If the O’Connor family relied on Isabella’s father and not her to manage their business, they would have gone bankrupt long ago. Old Mr. Connor had known that his children were not very capable. Therefore, he started training his granddaughters young. That way, they could take over the company, and his sons could step down as soon as possible. Even if things would be difficult for Isabella and Tati, he believed they could overcome it. He also had no choice because the O’Connor family had more daughters than sons. Delphine only felt less guilty after giving birth to Louis. Isabella said, “Don’t you like painting? You can paint something. I can even hold an exhibition for your artwork when the weather gets warmer next year.”Delphine’s eyes gleamed. She was good at oil painting, but it was mainly a hobby. She had never considered earning money with it, let alone holding an exhibition. However, she found herself considering it after Isabella brought it up. Delphine wanted t
“I know, Mom,” replied Louis. The mischievous boys could not sit still. After standing, Louis told Isabella, “I’m going to build snowmen with Phillip outside. Phillip’s snowmen always look amazing. I want to build better ones than his.”Isabella said gently, “Okay. Come back if it gets too cold.”“Got it.”The cold usually would not bother the kids when they were having fun.The two boys ran out of the house giggling. Midway, Louis turned back and went to the kitchen to get Austin to make a few dishes he wanted for lunch.He ran out happily upon receiving an affirmative response. On the other hand, Phillip did not have any special orders. He knew Austin was Isabella’s private chef. Since he was having free meals at Uncle Hadrian’s place, he had to eat what was available and not be picky. Besides, even the vegetables Austin prepared tasted delicious, let alone other dishes. Louis and Phillip started building snowmen outside. Delphine was asking Isabella about her busi
Delphine smiled. She said, “You didn’t gain weight. You just look more filled out and not as skinny as before. It’s a good thing.”Isabella replied, “I didn’t eat a lot. I was busy and even worked out every day. How did that happen?”“It means that you’re satisfied with Austin’s cooking. Your complexion will improve if you eat your meals timely and get sufficient nutrients.”Delphine was most satisfied with Austin among all the private chefs Isabella had hired. Not only could he cook delicious food, but he was also handsome and had good manners. In fact, he did not look like a chef at all. He gave off the feeling of an elite or a young master of a wealthy family. Austin was gentle and polite whenever he spoke as well. If he changed out of his chef’s outfit into a suit, then he would look like a fine gentleman. “Yes. I’m pretty satisfied with him for now. Is Tati still at the office, Mom?”Delphine replied, “Tati has to run the company and attend meetings since you were on a b
“I’ll take a nap after lunch and head to the office before three o’clock. I’ll then have a meeting at half past three so Tati can be home early. Aunt Margaret won’t have any more complaints.”Delphine pouted and said, “Margaret complains too much. Does she think I have a lot of free time? I have more responsibilities as her sister-in-law. I don’t see you often either, despite us living in the same house. Does she see me complaining?”When she woke up, her daughter would already be at the office. When Isabella got home, she was usually fast asleep. Therefore, Isabella and Delphine could hardly meet each other. Who could she complain about it to?After marrying into the family, she and Margaret had no choice but to tolerate such occurrences. It was because they had incompetent husbands but capable daughters. “By the way, the Longbottom family from Havenmill has sent us invitations several times to their banquet that’ll be held a few days later.“Mr. Longbottom came to visit a
Delphine had heard rumors about the Longbottoms. She said, “There are too many conflicts within wealthy families. The family members end up turning against each other.”“Most of the wealthy families experience internal power struggles. Even the closest of families can become enemies for power.”Isabella said, “When I was on my business trip, I heard things have been turbulent for the Fisher family in Jensburg lately. The previous matriarch’s descendants and the current matriarch are fighting for the position of matriarch. There were even rumors that the previous matriarch was killed by the current one.“No one knows the truth, but the situation has escalated. I heard many things about it.”“Regardless of what’s happening to other families, we should remain a peaceful and harmonious family instead of breaking apart like the others.“We must try to be light-hearted and not be too calculative, Isa. The more calculative you are, the easier conflicts will arise. We’re family. Won’t it
There were a few candidates, but Isabella was not interested in any of them. She had high standards too. “Let’s not talk about this, Mom. I’m hungry. I’m going to get some snacks.”Isabella got up. She did not want to discuss that topic with her mother any longer.Delphine said, “The snacks we have now were prepared by the pastry chef because Austin was away with you. You usually dislike his snacks because they’re too sweet.”However, the rest of the O’Connors liked the baked goods made by the pastry chef.Isabella was the only outlier because she was picky.She could eat some of the desserts Austin made. However, he said he was not that good at baking. Delphine had tasted the desserts Austin made. They were not as sweet as those made by the pastry chef and had better texture. Maybe that was why Isabella could stomach Austin’s desserts. Isabella went to the kitchen. Austin glanced at her when she entered but quickly refocused on his work. He said with a smile, “You mus
Isabella said nothing. She exited the kitchen and sat on the sofa. Delphine still brought her some snacks and said, “Have some if you’re hungry, Isa. These aren’t too sweet. The pastry chef modified the receipt and reduced sugar because he knows you don’t like it too sweet.”Isabella did not take it. She said, “The pastry chef must’ve made it according to your tastes since I wasn’t home. I can’t eat it.“Even if it isn’t too sweet, I still don’t like it.”It was not just because of the sweetness. With the pastry chef’s skills, he could not make anything that suited Isabella’s tastes. “What about chips?”Delphine brought some chips over because she did not want Isabella to starve.“You can have some fruits too. We have fruits you can eat all the time. They’re definitely fresh.”“It’s okay, Mom. Just sit. You don’t have to keep bringing me food. Austin said the soup will be ready in half an hour. I can wait.”Isabella did not like eating fruits on an empty stomach. “Austin
Louis smiled. “Okay. I’ll buy new clothes for you.”He had plenty of money. The family’s elders would give him lots of allowance. His mother managed part of his money, while he could keep a portion and buy anything he wanted. Louis could even make an account of what he used his money on. Isabella bent over and pinched her little brother’s face. She grinned. “I’m happy enough if you study well and be a good boy. I was teasing you. You don’t have to buy clothes for me. I have more than enough.”Many of the clothes in her walk-in closet had not even been worn before. On usual days, Isabella wore formal attire. She would only wear casual outfits when she was at home on weekends. Her mother and aunts would also order a few sets of clothing for her whenever they were having clothes tailored for themselves. She could not wear that many clothes, but they still loved getting her clothes. They said she had to dress up pretty. That applied to jewelry too. She never wore accessories