Chapter 4201

Tatum gazed at Elora, catching a glimmer of emotion in her eyes. There was affection, but it wasn’t yet strong enough. At this moment, she admired him more than anything else.

This wasn’t the right time to share the truth.

He needed to hold off a little longer.

“Miss, you are the most exceptional woman in my eyes, and I admire you even more,” Tatum said gently. “You can be serious and distant at times, but to me, you have always been incredible.”

Since becoming her private chef, he had witnessed her kindness firsthand.

Even after learning that he was the sixth young master of the York family, her treatment of him remained unchanged; if anything, she became even more considerate. When she claimed to see him as a friend, he believed her.

Her attitude toward him was undeniably that of a friend.

But he desired more than friendship.

He wanted to be her husband—the man she would trust and love for a lifetime.

In return, he would offer her unwavering devotion.

Elora smiled. “When I become serious, even my parents keep their distance. Alonzo and Angelo scurry away like mice fleeing a cat. As the eldest daughter, I bear the weight of this family as its president. The pressure is immense. On top of that, I’m a woman. I have nothing against women, but let’s face it—society still does.

I have to work twice as hard as everyone else. If I’m not strong, firm, and commanding, I won’t be able to stand my ground.”

Tatum nodded. “In my family, my eldest brother carries that burden. He used to be just like you—serious and always wearing a stern expression. Even I, his own brother, would feel tense around him, constantly monitoring my words and actions to avoid mistakes and reprimands. My brothers and I aren’t afraid of our grandparents or parents, but we all feared him.

But I know my brother wasn’t

The pressure gradually changed him over time; he became cold.”

Elora offered a knowing smile. “Only those who have experienced something similar can truly understand. Is he still that way now?”

Tatum paused for a moment before responding. “In front of the family, he has softened quite a bit—especially around my sister-in-law. With her, he becomes a completely different person. After he got married, I witnessed a side of him I never thought possible. He adores her and loves her more than himself. She is his entire world.”

He wasn’t exaggerating.

Zachary loved Serenity wholeheartedly—more than he loved himself.

He was a man who cherished his wife above all else.

Elora sighed with envy. “Rosie shared your brother’s love story with me. She also mentioned that all your married brothers are utterly devoted to their wives. It seems that most of the men in your circle are the same. I guess it’s true what they say: birds of a feather flock together.”

Zachary and his friends were fiercely loyal to their wives, treating them like precious treasures.

Their closest friends were no different—men who genuinely valued and adored their partners.

Tatum smiled. “I can’t speak for everyone, but in the York family, we’ve always been this way.

It’s a tradition—our men are dedicated to their wives.”

As he spoke, warmth flickered in his eyes as he gazed at Elora.

If he married her, he would commit himself to her, love her unconditionally, and cherish her for the rest of his life.

She was more than deserving of that kind of love.

Elora tilted her head slightly. “I remember you mentioning before that you had another reason for coming here—to pursue the woman your grandmother chose for you. Who is she?”

Tatum averted his gaze from her, picked up the bowl of sobering soup, and handed it to her without answering.