The next day arrived.Rebecca woke up relatively early. After all, she couldn't do as she pleased in the Stigg residence.To her surprise, everyone was already downstairs when she went down with Zelda. Even James, who had been taken to the hospital the previous night, was there. He was sitting at the head of the dining table, reading a newspaper.Everyone seemed to be acting normal. It was as if nothing had happened the previous night. Even Mary and Serena were sitting at the table obediently. They showed no signs of displeasure.Rebecca would have thought that the confrontation at the dining table last night was a dream if she hadn't noticed Mary's guilty expression and the hatred in Serena's eyes.But she didn't dwell on it. She acted as if nothing had happened and avoided making eye contact with them. Instead, she continued to assist Zelda down the stairs. "Zelda, Becca, you're up. What a perfect timing. The dishes are ready, and the oatmeal is almost done. Let's have break
Mary snapped to her senses after getting pointed out.She raised her head and locked eyes with Rebecca, who was sitting across from her. A shiver ran down her spine immediately.Rebecca saw Mary's expression. Her grip on her cutleries tightened. By this point, she could read between the lines. Apart from that accident, something else was making Mary guilty.Even that so-called accident couldn't spark such a reaction from Mary.Only matters concerning life could evoke such fear in her. When this realization hit, Rebecca's breath hitched.She had never thought that someone in her family would attempt to harm her in such a way. Even though she knew Mary was greedy, she never expected her to stoop to such actions.The fact that it happened when Oliver was with her made her even more furious. Rebecca had already foreseen that not everybody in the family would welcome her when she returned.After all, not everyone would readily accept a person who had been wandering outside
Mary turned stiff.James didn't give her a chance to argue. He continued to fix his sharp gaze on her. "Forget about the financial issues. Let me ask you something. How did we treat you and your daughter over the past twenty years? How have your elder brother and his wife treated you? If Becca was born in our family, how should we have treated her? Can you settle all these accounts with money? Mary, don't forget how Becca got lost in Riverwood! Have a conscience, and don't be too greedy."Mary's lips twitched. Her face remained pale.She kept coming up with arguments in her mind.Rebecca got lost because of the earthquake that happened in Riverwood. What did it have to do with her? She never asked Zelda to check on her at Riverwood!Zelda acted all kind and visited her with a big pregnant belly to support her. Would she have married so far away if it wasn't for Zelda?What did it matter that she went?That guy from the Seales family couldn't control himself whenever he saw you
Come to think of it, Mary actually received a lot.Zelda was the one who received the smallest share.James thought Zelda didn't lack any money. But she was still part of the Stiggs, after all. He still had to give her something as a gesture.Henry received the most assets because he worked the hardest.Ever since he took over Gourmet Haven, he had been handling the business alone. He even humbled himself and asked Albert for help to ensure that Gourmet Haven could regain its footing and thrive.Gourmet Haven would have been forced to close down if they continued in the old ways.Henry deserved his share for all the sacrifices he made for the family business.Regarding Rebecca's share, aside from compensating her, he had his eyes on her culinary skills.He hoped for her to continue the family legacy.Yet, Mary was ruining his plan.Discontented, she slammed the contract onto the table. "Dad, I disagree with giving the main restaurant to Rebecca. The significance of the main r
Rebecca tightened her grip on the contract. She mustered her courage and said, "Grandpa, you agreed to Jim choosing a different path. So, why force me?"She really didn't want to burden herself.She didn't even bother taking over Four Seasons, the place she grew up in. Why would she be interested in Gourmet Haven, which she was unfamiliar with?Rebecca didn't have big dreams. Even though she had a talent for cooking, she only wanted to cook for her family. That was it.Preserving the family legacy was too much for her.It was luck which brought her so far.She only mentioned Jimmy because he had once rejected family obligations. Moreover, he was Henry's son.In society's eyes, it should be more reasonable to hand the main restaurant to him.Since Jimmy didn't accept it, she could do the same."That's right, Dad. You were okay with Jim pursuing arts before this. Now that Becca is rejecting your offer, you should respect her decision, right?"Mary chimed in.For the first time
"What are you doing?"The bowl, still filled with oatmeal, landed in front of Serena. It startled her."I already said that I wasn't talking about you. Everybody is free now. Can't I gossip about a minor celebrity in the entertainment industry? Are you trying to put yourself into the shoes of that Z-list actress, Ms. Johnson?" Rebecca stared at her coldly, and her voice was indifferent. "How dare you speak ill of my friend before me? How dare you mock her? I could have splashed that bowl of oatmeal on your face. You deserve that. Serena, you should be grateful that you started this after I had finished breakfast."Serena couldn't argue with that. Rebecca's cold demeanor left her speechless.She might have been in for a lot more than just a bowl of oatmeal if she had started this conversation while Rebecca was eating.The intense coldness in Rebecca's gaze overwhelmed Serena. She dared not utter a word.She was shocked to her core, and her mind was screaming at her. Rebecca had
"Sure. I wanted to speak with you as well."Henry had already finished his breakfast. Yet, the unexpected argument had kept him at the table. Since the topic being debated wasn't within his knowledge, he couldn't contribute much. He thought he'd wait for the ladies to finish before approaching Rebecca.However, Rebecca spoke up first.It seemed like Sam was involved in their conversation, but it wasn't the right time to probe further. Henry stood up from his chair. It was more important to discuss the contract.As their uncle, he should be concerned about Sam's relationship with the celebrity Serena mentioned. But it was mainly the Johnsons' issue. He shouldn't appear too eager.Rebecca was about to follow Henry out, but she paused as soon as she turned around.Frowning, she pursed her lips and looked at Zelda beside her.She felt uncomfortable leaving Zelda alone.It wasn't because she was worried that Zelda might be put at a disadvantage. Recalling her recent argument with
However, humans tend to be selfish. Henry still wanted to give it a try.After a moment of hesitation, he looked at Rebecca."Becca, don't you think it's a waste to hide your talent from the world? Your grandfather hopes you can display your capabilities by entrusting Gourmet Haven to you. You can also rely on Gourmet Haven ...""But, Uncle, I don't need it."Rebecca ruthlessly interrupted him.The truth always hurt the most because it could shatter one's fantasies.She could rely on the Johnsons. Why would she take on the trouble of becoming a chef at Gourmet Haven?Was it all for the sake of preserving the family's past glory?Henry fell silent. He felt somewhat disheartened.A past memory suddenly flashed across his mind.Rebecca glanced at her disappointed uncle and pursed her lips.She could understand the adults' kind gesture, but she didn't want to sacrifice herself. On top of that, she wasn't confident she could handle the job well."I'm sorry, Uncle. I'm being self