Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 515

"How did you catch a cold?" the old patriarch asked with genuine concern.

Grandma seemed to have an inkling about the reason. She was about to say something but held her tongue, remembering that her grandchildren and their spouses were present.

"Dad, I'm fine," Nathan reassured him.

Looking over at his daughter, he asked, "Isn't your mom back yet? Give her a call and tell her to come home for breakfast."

"Mom said she'll eat later. She also mentioned that I should make sure you finish your ginger tea and have a good meal before heading to work."

Nathan, a bit let down not to see his wife, perked up at his daughter's words. Janice did care about him after all.

The ginger tea his daughter had prepared was potent, with a strong kick of ginger. The aroma alone was spicy enough to make his eyes water. But it was made by his daughter, and under his wife's instructions. He couldn't let them down.

With resolve, Nathan picked up the bowl of ginger tea and downed it with a satisfied grin.

Once finished, he set the bowl down and noticed everyone watching him.

"Dig in," he said casually.

Under the table, Keith nudged his sister, and when Lucinda glanced his way, he gave her a discreet thumbs-up.

Lucinda's eyes sparkled with amusement. Her father had planned to catch a cold to garner some sympathy from her mom, but she had thwarted his plan with a big bowl of ginger tea. Hopefully, he wouldn't blame her for being a little too clever.

The Blue family elders exchanged glances. The patriarch remained impassive, but the matriarch looked displeased. Ever since Madeleine and Hayden made amends, Nathan and Janice seemed to be getting along better too. A single word from Janice, and Nathan was well taken care of-breakfast and all. It irked the matriarch that despite her efforts, her son's heart was still with Janice.

and her daughter." the matriarch began, unable

years. Just enjoy retirement with Dad," Nathan replied nonchalantly. He set down his utensils, dabbed his mouth with a napkin, and stood

full. I'm heading back to the office," Keith

table were just the two elders and Lucinda

for your party," the matriarch suggested with a smile, masking her earlier

over which families in the area are worth mingling with and who are our close allies. Also,

gown designer in town. All the high society ladies love his

the party already set? If we're just starting on the gowns now, will

to Mr. Earwood. He'll prioritize your gowns, putting other orders on hold, so there won't be any

daughter, could easily be prioritized over others without much pushback. But she felt that

of orders. Jumping the line and having others' orders delayed could make her seem arrogant

also preparing for important events. How about I use my

at Lucinda,

rush your gowns. Your mom's dresses are quite outdated, but we can pick up a few new ones from the boutique

with my

warmly at her

her utensils, calling for a

opulence, understanding why Molly Blue might be envious of the

card and handed it to Lucinda with affection. "Go shopping

instilled with frugality. Even

Grandma, but I've got my own money," Lucinda

Kayla and Ashley would be a blast, especially flaunting the black card.