C287 Let's See If No One Will Come

Peter almost choked on his drink. Mark cleared his throat before answering. "Yes," he said calmly. "Your mother was a very wealthy woman." He paused for a moment before continuing. "But regarding her family... Did you read the books she left behind in the study." Alicia frowned in confusion. "Dad," she said, "you married my mother. It can't be that you don't know anything about her family, right? Why don't you just tell me now?"

The cheerful atmosphere around the dining table gradually became quieter. Mark looked visibly troubled. For a brief moment, he glanced at Peter and Georgia before returning his gaze to Alicia. "If, after reading those books, there are still things you don't understand," he said gently, "then I will tell you everything myself." He smiled faintly. "But before that... I want you to read your mother's words first." Alicia studied his expression for a few seconds. She could tell he wasn't avoiding the question completely, but he clearly wanted her to discover something on her own.

Finally, she nodded. "Fine." "I'll read them tonight." As she spoke, she slowly stood up from her chair. Georgia looked up in surprise. "Where are you going, child?" Alicia smiled mischievously. "You all cooked dinner..." "...and not a single worker came." She laughed softly. "So let me cook something and see whether nobody comes this time." The entire dining room burst into laughter. I couldn't help smiling. I immediately stood up as well. "If my wife is cooking," I said, collecting the dirty dishes, "then I'll wash."

Alicia had already tied an apron around her waist by the time I entered the kitchen. Without wasting any time, she picked up a knife and began chopping fresh vegetables with practiced ease. Her movements were smooth and graceful, almost as if she were performing an art rather than preparing another meal. I quietly carried the used dishes to the sink. Instead of disturbing her, I simply rolled up my sleeves and started washing.

For several minutes, the kitchen remained peaceful. The only sounds were the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, water flowing from the tap, and the occasional clink of plates. Then... The aroma began spreading. At first it was only a faint fragrance. Within minutes, however, the entire mansion was filled with an irresistible smell. The rich blend of herbs, butter and spices drifted through every corridor. Back in the dining room... Quinton suddenly sniffed the air. His eyebrows rose. "...what a nice smell?"

Before anyone could answer, footsteps echoed through the hallway. One maid peeked inside the kitchen. Then another. Soon security guards, gardeners, cleaners and other household staff quietly began gathering outside the kitchen. Mary looked completely wronged. "We cooked just a few minutes ago," she complained. "No one came." She turned toward Quinton. "Husband... was our cooking really that bad?" Quinton quickly shook his head. "No." "Not at all." He smiled warmly. "The food was delicious." "Look around." "Didn't everyone finish every single bite?"

Only then did Mary feel slightly better. Even so... She couldn't sit still anymore. She stood up and walked toward the kitchen. Everyone behind her laughed. Quinton turned toward Mark. "Come on." "You have to explain this." "How did they know Alicia was the one cooking?" Peter laughed before answering. "No offence, dear." He smiled at Georgia before looking back at Quinton. "Tell me something." "The smell from your wife's cooking earlier..." "...and the smell filling the mansion now..." "Do they feel the same?"

Quinton thought seriously. After a long moment, he slowly shook his head. "No..." "The first one smelled like a warm family dinner." He inhaled deeply again. "But this one..." "...this smells like a grand celebration." Peter clapped his hands together. "There." "Now you understand." Quinton stared at him. "You mean..." "The workers can actually tell just by the aroma that Alicia is cooking?" Mark nodded with complete confidence. "Even when I'm locked inside my study..." "I can tell." Quinton laughed in disbelief. "Impossible." "There is absolutely no way."

Inside the kitchen, the scene had become lively. Just as always... Several maids immediately started live-streaming on their personal social media accounts. Others eagerly recorded short videos. One young maid rushed toward me. "Young Master, please let me wash those." I smiled and shook my head. "It's alright." "I've already started." Another maid laughed. "You spoil Madam too much." I simply smiled without answering. Not far away... Mary quietly stood at the kitchen entrance. She watched her daughter-in-law cooking while surrounded by smiling workers. Nobody had been called. Nobody had been invited.

Yet somehow... They all came. Her eyes gradually softened. "My daughter-in-law..." she whispered proudly. The cooking continued amid cheerful conversations and laughter. Finally... The meal was ready. The workers quickly formed an orderly line, each carrying a plate or lunch container. Alicia personally served every single person. "Eat well." "Don't fight over it." Everyone laughed happily. Just then... Georgia entered the kitchen. She walked past Mary, who still looked slightly embarrassed. Stopping beside Alicia, she smiled. "My child..." "Those three old men outside sent me."

Alicia blinked. "What do they want?" "They said..." "They also want another serving." Alicia burst into laughter. "They just finished eating." "Why would they need another meal already?" Georgia laughed. "Actually..." "...all of us want another plate." She turned around and walked back without waiting for an answer. Mary hurried after her. When they entered the dining room again... Peter immediately asked, "So?" "Did she agree?" Georgia shrugged innocently. "I don't know." Immediately... Everyone looked toward Mary.

Mary folded her arms. "What are you all staring at?" "I wasn't sent as anyone's messenger." She tried to look serious before admitting, "I came back because..." "...I also want another plate." The room exploded with laughter once again. A few minutes later... Alicia and I walked into the dining room carrying fresh dishes. Honestly... I thought nobody would touch the food. After all, everyone had already eaten. Instead... The opposite happened. Everyone eagerly reached for another plate.

Quinton laughed while taking the first bite. Peter followed. Even Mark forgot his usual calm demeanor. Within moments... The second dinner was disappearing just as quickly as the first. Seeing everyone enjoying the meal so much... I couldn't resist joining them myself. While everyone was eating... Alicia finally spoke. "The renovation of Hall C—the Training Hall—will officially begin tomorrow." Mark nearly choked. "So soon?" "We haven't even paid the contractors yet."

Alicia smiled casually. "I already paid everything myself." Peter looked at her helplessly. "My child..." "These days you spend money as though it grows on trees." "You have to remember your future children too." Alicia gently rubbed her small baby bump before smiling. "Exactly." "That's why I want to create a safe environment for them from the very beginning." She looked around the table. "So tomorrow the renovation officially starts."

Turning toward Mark, she asked, "Dad..." "Were you able to arrange the licences?" Mark smiled knowingly. "If I hadn't..." "Would you cancel the renovation?" Alicia laughed softly. "Of course not." "Because I already knew..." "...my father would never disappoint me."