Chapter 77
The Bennetts trailed in right behind them
Gathering her courage, Annabelle scanned the faces around the table, drew a deep breath, and stepped forward to greet them.
“Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt–good morning”
Sir Whitmore’s expression darkened; a cold smile tugged at his lips. “I am not your grandpa”
Annabelle blanched and clamped her teeth on her lower lip..
Victor’s parents hurried to smooth things over.
Mrs. Whitmore offered a gentle smile, “Annabelle, come sit here.”
Surprised yet delighted, Annabelle beamed and took the seat beside her.
Playing the dutiful sweetheart came naturally to her. The moment she sat down, she pushed, “Auntle, your makeup is gorgeous today–standing next to Victor you look like his sister, not his mother?”
Mrs. Whitmore responded with a faint smile
Warren Whitmore picked up his chopsticks. “Dad, everyone’s here. Let’s eat.”
Except for Elena, Sir Whitmore wore a frosty face toward everyone at the table and completely ignored his eldest son’s words.
Instead, he turned to Elena. “Ellie, I know you can’t stomach heavy dishes, so I had the kitchen prepare these light ones especially for you. This meat has been treated in a special way–would you like to try and see if you can eat it?”
Elena looked at hims with gratitude. “Thank you for being so thoughtful, Grandpa Whitmore,”
Sir Whitmore ladled a plump meatball into her bowl
Elena lifted it to her nose
her nose; no strange smell reached her
She took a tentative bite. Sir Whitmore watched her closely and asked, “Well“”
Elena nodded. “It doesn’t taste off at all.”
Sir Whitmore’s face blossomed in a smile. He quickly spooned an extra helping into her bowl Then eat more. You’re far too thin. If all you have every day are those vegetables, how can you possibly get proper nutrition?”
“By the way, that medicinal tonic Victor sent to your room last time is for your stomach. I’ll give you the prescription–remember to take it.”
“Thank you, Sir Whitmore.”
After another moment of thought, Sir Whitmore added, “On second thought, move this chef to your house. From now on he’ll handle all your meats, and he can prepare the tonic as well.”
Elena opened her mouth.
“Adaline, Ello’s stomach is delicate. I’d like to assign a chef to her. You don’t object, do you? cover his salary and lodging his only job will be to cook for Ele at your place.”
Adaline forced a laugh. “Ofcourse not You’re doing this for my daughter’s health–how could I object? We’re grateful! We’ve wanted to nourish bet stomach ourselves; we just hadn’t found the right way yet.”
1/2
10 Tue, 29 JUI
Chapter 77
Sir Whitmore’s tone turned flat. “Solutions are devised by people. As long as you care enough, there’s no problem that can’t be solved”
Adaline could only give another awkward smile.
Having said that, Sir Whitmore picked up his chopsticks and signaled everyone to start eating
Halfway through the meal, while Elena was chewing, someone kicked her under the table.
She looked up and found Julian Bennett staring at her,
He tilted his head slightly, gesturing toward Annabelle with his chin
Elena understood at once. He wanted her to speak to Sir Whitmore and hand over the engagement to Annabelle
She stayed still and lowered her gaze to her plate.
Julian’s grip tightened around his chopsticks, the muscles along his jaw rigid.
The meal was halfway finished and Elena still hadn’t moved. Adaline finally spoke up.
“Elena, didn’t you say yesterday you had something to tell Sir Whitmore? Go on.”
Elena pressed her lips together.
Sir Whitmore looked over, “Ellie, do you have a question for your grandpa?”
Ө
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.