Serenity had no idea about the interaction between Zachary and Grandma May. It was a surprise running into Zachary at Beans and Cream, but putting two and two together, Serenity figured out why Zachary ended up there. What was the reason behind Nana’s actions? Was it so Zachary would get the wrong idea about her? It was not as if Serenity was on a blind date. It was Jasmine’s date. Even if Zachary saw her… Harking back to the scene at the coffee house, Serenity noticed the tension in Zachary’s face more than ever. Although Serenity tended to be slow at picking up cues, she could tell that Zachary took things the wrong way. Most importantly, Jasmine was at the loo, leaving Serenity with Mr. Bill by herself. It was a good thing Jasmine emerged from the loo right after. Her timely clarification loosened the tension on his clenched jaw. Serenity was clueless as to why Nana would do such a thing. She saved Nana’s life, but she expected nothing in return. It was Nana who remained
The video sent by Nana suddenly came to Zachary’s mind. Serenity was breathtaking when she was focused on making her crafts. Still denying that fact, Zachary watched the video multiple times nonetheless. He had to admit that he was captivated by the charm exuded by a confident woman at work. It was indeed eye-catching. It was said that women with confidence were the prettiest. All he saw was confidence in Serenity. She was a strong and independent woman. “I’ve never known and will never know what jealousy is… “Oh, you’re up?” Zachary was caught off guard by Serenity’s sudden presence in the living room as she emerged from the balcony. While still on the line, Callum replied, “I’m going to bed soon, but I thought of giving you a call before I turn in for the night.” Zachary terminated the call. Callum was speechless. “I dozed off on the swing. Your talking woke me up.” Wincing his face, Zachary told her off, “The night breeze can be freezing. Careful not to catch a
Serenity finished her breakfast and cleaned up in the kitchen before telling Zachary, “I’m going out. Don’t forget to lock the door on your way out.” Zachary glanced at her before turning his attention back to his toast. “That reminds me. Can I take some of the fruits to my sister’s?” She bought too much fruit the other day for the family event and they would be left to rot in the fridge since she and Zachary could not finish everything in time. Zachary answered, “Your sister is family. You can take whatever you want without asking me. You’re free to make decisions over household affairs unless it’s a matter that requires a discussion between us.” “We’re not that close, and I’m living in your house. I think it’s respectful to you as a husband to ask.“I’m not the type to hog all the good stuff for my own family. I bought a little too much fruit the other day and I think they’ll go to waste since we can’t eat that much. At least now my sister can have some before they turn ba
Zachary threatened the lady coldly. The apple of the Stones’ eye, Elisa was the princess of Stone Group’s chairman and the twin sister of the CEO, Clive Stone. Elisa was the most eligible bachelorette. “Hang on, Zachary.” Struck by a thought, Elisa turned around and ran back to the sports car to grab a huge bouquet of roses. She returned with the bouquet and shoved it through Zachary’s open window while saying, “These are for you, Zachary. I know you and my brother don’t get along, but I love you. I feel the need to confess my love to you, so you know I’m your one true love.” Stone Group and York Corporation might not be sworn enemies, but they were certainly business rivals due to clashing trades. Both groups were not on the best of terms, to say the least. Yet, it was love at first sight for Clive’s sister, Elisa, when she first laid her eyes on Zachary at an event many years ago. Due to the conflict of interest between both giants, Clive and her parents disapproved of El
“Don’t let the missus know about today.” Zachary told the people around him. The bodyguards heeded his instruction. Mr. Zachary was married. Yet, Ms. Stone openly professed her love to him. The missus should never find out about it. Elisa’s brazen stunt did not go unnoticed among those in York Corporation. The employees stole a few glances at their boss as Zachary walked into the building. Bearing a straight face with his lips pursed as always, Zachary took strides while being surrounded by his bodyguards. There was just a regal air about him. Such a man was a heartthrob to most young women. Many young female employees in the company would be swept off their feet after catching a glimpse of the young CEO. However, nobody had the guts to come clean about their feelings toward Zachary, let alone chase after him. The way ordinary people saw it was that the Yorks were far beyond reach. Even if the boys of the York family were known for their commitment to their partners, the
“Zachary isn’t someone she can handle. Try and get her to move on. You don’t see other young women hanging around Zachary other than his family. He’s a heartless man. Why can’t Elisa listen to reason?” Clive threw in the towel on his sister. “I’m too busy to deal with her now. Honey, I’ll leave Elisa in your hands.”“Carry on with your work. I’ll pick Elisa up now and take her to go shopping with Mom. Mom’s been feeling down lately.” Clive’s wife, Alice, had a great relationship with her mother-in-law. Seeing that her mother-in-law was feeling blue, Alice persuaded her to go out and get some sunshine. A bit of retail therapy might do her good. Clive fell silent. He knew the reason behind his mother’s melancholy. There had not been any news about his aunt. It was the one thing Mom could never stop talking about. Clive’s mother, Audrey, grew up in an orphanage. Her parents passed away when Audrey was young, survived by Audrey and her sister who was four years younger. The s
Elisa was picked up by her sister-in-law in the end while the smashed car was towed away. When Alice came by, Elisa even said, “Since Zachary wrecked my car, I have an excuse to cling to him. Alice, now that I made the first move, I need to keep going. I won’t forgive myself if I don’t put in the years to pursue Zachary.“Alice, you’re the best. Clive only listens to you. Please talk to him for me. I just need him off my back from my pursuit of happiness.” Elisa was envious of her brother and sister-in-law’s love story. Alice went after Clive, and it took a year before Alice won his heart. The roles were reversed after marriage as Clive spoiled Alice crazy. It was not the first time Alice mentioned that she would not have her happy ending if she did not bravely go after the love of her life. While driving, Alice uttered, “Elisa, I’m all for you pursuing your happiness, but it’s Zachary we’re talking about. Aren’t you aware of his reputation in Wiltspoon? He’s known for keeping
Shawn said with a smile, “I don’t know. I’ll get your bike fixed. I promise to return a fully functioning bike to you.” Since Shawn was Jasmine’s cousin and a friend for many years, Serenity knew she could trust him. “Thank you.” Happy to be of assistance to Serenity, Shawn dialed a number and made a call. Serenity heard him sharing their location. The only thing next was to wait for the tow truck. …“Sir.” The driver’s keen eyes picked up on the sight of a familiar woman opposite the traffic lights. It appeared to be the missus judging by the build. While waiting at the traffic lights, he turned around and said to Mr. Zachary who was resting his eyes. “Sir, the woman looks like the missus.” Zachary opened his eyes and turned toward the man and woman standing by the road. He could not recognize the man, probably due to the distance, but the woman did seem like his wife. After living under the same roof for a while, Zachary grew familiar with Serenity’s silhouette. “S
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
Austin slept for an hour and then got up. He had to prepare the barbecue ingredients for Isabella, and the marinade was very important. If the O'Connor family was having a barbecue, Austin would actually have it quite easy. He just needed to prepare the marinade whereas the actual ingredients would be prepared by someone else, so he did not need to do everything himself. Of course, if he wanted to take charge and do it all, that was fine too.While Austin was busy in the kitchen, he heard a crisp voice coming from the hall, laughing while asking, “Isabella, where’s that handsome chef of yours? Can I take a look at him? I made sure not to bring my husband along just to see him, so he wouldn’t get jealous.”Austin was speechless. Being handsome could be troublesome too; everyone treated him like a circus monkey. He was not even the most handsome among his brothers. Zachary was the most good-looking and charismatic. If these women saw him, would they go crazy?He heard Isabella sa
As for their future partners, they also had certain requirements. First, their family background should be comparable to the O’Connors, and secondly, they should be from this city or a nearby city—wherever it was, it could not be too far away.Austin had been working for Isabella for some time and had secretly figured out her requirements for a husband. He thought it would be easy when his nana had chosen Isabella for him, but he now understood that it was not as simple as he had assumed.Not only was it hard for Isabella to fall in love, but her refusal to move far from home would also be an obstacle in their relationship. Would he have to marry into her family?Hayden was also in charge of her family company, but she had a twin brother who was just as capable as her. After marrying into the York family, the company could be handed over to her brother to manage.Isabella’s brother had only just started elementary school, so it would take at least another twenty years before Loui
Soon, even Tati ran out and joined the others.Only Isabella remained seated in the gazebo, sipping her tea while watching the younger ones play joyfully. Her personality made it difficult for her to indulge in carefree fun like the rest. However, seeing them so happy lifted her own spirits, and she felt content.She found the tea Austin made to her liking. In the past, she rarely drank tea, as she mostly drank coffee. She would have two cups of coffee every day to keep herself going.After returning to his dorm, Austin lay on his bed but did not immediately fall asleep. Instead, he picked up his phone and chatted with his cousins. He was closest to Peter and River, given their close age gap, and they often chatted the most. At this moment, he was on a call with River.He asked about the situation at home and whether their nana was mad at him for not coming home for Christmas.River replied, “Everything’s fine at home. Nana’s not mad that you’re not coming home. In fact, she’s