Chapter 3914
“The York family and the Bucham family share a very close bond,” Rosie remarked, her tone laced with admiration. “The Buchams are known for their incredibly powerful information network. If you tried to investigate Tatum, it wouldn’t take them long to find out.”
Elora fell silent, her expression contemplative. The rest of the Ormond family exchanged surprised glances. Who would have thought that their chef—a seemingly ordinary cook—was actually the Sixth Young Master of the York family?
“The Sixth Young Master of the York family came to our home just to work as a chef?” one of the elders finally murmured, still processing this revelation.
“And the York elders permitted it?” another added incredulously.
Rosie smiled knowingly. “The York family elders are famously open-minded. That’s the kind of environment where extraordinary people can thrive. They don’t impose unnecessary restrictions, and it shows. Just look at Tatum—his skills, his demeanor, his humility. It’s no wonder he turned out to be so exceptional. He’s a product of his family’s strong values and their encouragement for personal growth.”
Meanwhile, Tatum’s young admirers—Angelo and Alonzo—were uninterested in the adults’ conversation. Angelo tugged on Elora’s sleeve, his voice impatient. “Sister, where’s Brother Tatum? Can we start eating now?”
Alonzo nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we’re hungry. It’s cold outside, and hot pot is perfect for this weather.”
Elora chuckled at their innocence and ruffled their hair. “You two only care about food, huh? Don’t worry, everything’s ready. The meat and vegetables are cooked.” She picked up her chopsticks and served the boys some meat and shrimp.
vegetables, setting the tone for everyone else to begin eating. As the Ormond family gathered around the steaming pot, Rosie reached for the communal chopsticks, selecting a small portion of food to taste. She chewed thoughtfully and then looked at Elora. “Is there any extra soup? This broth is incredible—I’d love a bowl.” Elora signaled to a nearby servant. “Please bring Rosie a bowl of soup from the kitchen,” she instructed.
The atmosphere at the table shifted quickly. Although the Ormonds were initially taken aback by Tatum’s true identity, the appeal of the delicious meal soon took center stage. Any lingering questions about the York family’s young master faded into the background, at least for the moment. Tatum had come to them willingly, without any pretense or pressure. If he chose to set aside his status and work as a chef, the Ormonds decided to honor that choice. In their home, he wasn’t the Sixth Young Master York—he was simply Tatum, their skilled and dedicated chef.
Once everyone had eaten their fill and lingered around the table, Elora felt it was time for a private conversation. She sent a servant to fetch Tatum, inviting him to join her for a walk.
A few minutes later, the two strolled through the snowy courtyard. The servants had cleared the main path, but the snow still clung to the sides, forming thick, pristine banks. As they walked, the silence between them was peaceful, interrupted only by the soft crunch of snow beneath their boots.
Tatum was the first to speak, his voice gentle. “Miss, I didn’t mean to withhold anything from you. I just didn’t think it was necessary to bring it up. Whenever you asked about my family, I answered honestly.” Elora glanced at him, her expression calm but curious. “I’m not accusing you of hiding anything…”
“Honestly, even if you had told me upfront that you were the Sixth Young Master of the York family, it wouldn’t have influenced my decision. As long as you were serious about the job and your cooking skills met my standards, I would have hired you regardless of your family name. It doesn’t intimidate me.”
She paused, a small smile appearing on her face. “However, I must admit that I didn’t expect someone from such a prominent background to apply for a position like this. I already respected you for your achievements—running hotels and restaurants is no small feat. But now that I know more about your story, my admiration for you has deepened.”
Tatum smiled, humility in his expression. “I appreciate that, but my family background is merely luck. Being born into the York family is something I owe to my ancestors. What I truly value is creating something with my own hands. That’s where real satisfaction lies.”
“Taking over the family business is expected, but it doesn’t compare to proving oneself on one’s own terms. Cooking has always been my passion. I’m here because I want to challenge myself, to improve, and to grow. That’s what truly matters to me.”
Elora listened intently, her respect for Tatum growing with each word. “That’s admirable,” she said softly. “Not everyone has the courage to step outside their comfort zone and pursue what they genuinely love. You’re not just strong; you’re inspiring.”
Their footsteps slowed as they admired the snow-covered landscape, and the conversation left Elora with a newfound appreciation for the man who had quietly entered her life.
world.