people to keep watch nearby so they could help deal with any problems as soon as possible.Serenity, who was independent and reluctant to rely on her husband, took the initiative to ask Zachary for help. Zachary was overjoyed and felt that his wife finally thought of him as family.He immediately agreed.In fact, he would have arranged for people to keep watch even without her request. Like Serenity, he was also wary of the Brown and Hunt families causing trouble.When Jessica saw all the bodyguards from the Yorks and Duncan, her madness stopped at once. Then, she looked into the store and saw that there were only Serenity, Zachary, and Elisa.Elisa had ignored her the first time she g
Liberty explained why there were security guards patrolling the street as she served the eggs benedict to Elisa.Serenity did not notice that the security guards were only patrolling half of the street including Liberty’s store. As for the other half of the street, the guards simply looked from afar and did not patrol there.However, the overall security of the street was still heightened with the presence of the guards.Serenity’s beautiful eyes twinkled. She felt that Duncan’s action was because of her sister, but when she saw that Liberty did not seem to be interested at all, there was nothing else she could say. Who knew if Duncan did it for her sister or really for the safety of all his tenants?The store rented by her sister indeed belonged to Duncan.Duncan would pass by here every day to and from work. Since he was friends with Zachary, it was normal for him to look out for Liberty.Duncan did not explicitly say that he was interested in Liberty, so Serenity could only wa
“Our lady is someone who can’t stand to see the Hunt sisters doing whatever they want.”Jessica blinked. It was someone that the Hunt sisters had offended?What did that person want her for?She did not have the ability to suppress and retaliate against the Hunt sisters.“You’ll know once you come with us, Ms. Yates.”Jessica said, “I don’t even know who you are. Who knows what you’ll do to me if I follow you? You’re still wearing masks, so I can’t see what you look like. However, I’ll go with you if you take off your masks and let me take a photo to send to my husband.“That way, you guys won’t get away with it if anything happens to me.”“Our apologies, Ms. Yates, but we can’t take off our masks. If you don’t come with us, our lady will come over to invite you personally. You won’t like it if that happens. Our lady has a bad temper.”“Save your breath and just knock her out,” the other man said impatiently.When Jessica heard this, she immediately turned around and tried to
One of the men waited for her to finish throwing up and handed her a mask.Jessica hurriedly put on the mask, but she could still smell the stench through it. She quickly used her hand to cover her mouth and nose, then followed the two men into the incomplete building.It was only after entering the building and away from the garbage dumps did she lower her hand from her mouth and nose. She looked around to survey the surrounding environment. There was no one living nearby. No one would find out even if she met with misfortune here and her body decomposed.That thought caused another shudder to run down her spine.She did not know who these men were. Since it was the Hunt sisters who offended them, they should find the Hunt sisters instead. Why did they come to her?She was also enemies with the Hunt sisters.“Don’t be afraid, Ms. Yates. I told them to bring you here because I wanted to talk to you about a deal. Let’s work together to get back at Mrs. York.”An unfamiliar woman’
“Sonny... Sonny is still a child. Besides, his custody was given to Liberty. Hank only needs to pay three thousand a month for child support, which will end when Sonny turns eighteen. Hank won’t need to pay if Sonny wants to buy a house or car in the future. He has no way of fighting for the family assets.”“People’s hearts change. The only way you’ll be sure that he won’t compete with your son for the family fortune is if he’s dead.”“But I don’t have a son… I don’t even have a daughter.”“Can’t you give birth to one?”Jessica choked.The other party laughed. “It seems that you’re just slightly morally reprehensible, but you still have humanity in you. I just told you about my plan. I didn’t say anything about killing Sonny.“I want to use Sonny to lure Serenity over. She has a good relationship with her nephew, so I believe she’ll be willing to come and see me alone.”What she wanted was for Serenity to meet her alone.Jessica sighed in relief.She only had the ability to st
However, being busy for a period of time in exchange for peace of mind for the rest of her life was worth it.“It’s been hard on you, Seren.”Zachary kissed her forehead, distressed at how much she was going through because of him.“I asked for it. If I learn well, it’ll serve me for the rest of my life.”Serenity yawned again.She got up early in the morning, so she was sleepy now.“You have to go back to the office in the afternoon too. Your time is much more valuable than ours.”He lost more by sacrificing half his day for her sister’s sake.How would he be willing to make such a sacrifice if he did not love her deeply?Serenity looked at Zachary and reached out to touch his handsome face. Her eyes were filled with emotion. “Babe, how did I manage to marry you? Don’t worry, since you’ve entrusted me with your life, I’ll never let you down. I’ll treat you well for the rest of your life.“My sister is always nagging me to treat you better. It’s as if she’s afraid that I’ll a
Serenity returned to the bookstore at 2:50 pm.Zachary personally sent her to the store.“I have a social function tonight,” Zachary said somberly when Serenity got out of the car.Serenity looked at him and instinctively asked, “What time will you leave the office? Don’t drink too much, and definitely don’t drink on an empty stomach. It’ll hurt your tummy.”“I took medicine for three days. My stomach will be fine.”Serenity said, “Even if your stomach is fine, you still have to take care of it. I’ll send you some food before you leave work. Eat a little before going, but still, don’t drink too much. It’s best if you can forgo drinking altogether.”“Okay, I’ll listen to you. I’ll wait for you to send food to me before leaving.”Zachary’s dark eyes burned as he looked at Serenity.Serenity instantly understood what he wanted and turned back to kiss his face. Then, she pinched his cheek. Just as Zachary was about to strike, she slipped out of the car swiftly so he could not catch
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