Chapter 4263

Chapter 4263

Old Lady York said, “Elora, Tatum has his reasons for remaining silent. When you return, don’t argue with him—just have an open conversation.”

Elora smiled in response. “I won’t argue. I suspected this outcome all along; I only came here to confirm my thoughts.”

Since she had anticipated the situation, she was mentally prepared, which made acceptance easier.

“Tatum didn’t intentionally hide his identity, did he?” asked Old Lady York.

Given what had happened with Zachary, his brothers should have learned from those mistakes.

After a brief pause, Elora replied, “He didn’t deliberately conceal it, but he also didn’t make an effort to share it. If I hadn’t asked, he wouldn’t have told me.”

She had investigated Tatum twice and still hadn’t discovered his true identity.

Elora felt somewhat embarrassed—almost ashamed—about her oversight.

Old Lady York defended her grandson, saying, “If you hadn’t asked, he had no reason to tell you. He can’t just announce to everyone that he’s the sixth young master of the York family in Wiltspoon and expect to be treated differently.”

Elora chuckled. “That’s a fair point.”

“If you had known he was the sixth young master of my York family, would you still have hired him?” Old Lady York asked curiously.

Elora replied, “Yes. He applied for the position, and his background didn’t factor into my decision. As long as he could cook well and satisfy my tastes, I would have hired him regardless of who he was. To be honest, I believe the sixth young master is more passionate about cooking than about pursuing a wife.”

Old Lady York smiled. “Has his cooking improved? Help him refine his skills. The more he values you, the more drawn to you he’ll become.”

She understood her grandson well.

If Elora didn’t challenge Tatum, he might not develop feelings for her. He could end up rejecting the match, just as Evan had done previously.

“Elora, you—”

Elora and Tatum make a wonderful pair. When you return, make sure to talk to him. Embrace a joyful and sweet romance. Work is important, but don’t forget to take some time to date Tatum. Go out, enjoy each other’s company, and fall in love.”

Elora felt her cheeks warm. She had no experience with romance; she had never even considered being in love and had no idea what dating was like.

Was love truly sweet and joyful?

She liked Tatum, but her busy work schedule had never allowed her to explore the meaning of loving someone.

“Old lady York, please stop teasing me,” Elora said.

Old lady York shook her head. “I’m not teasing you. I’m encouraging you to find balance between work and life. Don’t dedicate all your time to work—you’ll never earn enough to feel fulfilled. Learn to unwind. You’ve already endured the toughest times. Now it’s okay to slow down a bit.”

She took Elora’s hand, her expression filled with concern. “Look at you—you’re too thin. You’re working yourself too hard.”

Elora reassured her, “Old lady York, I’ve actually gained weight. Ever since Tatum became my private chef, he has ensured that I eat well every day. He prepares delicious meals for me, and I haven’t had a stomachache in ages. I’ve gained weight because I’m enjoying regular, balanced meals.”

She had been thinner before, but compared to then, she had put on a little weight.

“You have a perfect figure—not overweight at all,” old lady York said as she stood up. “Elora, let’s keep walking. Treat this as a break, a little vacation. Don’t think about work. Your sisters are independent now. Everything will be fine at the company, even if you’re not there. Enjoy this rare opportunity to relax. Sometimes, you need to take a step back. Your health is the most important thing.”

Old lady York took Elora’s hand and guided her out of the pavilion.