Liberty was the one who drove them here.She told her son to greet them.Sonny did not want Audrey to hold him, but he was willing to greet them. He addressed them the way his mother taught him.“This child is so cute.”Alice smiled. “Can I hold him?”Audrey said, “Sonny doesn’t even want me to hold him. Will he let you hold him instead?”Alice reached out tentatively. Unexpectedly, when Sonny saw her, he suddenly reached out as well for Alice to hold him.Audrey was speechless. “Sonny is picky with people.”“He’s usually not picky. He was just scared because of the last time. He’ll want you to hold him the next time we meet, Aunt Audrey.”Even Liberty was surprised that Sonny was willing to go to Alice.“Liberty and Serenity, this is Clive, my eldest son. He’s your cousin.”Audrey introduced her sons to her nieces.The sisters greeted Clive.Clive smiled back and said nothing.Audrey then pointed to her second son and said, “This is my younger son, Anthony. He’s two year
“Alice, I saw the wedding ring that Serenity was wearing.”Alice looked at him and said in amusement, “Do you think we don’t have eyes and you’re the only one who saw it? So what if you saw it? What’s wrong with Serenity’s wedding ring?”Clive was silent, pondering how to phrase himself.“We’re husband and wife. What is it that you can’t tell me? Didn’t you call me upstairs because you wanted to say something to me? What’s wrong?”“Alice, do you remember me telling you about Zachary showing off his wedding ring on his social media?”Alice nodded. “Of course, I remember. That day, you even told me to go talk to Elisa early in the morning. You were the good cop while I was the bad cop. I wanted to cry myself when I saw how much pain Elisa was in.“You also said that Zachary actually invited you to a meal when you met him by chance at Wiltspoon Hotel. You kept talking about it all night, saying that you would’ve never dreamed of having Zachary invite you to a meal in your lifetime.
Clive had this in mind, so he did not think about Zachary when his sister mentioned that Serenity’s husband had the last name York.Although the York family had a deep heritage that spanned several generations, they originated from the countryside. It was said from where their ancestors lived, everyone had the last name York.Clive did not know whether Zachary’s ancestors brought along the townspeople when they made a fortune in the city.However, he was cognizant that there were indeed many employees with the surname York in the headquarters of York Corporation and its branch companies. However, most of them had nothing to do with Zachary and simply shared the same last name.“That’s why I called you up. I want you to find an opportunity to secretly ask Serenity what her husband’s name is. Don’t let Mom or Elisa find out. You know Elisa hasn’t completely let go of her feelings for Zachary.“Mom just found Serenity and Liberty, so don’t let her know for the time being. I don’t kno
“Elisa finally put down her infatuation for Zachary. We’ll tell her when she has completely let go and is able to openly face Zachary with the fact that he’s married.”Clive sighed. “If she finds out that Serenity’s husband is the man she loves but can’t get, I can’t imagine the consequences. Serenity isn’t close to us, but Elisa and she get along.“I have to think about Elisa.”“But Serenity is your cousin now, and her husband is your in-law. If it’s really Zachary, he has to accompany Serenity to visit us eventually. He can’t keep hiding and refusing to see Mom, right?”It was fine if Serenity’s husband did not meet them but Audrey was their elder. He had to meet her.“I’ll ask Zachary tonight if his marriage with Serenity is hidden. Serenity probably doesn’t know his identity. She most likely wouldn’t dare marry him if she did.”Alice reminded him, “Serenity said her husband is out on a business trip and won’t be back for some time.“Why don’t you call Zachary now and ask him
Alice blurted, “We’re also acquainted with the York family. Should we invite them too?”After asking, she snapped back to her senses and hurriedly slapped her hand over her mouth, quickly glancing at her sister-in-law. “Sorry, I was talking nonsense.”She even stole a glance at Serenity to see if the latter had any reaction to the mention of the York family.Alice thought in her heart, ‘Are Serenity’s in-laws really the York family?’Audrey was not upset at her daughter-in-law and said, “They won’t send someone even if we invite them. Let’s not make a fool of ourselves.”The elders of the York family did not fancy her daughter.Elisa had liked Zachary for many years and openly pursued him, but the elders of the York family never expressed any thoughts, indicating that the York family did not want to ease relations with the Stone family and become in-laws.Audrey felt that finding her nieces was a grand and happy event. She did not want the attitude of the York family to spoil he
Serenity said with a smile, “My husband would text me when he has the time. Well, we’re in touch every time. Our marriage is at a much better place now.” She even kept her argument with Zachary from her sister, much less her aunt’s family. Serenity did not want to worry her aunt. “Relationships take time to build. You’ve been married for three months now. It’s only normal for your marriage to get better.” Elisa leaned in and whispered nosily, “How are things going on with Josh and Jasmine? I’m dying to find out.” Josh was Zachary’s right-hand man. He also came from a family that specialized in intelligence. Elisa could not believe Jasmine had gone on a blind date with Josh. She believed she could earn a lump sum for selling this information to the press but of course, Elisa was not short of money. She was friends with Jasmine too and she was not the kind of person who would do anything to betray her friends. Elisa would keep the secret about them until Josh was ready fo
Looking rather curious, Alice asked Serenity. Serenity turned around before replying, “It’s a good thing my sister didn’t tag along, but all’s good now since my sister divorced Hank. I knew I was the reason for the fights between Hank and my sister. That was why I married in such a hurry.” She explained to Alice the hasty marriage. Alice nodded her head. “I see. You saved your husband’s nana, and his nana really likes you. She paired you two together probably to repay your kindness too.” She had rarely seen the Old Mrs. York, but her man had mentioned that the old lady was friendly and did not put on airs. Old Mrs. York had a thing for going around keeping her identity hidden like a woman-child. There was one thing Alice could not wrap her head around. It was questionable for a bad*ss person like Old Mrs. York needed rescuing.Was Serenity sure that the old lady did not have her eye on Serenity from the very beginning and tried to scam her to be Zachary’s wife? “Is you
Alice took Serenity around the residence before excusing herself to take a nap. “Go and have your break, Alice. I’ll sit here and enjoy the view.” Serenity did not want to go back into the house. Compared to the lavishly furnished home, she preferred the natural scenery in the yard. She saw a few garden patches along the fence and guessed that her aunt must have done the gardening herself. Mrs. Stone was the lady of a wealthy and powerful family, but it did not change the fact that she grew up in an orphanage. It made sense that she would be hands-on with gardening after going through poverty and retiring from a desk job.“Are you cold? I’ll send someone to fetch you a jacket if you are.” Serenity and Liberty did not bring extra clothes as they were here for a meal. They thought they would go home after a meal and a good chat. It turned out Mrs. Stone wanted them to stay for a few days. Serenity had to return later in the evening to bring a change of clothes. “Thank you,
Zachary only had eyes for Serenity. He did not fancy any woman other than her. While Zachary did scold Austin badly, he would not actually distance himself from his brother.After all, he only had one biological brother.However, Zachary decided that he would never say another word about Austin’s love life. If Austin were to look for him to talk again, Zachary would only lend an ear to his issues.It had been exasperating.“Alright. You’re twenty-seven. You can think for yourself. You shouldn’t tell me about your love journey in the future though. What do you take me for? You all come looking for me whenever you face problems. Am I a love advisor?“None of you can replicate my love story with Seren, so don’t tell me anything from now on.”Austin smiled sheepishly. He knew Zachary’s anger had not completely subsided.He quickly asked after Serenity and the unborn baby to change the topic, which softened Zachary’s tone. After some time, their call finally ended.Austin si
On the other hand, Austin closed and locked his door as soon as he returned to his room to prevent anyone from peeking. Then, he called Zachary.When Zachary picked up, Austin whispered, “My identity is exposed, Zachary.”“Exposed? What did you do?”Zachary’s voice was deep without betraying his emotions. “Isabella knows that I’m a young master of the Yorks. Her previous classmate had been to Wiltspoon with her husband who was there on a business trip and lived there for half a month. She knows about York Corporation and started asking questions once she heard my surname.“Isabella asked me why I hid my identity from her after I admitted to it. I replied that she never asked about my family tree. Besides, she already did a background check on me twice.”Zachary said, “You didn’t hide it from her on purpose anyway. You simply didn’t go about announcing that you’re from the York family. That doesn’t count as lying.“You were hired by the O’Connors based on your true abilities. Yo
“I think Austin gives you special treatment, Isa. His gaze and smile are different when it comes to you. You’re a clever person. I’m sure you felt something.“Have you ever thought that the person his nana has chosen for him is you?”Isabella frowned. “I don’t even know what his nana looks like, nor have I met her before. How could she possibly choose me? Besides, he said he’d be resigning to pursue that woman.“Anyway, I’m glad that you’re not sad. Just stay away from him and enjoy the food he cooks. Don’t think about anything else.”Tati was speechless.Isabella never believed her when she said she was not interested in Austin at all.However, when Tati thought of the way she acted around Austin, she could not blame Isabella for the misunderstanding. She had been expressing her admiration for Austin too outwardly. Since Isabella was giving her advice, she would do as Isabella said to reassure her.Tati decided not to go over to Isabella’s place for meals and keep a distance
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