Chapter 4265

Chapter 4265

“If you love her, why are you keeping it a secret? If she asks, just be honest with her,” the old lady York said, her smile fading as she cautioned Tatum. “Don’t repeat your older brother’s mistake. He hid his feelings until his wife found out by accident, nearly leading to their separation.”

Tatum hesitated before responding, “Grandma, I’m worried that if I tell her, she’ll fire me. If that happens, I wouldn’t have the chance to see her again. She’s always so busy—she wouldn’t make an effort to see me.”

His voice softened. “I want to wait until she develops feelings for me, until we fall in love. Then I’ll reveal the truth—that she’s the one you chose for me. My journey here wasn’t just to be her private chef; it was to pursue her. Cooking for her isn’t merely about ensuring she eats well; it’s about creating something meaningful between us.”

A marriage without love wouldn’t endure.

If there were no emotions involved, neither party would follow through.

The old lady York smiled knowingly. “Your concerns are valid. From what I know about Elora, had she been aware of your true intentions from the beginning, she wouldn’t have hired you.”

She then handed the phone to Elora.

Elora had been walking alongside the old lady York the entire time, overhearing their conversation.

She was taken aback, but not angry.

Tatum had proven himself as her private chef solely through his skills.

He had competed against numerous candidates, passed every test, and secured the role only after she personally interviewed him.

Since then, he had maintained a high level of professionalism. Even after learning that he was the sixth young master of the York family, he never acted entitled or arrogant. He treated her with respect, never overstepping any boundaries.

She had sensed his affection for her; however, he had always respected limits.

Now,

Hearing him admit he had been afraid to confess, she felt a surge of understanding. If he had revealed his feelings before she developed hers, she would have rejected him outright, sending him away from the Ormond estate without a moment’s hesitation, ensuring their paths never crossed again.

Her mind raced with so many thoughts that she barely noticed Grandma York extending the phone toward her. She blinked in surprise as the older woman gestured for her to take it. Her cheeks flushed, delicate as peach blossoms in early spring.

“Grandma York,” she said, her form of address shifting from “Old Lady York” to “Grandma York.” This felt warmer and more personal.

On the other end of the line, Tatum listened intently. The moment he heard her voice, his heart skipped a beat. For a brief moment, panic set in, like a thief caught in the act. His instinct was to hang up, but he forced himself to remain calm.

Elora had visited his grandmother, likely receiving answers. Since she was with Grandma York, she must have heard everything. There was no point in hiding the truth any longer.

“Elora, it’s Tatum on the line,” Grandma York said. “You two should talk. And when you see each other again, have an in-person conversation. You need clarity—you don’t let questions linger. Speculating, as you mentioned, will only affect your mood and your work.”

Elora slowly accepted the phone.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Grandma York said, stepping away tactfully to give them privacy.

Once she was gone, Elora took a deep breath, raised the phone to her ear, and tried to keep her voice steady.

“Tatum.”

“Miss.”

“I heard everything.”

“You heard everything.”

They spoke in unison, then fell into silence.