Chapter 3826

Although the Du and York families were somewhat estranged, offending the Du family would only lead to unnecessary complications. The Yorks, particularly the matriarch, aimed to strengthen their relationship with the Du family rather than create hostility.
Evan furrowed his brow in deep contemplation.
Serenity noticed that he was finally beginning to process the situation. She said, “There’s a delicious aroma wafting from outside. I believe the barbecue is ready. I’ll grab a few skewers to satisfy my craving. You keep thinking about it.”
Recognizing that Evan understood her point, Serenity stepped away from the conversation and ventured outside to enjoy the barbecue. It had been a long time since she had indulged in some.
Since her pregnancy began, she had been careful about her diet, though no one monitored her as strictly as Jasmine did. Nevertheless, she avoided foods that were not recommended. Liberty frequently called to remind her to be cautious.
As soon as Serenity stepped outside, Zachary handed her a plate of barbecue, saying, “I used fewer seasonings on these, so you can enjoy them without worry.”
“Is Sonny asleep?” Zachary asked.
“Yes, he went to bed early after having so much fun today,” Serenity replied.
She greeted everyone, sat next to Zachary, and began to eat.
Jasmine, whose mouth was already full of barbecue, was being doted on by Josh. Her belly was noticeably larger than Serenity’s, as she was slightly over a month further along in her pregnancy. Jasmine was eating and sleeping well, which also contributed to her rounder face.
“No one is watching us tonight, Seren! I’m eating to my heart’s content,” Jasmine chuckled.
Serenity, more concerned about Liberty and Zachary, was more cautious and had not gained as much weight.
“Just be careful not to overdo it. We had dinner not too long ago. You…”

“Don’t want to regret it if you get heartburn later,” Serenity advised as she took a small bite of a grilled wing. The warm climate of Wiltspoon often caused people to overheat when consuming high-calorie foods. Locals frequently joked about their constant need to cool down and drink herbal teas.

Josh chimed in, “She gets hungry quickly. She’ll be full now, walk around a bit, and then be hungry again when we get home.”

Jasmine laughed and replied, “Why does that make me feel like I’m turning into a pig?”

Josh smiled warmly, “Even if you do, I’ll love you just the same.” His playful comment earned him a quick pinch from Jasmine. He winced but maintained his smile.

Feeling left out, Evan joked, “Could you two stop flaunting your love in front of a single guy like me? Everyone’s paired up, and here I am, still alone.”

Trenton interjected with a smile, “Don’t worry, Brother Evan. I’m single too, so you’ve got company.”

Elian teased, “Trenton, you’re still a kid. We’re already in our twenties.” Elian, who would turn twenty-seven after the New Year, was nearly a decade older than Trenton.

With a grin, Serenity turned to Elian and asked, “So, when are you going to introduce your girlfriend to us?”

“Still alone,” Trenton said with a smile. “Don’t worry, Brother Evan. I’m single too, so you have company.”

Elian teased back, “Trenton, you’re still a kid. We’re already in our twenties.” Elian, who would turn twenty-seven after the New Year, was nearly a decade older than Trenton.

Turning to Elian with a grin, Serenity asked, “So, when are you going to introduce your girlfriend to us?”

Elian’s expression softened as he replied, “When the time is right, I’ll bring her over. Things aren’t quite ready yet.” From the look on his face, it was clear that their relationship was progressing well.