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
Rebecca was shocked. She couldn't be bothered to ask Zelda what had happened. She forced herself to calm down."Mom, calm down. I'll get the car keys, and we'll go to the hospital right away.""I'll give you guys a ride. Becca, you can look after Aunt Zelda."Jimmy frowned beside them.He was strolling around the garden with Zelda earlier. Then, he saw Zelda's expression change after picking up a call. He quickly rushed over without knowing what had happened. Just like Rebecca, he only knew that something happened to Ollie. They had to go to the hospital to find out the details.Rebecca didn't ask any more questions. She grabbed Zelda's cold hand and flashed Jimmy a grateful look."Thanks, Jimmy.""No worries."Without wasting any time, Jimmy led them out of the mansion.Henry sent them out. He looked as solemn as they were. "Don't worry. It's probably not a major issue. Just be sure to call us when you're at the hospital and drive safely.""I got it."Jimmy answered his f
As Maxwell had said on the phone, he arrived two minutes later.He had overheard their conversation on the phone and had an inkling of what was happening. So, he hurried to the hospital.When he arrived at the scene, a doctor was drawing Rebecca's blood.Maxwell clenched the report in his hand and frowned. "I thought we agreed I would do this?"Feeling the cold needle pierce her vein, Rebecca clenched her fist. The momentary pain subsided, and she didn't feel much after that. She squeezed a softball in her hand and smiled at Maxwell, who had a concerned expression. "It's alright. I'm Oliver's aunt, so it's only right that I go first. We can do it together if you're willing to do it with me." Maxwell watched as the blood slowly flowed into the bag. He pursed his lips lightly.Then, he sat beside Rebecca and offered to have his blood drawn.He was a man of his word.Even though the young woman across from him insisted on being brave, he didn't mind accompanying her.While the