Chapter 3911

Tatum stirred awake after barely an hour of sleep. He had a task ahead of him: preparing the ingredients for the hot pot his fiancée had requested. The soup base, as always, was the cornerstone of the meal. If Elora’s family had been indulging in hot pot, his workload would have been lighter. He would only need to prepare the soup base while others handled the rest. Of course, he could always do everything himself if he wished, but it wasn’t necessary.

As Tatum busied himself in the kitchen, a lively, feminine voice rang out from the living room. Cheerful and teasing, it directed a question at Elora. “Elora, where’s your handsome chef? Is it okay if I take a peek? I even left my husband at home so he wouldn’t get jealous.”

Tatum paused mid-chop. Being good-looking is just another hassle, he thought. People treat me like a zoo exhibit. He rolled his eyes. It’s not as if he was the most attractive among his brothers; that title belonged to his eldest brother, who was not only better-looking but also more charismatic. If people were obsessed with him now, how would they react if they ever saw his brother? Would they lose their minds entirely?

In response to the teasing, Elora laughed. “Don’t be too eager, Rosie. You’ll scare him. He’s busy in the kitchen, you know. Are you here for him or for me? Because I’m starting to feel neglected!”

The mysterious voice belonged to Rosie, one of Elora’s close friends. Though Tatum had never met Rosie in person, her reputation preceded her. Elora occasionally mentioned Rosie’s obsession with good looks, joking that it was fortunate Rosie had married early; otherwise, she would be falling in love with every attractive man she encountered.

attractive man she encountered. Rosie often engaged in playful antics, such as secretly trailing handsome strangers just to capture a few photos before walking away, pleased with herself. Her cheerful laughter filled the room as she attempted to calm Elora’s feigned indignation. Fortunately for Tatum, she refrained from barging into the kitchen to gawk at him.

These moments made Tatum realize that when women gathered, they spoke of men much like men discussed women. After all, opposites do attract. The lighthearted laughter from the living room reminded Tatum of home—Wildridge Manor. At this time of year, the manor would be alive with energy and joy as his family came together for the holidays. These were the moments his grandmother cherished most, surrounded by the lively chatter and laughter of her children and grandchildren.

The annual holidays held a special significance. Everyone would set aside their busy schedules to relax and focus on spending time with the elders. Tatum understood how much the elderly valued companionship. His father’s generation was fortunate, with partners to share their lives. However, his grandmother was alone—his grandfather had long passed away. Without their visits, she would have only loneliness to keep her company.

Once Tatum finished preparing the ingredients and the soup base, his work in the kitchen was complete. Shortly afterward, he finally met Rosie. She was nothing like Elora—bright, bubbly, and almost excessively vivacious. Tatum couldn’t comprehend how someone so different had become Elora’s friend. Perhaps Rosie had latched onto her and refused to let go, he thought; Elora probably didn’t have the heart to push her away. To his surprise, Rosie was much more polite in person. After a few cordial exchanges, he began to see a different side of her.

Different had become Elora’s friend, likely because Rosie had attached herself to her and refused to let go. He thought Elora probably didn’t have the heart to push her away.

To his surprise, Rosie was much more polite in person. After a few friendly questions, her tone suddenly changed when she discovered Tatum was from Wiltspoon.

“The York family,” she began with curiosity, her eyes sparkling. “You know, the wealthiest family in Wiltspoon—are you connected to them in any way?”

Tatum’s dark eyes flickered for a moment; he hadn’t anticipated her bringing this up. Even Elora, who had discreetly looked into him twice, hadn’t made the connection.

After a brief pause, Tatum offered a soft, measured response. “Yes, they’re my family.”