This meant the Fisher family’s matriarch was not a fool. She would not do something disadvantageous to the Fisher family. “Hay’s right. You can come over anytime you like, Ms. Caroline. We’ll be happy to have you.”Sophia had invited Caroline over because she wanted her daughter to learn to act as a woman from Caroline. Although there was not much hope, Sophia still bore some anticipation. Ah, she regretted it. She should not have raised her daughter as a son. Back then, Sophia simply found it entertaining. She would dress her two children up as boys whenever she headed out. It made people think she had given birth to twin boys.When the children started going to preschool, her daughter insisted on dressing up as a boy. She simply followed her wishes as her daughter was still young. Subsequently, she realized her daughter was already too far gone on the path of dressing up as a man. She wanted to correct Hayden’s behavior, but it was too late. Her daughter always intr
Caroline had been bullied while growing up in her adoptive parents’ house. Filling her stomach was good enough. She did not dare to be picky. Although she had managed to earn money, became a boss with a net worth of over ten million dollars, and tasted all sorts of delicacies afterward, she still was not picky about food. She accepted all foods regardless of their simplicity or quality. The food provided by the Fisher family was great. However, the kitchen never prepared the dishes Caroline liked as she was not picky. Despite not being picky, there were still some dishes that she particularly enjoyed. The kitchen staff was simply neglecting Caroline. Whenever everyone had a meal together, her mother’s favorite dishes would surely be served on the dining table. Celine’s would be too. There would always be at least one type of everyone’s preferred food. Caroline was the only person neglected by the kitchen staff. Caroline did not care. However, she included it in her observ
Hayden sighed. “Perhaps someone else’s child is always better.”Caroline laughed. “I understand, Mr. Queen. My mom’s the same. She always mentions how great other daughters are and says I’m stupid. She scolded me for being incompetent and useless.“My mom compares me to Celine often too. She said Celine was better than me and that she wouldn’t have trained me as her successor if it weren’t for the rules set by the Fishers’ ancestors. Anyway, she hates me in many aspects.”Caroline’s tone was nonchalant, but Hayden could sense the sadness in it. Although Caroline did not grow up by Madam Fisher’s side, they were still mother and daughter. It would be weird if Caroline did not feel hurt by the constant scoldings she received from her mother. “You’re a great girl, Caroline. You don’t have to care about what your mom says. I believe you’ll be able to inherit Fisher Enterprise from your mom.”Hayden consoled Caroline. She added, “Although Celine had grown up by Madam Fisher’s side
“She said she could take on an easy position and wouldn’t compete with me for power. I’m not afraid of her fighting me for power, but I’ll never take in idlers.“However, it seems like my mom wants Celine back at the company. I’m not scared of her even if she returns.”Hayden turned to look at Caroline. Caroline did the same. After some time, she said, “I never thought the person who’d see through me would be you, Mr. Queen.”“Other people’s opinion of you doesn’t matter as long as your mom understands and sees through you. The matriarch of your family has absolute power. That’s why you don’t have to mind other people if your mom knows you well enough.”Caroline’s smile faltered. “My mom? She’s always biased toward Celine.” Hayden did not say a word. Celine had grown up by Madam Fisher’s side. Madam Fisher had unknowingly showered all the love she had for her daughter on Celine. Therefore, despite finding out that Celine was not her real daughter, she could not let go of the mo
To think that Hugh had the audacity to dislike Caroline. Caroline did not even fancy him at all. However, Caroline was right. Hugh had too many close female friends from various industries. Who would believe him even if he said he was just friends with them?If he had a girlfriend, how would she be able to accept it?Caroline said, “I believe you when you said Mr. Hugh is faithful once he falls in love with someone. However, it’s difficult to make that kind of man fall in love. They’re used to enjoying a forest rather than staying with only one tree.”Since Caroline had no feelings for Hugh, it would be inappropriate for Hayden to continue talking about her younger brother. Who told her brother to look flirty all the time?From that moment onward, Hayden gave up playing matchmaker for her brother and Caroline. Hayden and Caroline strolled a few rounds around the garden. When Donald and the rest returned, Kevin cooked personally and prepared a delicious feast for everyone. O
Did the wild girl think he had no clue she admired his sister?Unfortunately, his brother was not a brother but a sister. Caroline was bound to be disappointed. Donald suddenly got up. He told his children, “Hay, Hugh, spend some quality time with Kevin. I’m taking your mom on a drive.”“I’m going with you, Dad.”Hugh did not want to be a third wheel. Donald glared at his son. He scolded, “Why are you going on your parents’ drive? You can go on one yourself if you want to. Don’t follow us.”Hugh said, “Dad… I’m your son. Your biological son.”Donald let out a hmph and said, “I’m only talking to you because you’re my son. If it were other people, I would’ve kicked them aside right away.”Hugh was speechless.He was certain that he was a free gift given to his parents. Donald and his wife left within ten minutes. Hugh found an excuse and sneaked out too. Hayden sighed as Hugh did. She knew her family was creating a chance for her and Kevin to be alone. Was she her parents’
Kevin paused. Then, he added in a low voice, “You have a secret passage. I do too. I can also ensure no one will find out about you going to the hotel with me.”Kevin hoped Hayden would be willing to announce her identity as a woman willingly one day. That would mean that she accepted him and was willing to return to being a woman for him. Therefore, even if Kevin knew she was a woman from the start, he still covered up for her when people were around and did not let them suspect she was a woman. “If you wish to go, we’ll depart now.”“Let me consider this.”It would be a lie to say that Hayden was not tempted. She wanted to enjoy a cool sensation in the hot weather too. However, if she allowed herself to enter the pool, she would have to spend time and effort to dress up as a man again after getting out. Usually, she would only remove the artificial skin mask of a man and revert to being a woman every night when she got home and was sure she would not be heading out again
Hayden allowed Kevin’s pestering, which meant he did not hate him. The butler said regretfully, “Mr. and Mrs. Queen as well as Mr. Hugh’s attitude toward this matter is devastating. Mr. Hayden is such an excellent person, but… If he were a woman, or if Mr. Kevin becomes Ms. Kevin, I’d support them in being together and give them my blessing. However, they’re both men!”Hayden’s parents were not worried, but the butler was. The bodyguards remained silent. They thought their young master could be a gay, just that no one knew about it because he hid it too well. Many women fancied Mr. Hayden, but none of them could win over his heart. Was that not indirectly implying that he did not like women?If he did not like women, did that mean he preferred men?…After returning from Queen Manor, Caroline saw her mother and Celine’s cars parked in the parking lot of the front courtyard. She knew they were home. She got out of her car but did not go into the house immediately. Instead,
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
Oh, right. Ruth mentioned that the York family elders were very open-minded.Open-minded elders and a good family culture were what cultivated outstanding children. It was little wonder that Austin was exceptional and bore such an impressive demeanor. It turned out that he was from a prestigious family.“Isa, what's wrong with Austin? Can we start eating now?”Louis and Phillip were completely confused. All they knew was Austin was not from a simple family, and that he was very capable. Even Ruth had shaken hands with him.The two boys were too young to understand anything besides that. They were just hungry and wanted to eat. It was cold, and the barbecue was very comforting to eat hot off the grill.Isabella smiled and said, “All you two think about is eating. Well, the meat and vegetables are all cooked, so we can start eating now.”As she spoke, she grabbed some meat, shrimp, and vegetables for her baby brothers. Then, she began eating, and everyone followed suit.Ruth too
After Austin left, Isabella asked her friend, "Ruth, do you know the Wiltspoon Yorks? Is Austin really one of them?"“You’ve never been to Wiltspoon, Isabella, and it's so far away. Plus your family doesn't have business there, so it's normal you don't know much about them. I was there for half a month for a trip, and my in-laws have business there.“Last time, when I went on a business trip with my husband, we heard a lot of gossip and rumors related to the York family.“In Wiltspoon, there are several prominent families, but the wealthiest and most powerful is the York family. York Corporation holds the same status in the business world of Wiltspoon as your family does here.”Ruth was introducing the York family to everyone, giving them a preliminary understanding of the family. After that explanation, Ruth added, “The York family has a great family culture to boot. The men in their family are all very loyal. Once they marry, they will remain loyal to their wife and family for
“Your family? As in, Wiltspoon’s York Corporation? Is that your family’s company?” Ruth asked in shock. She looked at Austin, disbelief written all over her face. The members of the O'Connor family were all watching the two of them.“Yeah, that’s my family's company. Our ancestors were good enough to build a strong foundation my elder brother now manages.”“Where do you fall in the order of your siblings and cousins?” Ruth had once traveled to Wiltspoon with her husband for a business trip and had spent half a month there, so she knew a bit about the most prominent family in Wiltspoon. She had also been deeply impressed by the good values the Yorks had. She had heard that the York sons were all exceptional, talented individuals, and indeed, Austin was exceptionally handsome—so much so that it could even incur a god’s jealousy. But how did a young master of the York family end up working as a chef for the O'Connor family?Though York Corporation was based in Wiltspoon, its fina