His Unveiled Passion

Chapter 58

Soon after, an elderly woman with a slightly plump figure and a warm, beaming smile stepped out. "Ms. Yates... Is that Tess?"

Tessa froze for a moment. "Ma'am, do you know me?"

The old woman approached her, her cloudy eyes brimming with emotion. "Tess, you've grown so tall. Time flies."

Tessa's mouth opened slightly, unsure of how to respond.

Stephen spoke at just the right moment. "I learned my cooking skills here."

Tessa glanced at him, puzzled.

Stephen explained, "This is Helen Wilson. She used to be the Somerton family's housekeeper, and Madam Somerton learned to cook from her."

Helen looked at Tessa, her joy overflowing into tears. "It really is you, Tess. Your eyes look just like your mother's. Tess, I even held you in my arms when you were little.

eyes instantly glistened with tears. "Yes, it's me, Tess.

in and sit," Helen

go to town and buy some groceries. Get the best ingredients. I'll cook for

held Tessa's hand and began reminiscing, sharing many stories about

heiress unaccustomed to kitchen work, had learned

felt a mix

a child, she remembered her parents being deeply in love. Even after her

after her mother's

didn't live in Rivertown, their meetings were infrequent, but Tessa had liked her at the time. Marianne always bought her

whatever affection had existed between her and Tessa

her mother's friend.

asked softly, "Mrs. Wilson, do

Before your mother got married, she often visited your home. They were

as if recalling

remember that before your mom passed away, Marianne visited her in the hospital several times. Once, when I went to see your mom, I overheard her saying that after she was gone, she hoped that

a mother. Your dad was there too, and she told him that if he ever remarried, it should only be to

Tessa's face paled, and her chest felt

marriage to Marianne was