C1 The Restriction Was Lifted

At the stove, Zack was the only one bustling about.

Peals of laughter echoed from the living room, where Zack's in-laws were enjoying a lively conversation with Dillan. Both men were sons-in-law to the Parker family, yet Zack was considered the lesser of the two.

Coming from a humble background with no prestigious job, Zack had long been the subject of disdain within the Parker household. He was the one stuck with all the thankless, dirty jobs around the house. Despite his best efforts, he never seemed to win over his in-laws' approval.

Trenton, Zack's father-in-law, was all smiles as he said to Dillan, "Your future mother-in-law and I have always thought highly of you. We're looking forward to sitting down with your father soon to discuss your future with Laura."

Laura, also known as Molly, was the younger sister of Zack's wife, Juliet. Dillan, Laura's current boyfriend, had quickly won her heart. In less than two months, their whirlwind romance had escalated to talks of marriage.

Dillan responded with a grin, "Absolutely, Uncle. My family is available whenever you are. Just let us know what works best for you and Auntie."

Just then, Zack finished the last dish. He carried the plates one by one, shuttling between the living room and kitchen. Before long, the table was laden with a feast.

"Mom, Dad, lunch is served," Zack announced.

Curious, Dillan inquired, "And who might this be?"

With a mocking tilt of her head and a smirk, Laura said, "Oh, that's my brother-in-law. No money, no job. He's nothing but a deadbeat around here."

Her words cut deep, and even in the presence of guests, Laura spared no feelings. Zack felt a mix of anger and resignation. Despite being her brother-in-law, he had no standing in the family, and with Laura being the darling daughter of the Parker elders, she was indulged and arrogant. Zack knew better than to cross her.

Especially today, with Laura's fiancé in attendance. Any discord caused by Zack could put his wife Juliet in an uncomfortable spot.

Suddenly, Laura blurted out, "Isn't it past lunchtime? Where's my sister? Mom, did Juliet know I was bringing my boyfriend home today?"

As her voice trailed off, Juliet swung the door open and stepped into the doorway, clad in sleek black business attire.

"Sorry for the delay, work held me up," she apologized.

Dillan's eyes widened in astonishment. "Laura, is this your sister? Your family must have some incredible genes; both of you are stunningly beautiful."

"Hi there, sister. I'm Laura's boyfriend, Dillan."

"Nice to meet you. Laura certainly has an eye for quality; her boyfriend is quite the looker with an impressive presence."

Juliet was in the bloom of youth at just 25, with long legs and a slender waist, her figure was impeccable. Her delicate features only added to her rare beauty.

Trenton, with a warm smile, beckoned everyone, "Now that we're all here, let's sit down, eat, and chat."

As everyone took their seats, Zack and Juliet sat next to each other. He served her a piece of chicken.

"Give this a try. I made these Coke chicken wings especially for you today."

Laura watched, picked up a wing with her chopsticks, took a bite, and then promptly spat it out onto the table.

"This chicken wing is terrible! Zack, it's not spoiled, is it?"

Upon hearing this, Juliet bit into a wing herself but found nothing amiss.

"Of course not, Laura. These wings taste perfectly fine."

Laura then grabbed some cabbage, but no sooner had she tasted it than she spat it out.

"Isn't this cabbage undercooked? It's so tough, it's inedible."

Setting down her chopsticks, Laura boasted, "Have you heard of the Urgridge Restaurant? It's a five-star establishment with a head chef recruited from overseas. Their food is exceptional! And it's part of Dillan's family business."

Dillan quickly added, "It's just one of my family's restaurants. Since Laura isn't enjoying the meal, let's head over there. I'll have the chef whip up some signature dishes for us."

Zack's face darkened. He realized Laura was intentionally belittling his cooking.

Previously, she had savored every meal he made, lavishing praise on the flavors. Today, her actions were a clear attempt to flaunt her boyfriend's family-owned hotel.

Upon seeing the situation, Juliet quickly interjected, "Zack put a lot of effort into preparing a whole spread of dishes. It'd be a shame to let it go to waste. Let's just eat here today and plan our outing for another time."

Alison's brow furrowed. She felt that Zack had embarrassed the Parker family in front of guests, and in a fit of anger, she lashed out, "Zack, what am I to do with you? I can overlook your inability to make money, but you can't even cook properly. What good are you?"

Dillan reached out with his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, and tasted it. After a few chews, he offered his verdict, "This really isn't very good. Once Molly and I are married, we'll be family. If you're open to it, Zack, I could arrange for our hotel's head chef to take you on as an apprentice. You'd not only sharpen your culinary skills but also earn some cash—a win-win situation."

Catching Zack's eye with a sidelong glance, Alison prompted, "Go on, thank Zack for his generous offer."

Zack was seething, his teeth clenched. Dillan's gesture, seemingly kind, felt more like a taunt to him.

Juliet gently tapped Zack's hand, soothing him until he regained his composure. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline," he said.

"You're declining? What, is the money not enough for you?" Laura's eyes bulged with incredulity. "Take a good look at yourself. You've been living like a pauper. Since you married my sister, have you spent a dime on her? And yet you have the audacity to be choosy?"

As she spoke, Laura flaunted the necklace around her neck, sparkling brilliantly. "This diamond necklace was a gift from Dillan. Its value is beyond your wildest dreams! Remember, when my sister married you, she didn't even get a diamond ring. You've been mooching off my family ever since, without contributing a penny!"

"Laura, enough!" Juliet interjected, her expression tinged with embarrassment. Regardless of Zack's shortcomings, he was still her husband. Dillan hadn't married Laura yet; he was still an outsider. Laura's mockery of Zack was, in essence, a slight against Juliet herself.

"Your brother-in-law has always been good to you. What's gotten into you today? Have you forgotten who was there with an umbrella to pick you up on a rainy day, and who carried you to the hospital when you broke your leg?"

Laura snorted, "What of it? If he had money and a car, would he have needed to carry me to the hospital?"

"In the future, whether it's windy, rainy, or I'm feeling under the weather, Dillan will be there to drive me. Isn't that right, Dillan?"

Dillan's eyes sparkled as he replied, "Absolutely. Once we're married, I'll get you a car."

"Wow, sweetheart, you're the best!"

In front of everyone, Laura planted a kiss on Dillan's cheek.

"I can barely stomach these dishes. Let's just go out to eat."

Laura got to her feet, and Dillan followed suit.

"Dad, Mom, don't wait up for me. I'm not sure when I'll be back." And with that, they were gone.

Trenton sighed, "Well, let's just eat."

Alison slammed her chopsticks down on the table, fuming, "This is infuriating!"

Juliet exhaled deeply and cuddled into Zack's arm, her face a picture of tender consolation.

"Honey, don't be upset. Laura isn't usually like this."

Zack offered a reassuring smile, "It's fine."

Juliet stood, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door.

"I've got to handle some things at the office. I'll head out now, and we can catch a movie tonight."

Zack nodded with a smile.

After Juliet left, Zack silently tidied up the dining area.

Suddenly, his phone chimed—a message lit up the screen.

"Young Master Blanchard, your punishment period is over, restrictions lifted."

"All your accounts have been unfrozen. Should you need assistance, feel free to reach out to the family."