Chapter 3668

10:04
Chapter 3668
Elora said, “I’ll prepare a meal for you during the New Year, and you can go to the hotel to meet your family. I’ll cover all their expenses in Annenburg. How does that sound?”
Tatum replied, “Thank you for considering me, Miss. My grandma is over 80 but still strong enough to fly. However, my family is quite large, and it would be challenging for everyone to travel together. It’s alright—I’ll let them know I won’t be home this year, and the elders will understand.”
He had already thought this through before arriving. His family had expected him to miss the New Year this time. Next year, he planned to bring Elora home to finalize their marriage. His grandmother had given them a year to grow closer, and he was confident that this time would suffice.
“Regarding the New Year’s salary,” Tatum continued, “pay me whatever you believe is fair. As your chef, I am responsible for your meals. It’s typical for people in this profession to work through the holidays.”
Elora responded, “I’ll pay you five times the usual salary since you’re giving up your vacation. Please give me your home address so I can send New Year gifts to your family.”
“Thank you, Miss, but that’s not necessary,” Tatum replied, though he still wrote down his address on a piece of paper and handed it to her. “My home is quite far from the city center, and it’s not easy to receive deliveries there. You can send it to my company, and my secretary will forward it to my family.”
Although he couldn’t bring his fiancée home this year, he could at least send gifts from Elora to his family, offering them a glimpse of their future daughter-in-law’s kindness.
Elora took the note with Tatum’s company information.

She recognized the address from her earlier investigation and felt reassured that Tatum was being honest. When the rest of the family learned that Tatum wouldn’t be going home for New Year, they all sighed in relief, knowing they wouldn’t have to travel to Wiltspoon for the holiday.

In Jensburg, the Farrell family mansion was bustling with preparations for the big dinner that evening. Many relatives were eager to help out and stay for the event. They observed that the matriarch, Farrell, had only invited the most capable family members, excluding those who, although older, were not as skilled. Some viewed this as favoritism towards the family head.

Audrey, the eldest daughter of the previous matriarch, was also expected at the dinner. Although many had not yet met her, they had heard stories of her successes in Wiltspoon and were excited to see her in person. Those who had met her praised her abilities, suggesting she might be even more capable than the current matriarch, Kathryn. Speculation arose about whether Kathryn could maintain her position if Audrey returned to the family.

By 4 p.m., the mansion’s doors were open, ready to welcome Audrey and her entourage. However, the first arrivals were reporters from the local media. Clarissa, who had been in the mansion all day, was visibly annoyed upon hearing the news. Her expression was so frosty it seemed she could kill a mosquito with a single glance. She sharply asked the butler, “Who invited the media here?”