Chapter 4261
Chapter 4261
When asked about his fiancée, Tatum declined to share any details with Elora. He would have been more forthcoming with someone else, and while his reasoning was logical, Elora sensed he was concealing something. If she were the fiancée, his reluctance to disclose information would be understandable.
Old Lady York met Elora’s gaze.
She embodied the kind of granddaughter-in-law Old Lady York had always envisioned.
She admired Elora’s straightforwardness.
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Rather than respond right away, she inquired, “What makes you believe that Tatum’s fiancée is you?”
Elora presented her reasoning clearly, addressing each point methodically.
Her analysis was sharp and logical—anyone listening would be convinced that she indeed held the position of Tatum’s fiancée.
Eventually, she remarked, “Old Lady York, you met me a long time ago, yet I have no recollection of it. I have every reason to suspect that you were observing me in secret, assessing my character on Tatum’s behalf.”
She had learned from Tatum that, in the York family, character was the most valued trait in a wife.
Given the family’s status, their sons typically married women of equivalent standing.
To find a granddaughter-in-law who was both a suitable match and possessed good character, Old Lady York would go to great lengths.
Before arriving here, Elora had asked her friends to research the young women associated with the York family. She discovered that they all hailed from esteemed backgrounds.
Only the eldest daughter had encountered some hardships, yet she too came from a wealthy lineage.
Elora continued, “Old Lady York, can you provide me with a clear answer?”
The old lady smiled, reached out, and took Elora’s hand. “Elora, that matter is between you and Tatum. If you truly love each other, regardless of whether it was intended or not, as long as you unite, you have my blessing. I will accept it wholeheartedly. I pride myself on being an open-minded old lady, and my sons and daughters-in-law share that sentiment—we do not interfere in
“Our children’s private lives.”
When children are raised well, becoming an elder becomes significantly easier, alleviating concerns over every minor issue.
With those words, Old Lady York had essentially provided Elora with her answer.
The burden in her heart finally began to lift.
It was no surprise that Tatum had traveled thousands of miles to work as her private chef. He already had a successful career. As the sixth young master of the York family, he possessed status and prestige, yet he willingly humbled himself for this position. He treated her with respect and approached his role as a chef with sincerity.
If her friend Rosie hadn’t gone to Wiltspoon and uncovered details about the York family, Elora would have remained unaware that Tatum was, in fact, a wealthy young master.
The only reason he could take on such a role was his passion for cooking. However, perhaps the greater reason was that his grandmother had arranged for him to pursue her.
Why hadn’t he just been honest with her?
Maybe he feared she would reject him and dismiss him from his job.
He had been exceptionally kind to her—his plan was likely to win her heart first. Once that happened, revealing the truth would be easier, and she would likely be more accepting of it.
Had he not overheard that Old Lady York was involved in choosing his wife, he might never have disclosed that she had orchestrated everything and sent him to win her over.
Elora’s emotions were in turmoil.
Knowing she was chosen as Tatum’s fiancée brought her relief—she did have feelings for him.
However, she also felt uneasy. Tatum had approached her with a hidden agenda. Despite her repeated inquiries, he had withheld the complete truth. It felt deceptive.
Elora remained silent while Old Lady York carefully observed her expression.
Would Tatum ultimately have to pursue his wife to the ends of the earth?
“Old Lady York,” Elora said suddenly, prompting an immediate reaction from the elderly woman.
sat up straight, resembling a schoolgirl in class.