Chapter 3918

Tatum shared stories about his brothers’ romantic lives, providing Elora with a deeper insight into the York family. As she listened intently, her smile widened with each unfolding anecdote. “It’s no wonder Rosie was so shocked when she discovered your true identity. Her attitude toward you changed completely. Your family has such strong traditions, and it seems every member of the York family is remarkable.”

While Tatum spoke, Elora’s thoughts drifted to Tinsley. She recalled her younger sister’s admiration for Tatum and decided to probe a little. “Tatum,” she began, adopting a casually neutral tone, “your grandmother selected a fiancée for you. Does that mean you’ll definitely marry her? What if someone better comes along—someone who not only surpasses your fiancée but also truly appreciates you? Would you be tempted to change your mind?”

Tatum quickly recognized the intent behind her question; he knew she was speaking on Tinsley’s behalf. He understood Tinsley’s admiration for him, but he was confident it was merely admiration and nothing more. Tinsley’s view differed from Elora’s, but he suspected she had confided her feelings to her older sister, who, burdened with responsibilities, clearly wasn’t considering marriage anytime soon.

Tatum replied assertively, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “No, Miss. Although I haven’t yet successfully pursued my fiancée, I have already accepted her as my future wife. She is the one for me, and that won’t change. In the York family, we take marriage seriously; divorce is out of the question unless there is betrayal—and that will not happen. My grandmother has a keen eye, and the women she chooses for us are exceptional, possessing strong values and integrity. When I marry, I will be loyal to my wife.”

“My family. I will love only her for the rest of my life. No matter how wonderful someone else may be, that is their story—not mine.” His conviction reminded him of Evan’s mistakes. Tatum had no intention of following that path; he preferred to concentrate on his cooking and his future wife.

Elora sighed, a hint of regret in her voice. “I understand.” She knew she needed to talk to Tinsley soon. Tatum was already committed in his heart, and Tinsley needed to move on. After spending enough time with him, Elora recognized that Tatum was a man who honored his commitments. His future simply wasn’t linked to Tinsley’s.

As they continued their stroll through the garden, chatting casually, they eventually realized they had completed a full circle. Elora turned to him with a gentle smile.

“Tatum, I feel much better now. I don’t feel so full anymore. You don’t need to keep me company—go get some rest.”

Tatum nodded politely. “Miss, if you feel hungry later and want a midnight snack, just call for me.”

“Alright.”

Elora watched as he walked away, his figure fading into the distance before she made her way back to the house.

Inside, the family was still gathered, hanging on Rosie’s every word about the York family. Despite having spent only two weeks in Wiltspoon, her limited knowledge was enough to captivate the Ormonds.

The revelation of Tatum’s identity left them in shock. None had imagined that their private chef was the young master of a family worth billions. Unlike other chefs they had employed in the past, Tatum was not there for fame or profit; he was there solely out of his passion for cooking, willing to set aside his lofty status to pursue what he loved.

When Elora entered, Alonzo…

He immediately rushed to her, his eyes wide with concern. “Sister, what’s happening with Brother Tatum?” At their young age, Alonzo and Angelo hadn’t fully understood the significance of what they had overheard. Their main worry was whether Tatum would continue cooking for them.

“Sister,” Alonzo pleaded, tugging at her sleeve, “is Brother Tatum going to stay? Will he keep cooking for us? I don’t want him to leave! I love his food. Please, don’t fire him!”

Angelo chimed in, his face equally desperate. The two boys clung to Elora, their voices filled with urgency. “Please, Sister! Don’t let him go. We won’t find another chef like him—his food is the best!”