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.

matriarch began, unable to

Nathan replied nonchalantly. He set down his utensils, dabbed his mouth with a

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

were just the two elders

preparing invitations for your party," the matriarch suggested with a

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

designer in town. All the high society

is the date for the party already set? If we're just starting on

already spoken to Mr. Earwood. He'll prioritize your gowns, putting other

could easily be prioritized over others without much pushback. But she felt that this could cause

designs were in high demand, he must have a lot of orders. Jumping the line and having others' orders delayed could make her seem arrogant and

preparing for important events. How about I use my

at

feel, I'll tell Mr. Earwood not to rush your gowns. Your mom's dresses are quite outdated, but we can pick up a few new ones from

I'll go shopping with my mom

warmly at her grandmother as

her utensils, calling for a

Lucinda noted the opulence, understanding why Molly Blue might be envious of the jewelry boxes her grandmother

pulled out a black card and handed it to Lucinda with affection. "Go shopping and buy

instilled with frugality. Even after marrying

I've got my own money," Lucinda said, even as

a blast, especially flaunting the black card. She