Liberty chased after Hank with a kitchen knife.Hank did not expect Liberty to be so tough.Liberty had always been gentle and thoughtful since their marriage. Even lately, when he yelled at her, she would only quarrel with him on the occasion that he went overboard.This time, Liberty acted like a lunatic after he hit her.Not only did Liberty fight back, but she also went ahead to get a kitchen knife.Hank ran out of the room and then out of the apartment.Liberty did not stop either and chased after him with the kitchen knife.She chased Hank down the stairs.This scene shocked the entire neighborhood.Liberty ran after Hank with the kitchen knife for five blocks. When she was exhausted, she sat by the side of the road to catch her breath.Hank was also tired and sat far away from her.When Hank’s parents and sister rushed over and saw them, Hank felt aggrieved.His parents were exasperated when they saw their precious son looking so wretched with both sides of his face
Liberty sneered. “He was the one who insisted on going halves, so I just did what he wanted. How is it right that he can do whatever he wants to me when he’s angry? You’re distressed when you see him like this, but can’t you see how he beat me up too?“He’s your precious son, but I’m human too! Yes, my parents are dead, but even if I’m an orphan, I won’t let you abuse me!“Are you gonna come at me one by one, or all together? Come at me! I’ll be straight with you. If you don’t want to be with me anymore, just say the word and we’ll get a divorce. Don’t you think you can get away with abusing me! I’m not a pushover! If you dare bully or beat me up again, I’ll make sure to drag your whole family to hell before I die!“Hank Brown, I told you long ago that if you ever dare lay your hands on me, you’d better beat me to death because if I’m alive, you should sleep with one eye open. Otherwise, I’ll chop you to pieces and mince you up!”Liberty glared at her in-laws fiercely.If they had
Hank’s family found out about his affair and did not rebuke him for it. Hank said, “Liberty kept gaining weight after giving birth to Sonny. She lost her figure, and I just couldn’t stand her anymore. Jessica is considerate, young, and beautiful. I think she’s my true love.”Mrs. Brown said frankly, “Your mistress is only eyeing your status and income. If you’re just an ordinary employee like before, will she like you?”“Although Liberty is ruthless and beats you up, she has taken good care of you throughout your marriage and managed the household very well. She has endured hardships, so she knows how to live within her means and manage a family. That woman you’re dating doesn’t seem to hold a candle to Liberty.”Although Mrs. Brown was partial to her son, her evaluation of Liberty was pertinent.“You need a virtuous wife. Hank, you can fool around all you want and I won’t say anything, but if you marry that girl, you must be careful lest you regret it in the future.”Most men who
Serenity said, “Thanks, Jas.”Jasmine smiled. “Don’t mention it! You’ve always closed up for the night in the past, so I’ve been taking advantage of you. I’ll only feel better now by making up for it.”Serenity accepted her friend’s offer and picked up the clothes she bought before bidding Jasmine goodbye and walking out of the bookstore. When she opened the car door, she placed the bag of clothes on the passenger seat and said to Zachary, “You can head home first. I need to go to the market to buy some vegetables. If you can, cook some pasta while waiting. Otherwise, just wait till I get home.”Zachary glanced at her e-bike and said, “Where’s your new car?”“I left the house later than usual today, so I was afraid of getting stuck in traffic. That’s why I took the bike.”Serenity put on her helmet and said, “I’m leaving.”Without waiting for Zachary to reply, Serenity rode the bike away.Zachary was left speechless.Serenity did things in a hurry sometimes, which was a contras
Jasmine looked at her cousin suspiciously and asked, “Shawn, why are you asking about this?”Shawn would not admit his feelings for Serenity and that he was looking forward to Serenity’s divorce, so he lied. “I just care about Serenity. I don’t mean anything else. Serenity is a nice girl. If her husband doesn’t treat her well, it’ll be better to get a divorce sooner so she can find a man who will appreciate her. That way, she can live a good life.”“That’s true. Serenity is great! I believe Mr. York will fall in love with her. He might even fall for her sooner than the other way round!”Jasmine only wished the best for her friend.Shawn’s heart ached.He could not tell his cousin that he had a crush on Serenity because he was afraid Jasmine would tell his mother.Not to mention, Shawn was a little younger than Serenity. Even if Serenity were to divorce, his mother would never accept Serenity as a daughter-in-law.Before Shawn had full confidence in pursuing Serenity, he was care
Zachary was in dismay. However, on second thought, Callum recommending Serenity’s handicrafts would only mean more money for Serenity. Since Serenity was his wife, he could still reap some benefits from it. With this in mind, Zachary no longer felt too depressed about it.When Serenity finished cooking, she brought all of the dishes and placed them on the table.The couple took their seats and had dinner together.Zachary was in a good mood and ate with much gusto.He had to admit that Serenity had great cooking skills and he was blessed to have her.After the meal, Serenity washed the dishes and picked up the bag of clothes from the couch. She retrieved the clothes from the bag and handed them to Zachary. “Mr. York, try these two sets of clothes and see if they fit?“You’ve been of great help to me, so I think treating you to a meal isn’t enough. That’s why I bought you two sets of new clothes and ties to match. They’re all in black, your favorite color.”Zachary had guessed lo
A lot of people were taking a stroll in the neighborhood. Most of them were parents bringing their children out for walks while others included young couples holding hands intimately.Despite seeing how affectionate other couples were, Serenity and Zachary just walked side by side, without taking the initiative to extend their hand to the other.However, many people turned to look at them because they were a good-looking couple.Finally, Serenity stopped by a children’s playground and said to the man beside her, “Let’s sit here to watch the kids play.”Serenity liked children.She loved her nephew, Sonny.Zachary did not speak and followed her silently to sit on a stone bench.“If Sonny was here, he’d definitely have a good time.”Zachary hummed in response.Serenity tilted her head to look at him. Zachary felt weird that she was looking at him like that, so he asked her defensively, “Why are you looking at me like this?”“You look exquisitely handsome, so I thought of soothi
Zachary was speechless again.He had no idea what he should talk with her about.The young couples around them were newlyweds and behaving intimately, interlocking their fingers as they walked together. The couples with children were focused on their kids, so they had more things to talk about; unlike them, who had neither feelings nor children.It was an onerous task for them to chat.Seeing that Zachary was at a loss for words again, Serenity smiled and stood up, before pulling him up too. “Let’s go back so you won’t feel uncomfortable, wondering if I’ll jump you at any moment.”“Serenity, you’re a girl!”“So what if I’m a girl? I’m just saying…”Serenity pulled him away, but she only pulled on his sleeve without touching his hand for fear he might wash his hands a hundred times when he got home.“Didn’t you see the trending story two days ago? It was about Ms. Stone and Mr. York. Ms. Stone really likes him, so she confessed to him and wooed him openly. Men will pursue the wo
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