Without much hesitation, Serenity answered, “Okay. Liberty goes to the hospital to look after Mr. Lewis whenever she’s free. Mrs. Lewis was the one who begged her to do so.”Zachary was not surprised. Considering Duncan’s current condition, Mrs. Lewis deeply regretted her actions. She would not even mind kneeling down to beg Liberty as long as Duncan could recover.“Is Duncan willing to meet Liberty?” Zachary asked concernedly.“I didn’t ask Liberty. But she’s insistent on looking after Duncan. She must have a way to get into the ward.”She would sneak in, by hook or by crook. Sure enough, Serenity and Liberty were sisters. Serenity knew her sister very well.Zachary replied, “I hope Duncan doesn’t overthink things and gets well soon.”Comparing Duncan’s previous and current states, Zachary could identify with Duncan. If it were Zachary, he would have difficulty regaining confidence as well.“He’ll recover.”Serenity said to him, “Let’s jog two more rounds. After Sonny wakes
Sonny blinked, but he did not know how to express his discomfort. “He’s usually very loud, but he’s groggy today. He must be unwell. Bring the thermometer over and measure his temperature, Seren.”Serenity had already brought the thermometer without Zachary telling her and took Sonny’s temperature. A few minutes later, Zachary took the thermometer from Sonny’s armpit and handed it to Serenity. She held it up to look at it. She said, “100.9 degrees Fahrenheit. He has a fever. His temperature didn’t feel hot when I touched his forehead, but the number on the thermometer is so high. I’ll head upstairs to change my clothes. Let’s bring him to the hospital now.“I’ll call his instructor to request a leave of absence too.”Serenity took out her phone and called the self-defense instructor from the gym to request a day off on Sonny’s behalf as she spoke. Zachary said, “Don’t panic. Let’s try lowering his temperature first, then call the family doctor to check on him.”“That works
The family doctor said, “Missus, I’ll prescribe some medication for the child just in case. If his temperature can be lowered through physical means, he doesn’t have to take any medicine first. If his temperature can’t go down to normal and the fever persists above 101.3 degrees, feed him some medicine. I’ll come over again tomorrow.”“Don’t we have to give him medicine now?” Serenity asked. Zachary said, “Let’s avoid feeding him medicine if his condition doesn’t require it. Every medicine has some side effects.”If one kept taking medication or getting an IV drip for minor issues, it would be troublesome in the future once there was drug resistance. Serenity knew to avoid taking medicine as much as possible, but she and her sister always panicked and were extremely nervous whenever Sonny was unwell. They desperately wanted the child to get well immediately. Therefore, the first thing they did every time was to bring him to the doctor, put him on an IV drip, and take medicine.
Duncan looked at the insulated lunch box. He could not reach it after she moved it to the edge because of his injured legs. He was that useless. Everyone had been encouraging him to focus on recuperating. The doctor said the chances of recovery were high, but it was not a hundred percent. Who knew if he could make full recovery?If he could not, then he would merely be like just now, a person who could not even sweep a lunch box to the floor. It was as if the lunch box had a mouth and was laughing at him. He could not stand the sight of the lunch box, yet he could not get rid of it. Duncan was about to fly into a rage when Liberty’s phone rang. He saw her picking up the phone and heard her say, “Seren.” He knew it was a call from Serenity.Liberty did not pay attention to Duncan while she was on the phone call. Only then did he dare to remove his icy mask of disguise and drink the sight of her with his eyes greedily. He was desperate to be with the person he liked for twent
Duncan felt bad for Liberty, but he still did not want to be a burden to her. He said icily, “I said I’d give you six hundred thousand dollars. It’s double what my mom offered you. Leave now. Immediately. Right at this second. Leave!”“Mr. Lewis, I won’t take the six hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Lewis hiring me is a long-term job, but you’re offering me a one-off amount. I’ll suffer a huge loss. However, if you were to give me six hundred grand for no specific reason each month, I won’t feel comfortable accepting the money. I prefer earning money by working. It makes me feel at ease when I spend it too.”Duncan was speechless. “Long-term? Are you planning to do this for your entire life?”“With your current attitude, I think it’s largely possible.”Duncan said, “I’ll get better. I’ll definitely recover.”Liberty laughed. “That’ll depend on whether you’ll cooperate with the treatment. If you keep this up, I’ll suspect your ability to stand up again. If you end up wheelchair-bound
“Liberty!” Duncan called from inside the ward. “I’ll go in and have a look, Mrs. Lewis.”Liberty withdrew her hand lightly and turned to return to the ward. Mrs. Lewis did not follow her in. As long as Liberty was present and did not call for their help, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis knew not to enter and leave them alone. Their son’s attitude was terrible, and he had not restrained his temper yet. However, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis knew their son wanted Liberty to stay and care for him. Mrs. Lewis returned to sit beside her husband. She sighed and said, “I was too stubborn back then. I’ll learn from Tania from now on.”Derek told his wife, “I’ve advised you many times, but you wouldn’t listen. Our son isn’t young anymore. Other people his age already have children in middle school, but he doesn’t even have a girlfriend. Since he finally has someone he likes, who cares how many times she has gotten divorced? It’s fine as long as our son likes her.“You didn’t heed my advice at all. Now, we
At the hilltop villa, when the call with her sister ended, Serenity retook Sonny’s temperature after he was done eating. She said to Zachary, “It’s 99.86 degrees Fahrenheit. Should we bathe him again?”Zachary poured a glass of water for Sonny to drink up. He said, “Sonny had just eaten his fill. Let him rest before giving him another warm bath. Breaking a fever is a gradual process. There’s no need to panic or worry. The medicine Dr. Thompson prescribed is still on standby.”Ring, ring…Zachary’s phone rang. Serenity said, “Sonny’s fever is going down. You’re busy and have lots of work to do, so you should go back to the office. I’ll look after Sonny at home.”Zachary did not reply but answered the call first. It was Mr. Daniels who called.“Mr. Daniels.”Zachary hated Jenna, but he still treated Mr. Daniels politely. The two companies were looking to collaborate after all. However, Zachary would be willing to give up on the golden opportunity and not work with Daniels Group i
“Sonny’s sick. I feel insecure leaving him at home. You’re worried too, right? If I were to follow you, would you be okay leaving Sonny alone?”Zachary did not say a word. He was uneasy about it too. “Next time, alright. I’ll definitely go with you next time. Don’t pull a long face. You should go upstairs to change your clothes and head out soon. Don’t keep Mr. Daniels waiting too long.”“Come upstairs with me to choose my outfit,” Zachary requested. Serenity lifted Sonny and started walking. “Am I not the one who bought all your clothes? They’re all in your favorite black color with little difference. Any outfit will suit you well. You have the perfect figure and will look good in anything.“I was also the one who bought the ties you’ve been wearing every day. You don’t even have to specifically choose the one I purchased. Wearing any one of them will add to your charisma.”Zachary muttered softly, “I just want you to help me put them on.”Serenity turned to glance at him.
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