CHAPTER 203

Chapter 203

Seeing this, Debra couldn’t help but snicker. She immediately went to pull Lillian and Kevin, saying happily, “Lillian, Kevin, let’s watch them trim the tree together!”

Lillian and Kevin had never seen a tree being pruned before. When they heard about something new, they became curious and ran off happily with their grandma. Only Hayden and Stacey were left in the kitchen.

Stacey felt a bit embarrassed. After a moment of hesitation, she asked, “What are you going to do? Would you like me to help you? I… I can also cook some food”

“But it’s just ordinary food,” Stacey added quickly.

Hayden glanced at her with a faint, affectionate smile. He handed her a handful of vegetables and said, “Help me chop these

up

Stacey hurriedly agreed. “Sure!” She went to chop the vegetables, but couldn’t help wondering why a man like Hayden could

cook.

Hayden, busy at work, suddenly explained, “When Jeremy was in his mother’s womb, his body was harmed by an abortive drug. After he was born, his health was much worse than that of ordinary children, so he needed extra care.

“So you learned how to cook?” Stacey asked, unable to hold back her curiosity.

Hayden nodded and said. “Yes.” He hesitated for a moment before adding, “Jeremy was very insecure when he was young. He didn’t trust food prepared or cooked by anyone else.”

Hearing this, Stacey felt sympathy for Hayden, It must have been tiring to care for such a child. But now Jeremy seemed healthy. Aside from being unable to speak, he showed no other differences compared to ordinary children, which indicated that the Hoggard family took good care of him.

“You are a good father,” Stacey thought to herself. After saying this, she added, “I will work hard to be a better mother in the future.”

Hayden smiled and said, “You’ve done well.” The Carter family hired a maternity nurse, but Stacey had always taken on many responsibilities herself, which he had noticed.

“What are you planning to make tonight?” Stacey couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity.

Hayden glanced at the ingredients and then turned to her, asking. “Is there anything in particular you want?”

“If you need more ingredients, just let me know,” he added.

Stacey quickly shook her head, saying, “No need. These… Looking at the ingredients, she realized most of them were her favorites. “These are my favorite dishes, she remarked.

After saying that, Stacey felt a bit puzzled again. “Did your cousin buy all these dishes?” she wondered. Their preferences seemed very similar.

Hayden paused and nodded, “Yes.” He had asked Catherine to buy these dishes for her.

Hayden was indeed skilled at cooking, and the dishes looked beautiful with exquisite shapes.

Stacey was stunned. Thinking of what Loretta had said, she couldn’t help but ask, “Is this how you guys cook?”

“What?” Hayden looked confused.

Stacey pointed to a plate of vegetables artistically carved into a ferest theme on the table. These aren’t even regular

11, Aug

Chapter 203

+ 91%

vegetables, are they? The vegetables were arranged to resemble forest, complete with a deer–like shape made of meat. The entire dish looked like a scene from a dreamy forest.

Hayden glanced at the dish and said, “Most kids would like this.

Stacey was speechless, thinking, ‘So, Hayden prepared this for Jeremy?” “Did you learn to do this for Jeremy?” she asked, unable to hide her admiration. Hayden was truly impressive.

Hayden nodded, replying, “Yes.” They used to create such dishes to coax Jeremy, but now they could do the same for Lillian and Kevin, hoping the two kids wouldn’t end up fathers at such a young age. So, it was indeed useful for men to learn how to

cook!

The food was delicious and beautiful, but the only downside was that it took a long time to prepare.

Meanwhile, Lillian and Kevin, along with Debra and Marissa’s family, were visiting the little garden. Captivated by the exotic plants, Lillian, Kevin, and Debra completely forgot about the two people working in the kitchen.

Lillian and Kevin’s curiosity peaked further when Loretta pulled them along, and they exclaimed “Wow!” at the sight of another flower.

Hearing this, Loretta racked her brain to share everything she knew about those flowers.

Debra, a flower lover, cultivated many flowers at Hivalis‘ family home as well as in her hometown of Alagua City. Due to regional differences, the plants grown in each place varied. She adored many flowers from Daprein’s hometown, so she couldn’t resist taking pictures and sending them to her husband, who was still in his hometown.

When Patrick received the photos from his wife, he examined them closely, studying the varieties, language, growth habits, and blooming characteristics of each flower. He knew that his wife would want to discuss her experiences when she returned. If he couldn’t engage in the conversation, he would surely be in trouble!

While he admired the flowers, Adrian received a message from friend. Adrian had previously asked him to investigate Jenny’s case. Although there was no conclusive evidence yet, he had a vague sense that something was off.

It seemed likely that Jenny was not the only one involved; her mother might be significant too.

His friend had sent Adrian several documents detailing findings from private detectives. According to the records, Edwin’s current wife, Dorothy, and Jenny’s adoptive mother, was actually her biological mother. Jenny was born to Dorothy while she was in college and dating her ex–boyfriend. Due to their student status at the time, the baby was abandoned shortly after birth.

After graduation, Dorothy moved to Menterra and became a secretary for Edwin.

However, the story behind was less than glamorous. Dorothy became Edwin’s secret lover, aware that he was married. Their relationship was a well–kept secret known only to a few. When Edwin and his wife eventually divorced, Dorothy became his legitimate spouse.

It was notable that Edwin and his ex–wife had a son and a daughter, but tragically, both children died in a car accident a year after Dorothy and Edwin married. Losing his children deeply affected Edwin, causing him immense grief. Throughout this time, Dorothy remained patient with him, and eventually, she suggested that they adopt a child, leading to the arrival of Jenny

0

COMMEN