After all, Gourmet Haven had attracted a lot of attention this time. The Grand Culinary Championship, which was held once every three years, had been heavily promoted several months beforehand. The competition had also been delayed by two months due to issues with the venue.People had long anticipated seeing what surprises the Stiggs would come up with during those extra months. They hadn't expected the competition venue to be so extravagant. The fact that they could invest so much money in building the venue was a testament to Gourmet Haven's regular profits. Other chefs in the industry couldn't help but wonder why Gourmet Haven was making so much money while they struggled. Envy among competitors was palpable.It gave rise to a motive for the arson. The goal was to make others see that Gourmet Haven was all show and no substance.The venue might have seemed lavish on the surface. But they wanted to tell people that Gourmet Haven hadn't even conducted safety checks on
"A married daughter is no longer part of the family. Have you ever seen a person who has their own family refuse to leave her parents' home like you?" Henry's anger got the better of him, and he blurted out everything his wife said.His wife would complain to him every night. He usually tried to comfort her and asked her not to meddle too much in family affairs. After all, Mary was her sister. What harm would it do to let her stay at home after her divorce? But after everything that had happened today, the words he had kept inside for a long time just came pouring out. Mary wasn’t the only one stunned by his words. Henry himself was taken aback by what he had said. Scolding her was one thing, but he had gone too far.Emily, who had just washed her hands and come out of the kitchen, was equally surprised when she heard Henry. Emily often complained to Henry about Mary being lazy and acting like a princess at home. Emily had to do all the housework alone.The Stiggs were c
Emily's heart was in turmoil, and her head throbbed in pain. She felt disoriented. It was as if all the years of her perseverance had become a joke.Thankfully, Henry was there to support her from behind, just as she had supported him earlier. She turned her head and felt the reassuring grip of Henry's hand. Suddenly, she felt a wave of warmth and strength surging in her.It helped her regain composure. She stood there calmly. "Mom, if you think Emi and I are outsiders, we'll move out."Henry supported his wife. His emotions were stabilizing, and he calmly addressed his mother. "As for splitting up, we can discuss it when Dad is discharged from the hospital. You can leave all the family assets to Mary. "All we hope for is that we receive the salary we deserve for all these years of hard work."Upon hearing this, Emily didn't make a scene. She held Henry’s hand in return.She didn't mind even if her in-laws gave all their money to Mary and left nothing for them.After al
"Of course I'm fine with it. I had already prepared the gift for Becca as soon as you mentioned her return. Just remember to take it."Emily didn't have any objections.They had some past disagreements on business matters with the Johnsons. But it mainly involved Mrs. Stigg Senior and Mary. The main family had no issues with the Johnsons.Albert had even been helping Henry out in his business for the past few years.Business at Gourmet Haven had declined, and several franchises had to be closed. So they had discussed things with Albert and begun to focus on promoting traditional cuisine as gourmet dining. Although they had reduced the number of branches, the actual revenue had increased compared to previous years.With the decrease in the number of branches, the occupancy rates at Gourmet Haven had improved. They had managed to reduce many unnecessary expenses. Additionally, the collaborative marketing efforts with MRC Group had further boosted business. Henry's concerns m
"For Becca's good?"Henry couldn't help but find it amusing. "Mary, don't you feel ashamed saying that? When Zelda lost her kid, you showed no sympathy and even seemed to take pleasure in her misfortune. "Now that Becca has returned, you suddenly want to act concerned for her?" Emily chimed in, "That's right. Becca just came back. Zelda and her husband haven't even thought about her marriage. But you're in such a hurry to 'help' her? "You have thick skin. You've been kicked out of Johnson Residence a few times. Now our nephew even has to call Henry and ask us to keep an eye on you. We don't want to get involved in your affairs."Seeing Mary's pale face, Emily felt a sense of satisfaction. She had finally gotten the chance to release her years of pent-up frustration. She hadn't known that it could be so satisfying to speak her mind out loud!She wouldn't have kept everything in if she had known earlier. She had endured so much that she had turned herself into a doormat for
"Mom, what are you all talking about? It looks like you're having a great time."Rebecca walked up to Zelda and affectionately put her arm around her mother's shoulder. Her gaze shifted to the couple sitting opposite Zelda.The couple met her gaze, too. Emily said, "This must be Becca. She's grown up to be quite beautiful." Hearing her sister-in-law's compliment for her daughter, Zelda smiled and nodded. "Yes, this is Becca. I wanted to take her to visit Mom and Dad in a few days when Albert and Sammy are free, but I didn't expect you two to visit today."Smiling, she held Rebecca's hand and introduced the couple opposite them."This is your Uncle Henry and Aunt Emily. They just came back from the hospital after visiting your grandfather. Go ahead and say hello.""Uncle Henry, Aunt Emily."Rebecca sweetly greeted them without sparing any compliments. "Speaking of genetics in our family, it's really strong. The men in our family are all handsome. When I first saw Uncle Henry
"That's wonderful to hear."Henry was happy that Rebecca liked the gift.After all, the Johnsons didn't lack anything. He was worried that Rebecca wouldn't like valuable items like these.Serena was the total opposite of Rebecca. But they always turned a blind eye to her behavior. Now, with a clear comparison, Henry thought that Rebecca was way better than Serena.She was beautiful, kind-hearted, and sweet.He wished Rebecca had returned home a couple of years earlier. If she had been in Rookfort all along, he wouldn't have cared much about Serena.It was always a pleasure to exchange genuine affection with someone who appreciated it. Emily was delighted, too.Like her husband, she had been worried that the gift might be seen as too modest for the Johnsons.The Johnsons had helped Gourmet Haven a lot during the past few years. It was worth it to give Rebecca such a valuable gift.Additionally, Rebecca had endured hardships during her years away from home. It was only fair
Rebecca was worried about Zelda's health, too.If Sam hadn't found Zelda the other day, she might have been in the hospital right now. She wouldn't have the energy to chat with them here. Rebecca didn't want Zelda to move around too much before she fully recovered.Zelda found it amusing. "I'm not a porcelain doll. I won't break if I go somewhere. I'm feeling better now after receiving all the treatment for the past two years."Zelda stood up and turned around under the sunlight. She wanted to show them she was fine, like a child who had recovered from an illness."See, I look much better, don't I? I can definitely go to the hospital."Her mindset had improved significantly since Rebecca had returned. She needed to rest more due to her occasional heart palpitations. But she was no longer bedridden like an elderly person with a serious illness. Rebecca was still worried. "Your complexion has improved, but your physical condition hasn't fully recovered yet. I've met Grandpa be