Chapter 3912

“Your family? Are you saying that the York Corporation in Wiltspoon belongs to you?” Rosie’s voice quivered with astonishment as she gazed at Tatum, her face a mix of shock and disbelief. All members of the Ormond family turned their attention to the two of them, their curiosity unmistakable. “Yes,” Tatum replied calmly, his tone unwavering. “It’s my family’s business. Our ancestors established it, and now my eldest brother manages it.” Rosie’s curiosity only intensified. “What’s your position among the brothers?” Having spent half a month in Wiltspoon on a business trip with her husband, she had gained insight into the world of the York family, the wealthiest household in the city. Tales of their commendable family traditions and remarkable discipline had left a lasting impression on her. The York sons, in particular, were legendary for their talent and charisma. Now, seeing Tatum—so handsome it seemed almost unfair—she struggled to reconcile the idea of him being a chef for the Ormond family. The wealth and influence of the York Corporation were well-known, even from a distance. In contrast, while the Ormond family was notable, they appeared modest. Adding to the intrigue, the York family was recognized for its long lineage of sons, with generations passing without a daughter. Old Madam York had famously wished for one. When her desire for a daughter went unfulfilled, she began hoping for a granddaughter, and that too remained elusive. Now, she had set her hopes on a great-granddaughter. Rosie had once joked with her husband that any woman in the future who could bear a daughter into the York family would undoubtedly be cherished above all. “I’m the sixth,” Tatum answered, referring to his birth order among the siblings.

brothers.
Rosie stood and extended her hand with a polite smile. “Sixth Young Master York, it’s an honor to meet you. I’ve visited Wiltspoon and spent a delightful half-month there. I’ve heard numerous legends about your family.”
Tatum’s gaze briefly flickered toward Elora before he reached out and shook Rosie’s hand in a perfunctory manner.
“Mr. Zachary York—he’s your eldest brother, correct?” Rosie inquired, her tone filled with curiosity.
“Yes,” Tatum replied with a nod. “Zachary is my eldest brother. Our family has a strong bond among the brothers, and we’re all very close, even with our cousins.”
Rosie’s expression softened as she continued, “I’ve heard about your grandmother—the pillar of your family. People say she’s open-minded and wise, personally raising all nine of you brothers. I can only imagine how many people envy her.”
Indeed, stories of the York matriarch were often shared among families with less accomplished children or grandchildren. The idea that one woman had successfully raised not just one but nine exceptional grandsons was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
“She didn’t just raise successors—she raised nine of them,” Rosie reflected. “Each one capable of leading the York Corporation and continuing the family’s legacy. It’s almost as if talent is a birthright in the York family. With a foundation like that, it’s no wonder your family dominates Wiltspoon’s business world. Many have attempted to surpass the Yorks but have failed.”
Tatum’s lips curled into a warm smile. “Thank you for your kind words about my grandmother, Miss Fowler. She truly is extraordinary. To us, she’s the best grandmother in the world.”
However, he then…

Tatum quickly redirected the conversation. “Miss Fowler, I’ll leave you and Elora to enjoy your hot pot. I still have work to finish.”

With that, Tatum excused himself, distancing himself from the growing curiosity around him.

He could sense the Ormond family members eager to question Rosie about how she had figured out his identity. The York surname wasn’t particularly common, but he was still surprised that Rosie had made the connection. Even Elora, who had known him for some time, had never linked him to the influential York family. Perhaps she found it hard to envision the young master of Wiltspoon’s wealthiest family lowering himself to be her private chef.

But Tatum had his reasons.

Cooking wasn’t his primary objective.

Winning his fiancée’s heart? That was his first priority—right after perfecting the hot pot.