Chapter 4270

Chapter 4270

“There’s nothing like home,” Tatum said with a smile as he collected the dishes. “They say that a golden nest or a silver nest can’t compare to your own little doghouse. No matter how fun or beautiful a place is, nothing surpasses the comfort of home.”

With that, he turned and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

Elora sat quietly for a few moments before getting up to follow him. She paused at the kitchen doorway, observing him as he worked.

“Tatum, why do you enjoy doing housework so much?” she asked.

He glanced at her and shrugged. “No particular reason. I just find it enjoyable—just like cooking. I’ve loved it since I was a kid.”

As he matured, Tatum built an entire career around that passion.

It felt fulfilling to do what he loved—and even better to earn a living from it.

After washing and drying his hands, he turned to her.

“It’s late, Miss. Go get some rest. Tomorrow morning, I’ll prepare your favorite breakfast,” he said gently.

Then he chuckled. “Alonzo and Angelo have been begging me to cook for them these past two days, but I just wasn’t in the mood. They’ll finally get their wish tomorrow morning—they’ll be thrilled.”

Elora raised an eyebrow. “If they love your food so much, why didn’t you cook for them?”

Tatum typically treated those two little troublemakers well.

She had once thought he was simply fond of children in general.

But now, she understood.

He had long since embraced her family as his own.

In Tatum’s eyes, Alonzo and Angelo weren’t just kids—they were his brothers-in-law. And as their eldest brother-in-law, he naturally doted on them.

Elora couldn’t help but sigh.

This man… He had gradually woven himself into her and her family’s lives, like warm water slowly boiling a frog. And now, they were completely immersed.

But she didn’t mind.

Not at all.

all.

Instead of feeling confined, she relished the warmth of his devotion.

It was a quiet love—steady, unwavering, and incredibly sweet.

“Distracted?”

Elora blinked. “…Fine, you’re right. My mind wandered.”

She had been thinking about him.

Tatum walked her to the stairs, then released her hand and said softly, “Miss, go get some rest. Good night.”

In truth, he wanted to hold her, perhaps even steal a kiss.

But he didn’t dare.

Not yet.

The invisible barrier between them had only just begun to dissolve.

Even though she had accepted him, she still needed time to adjust.

Just as he was about to step away, Elora unexpectedly threw herself into his arms.

The sudden move left Tatum momentarily speechless—then he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

For a brief moment, neither of them let go.

Then Elora gently pulled away and said, “You should get some rest too, Tatum. Good night.”

This time, Tatum mustered his courage.

He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

“Good night, Miss,” he murmured.

Elora looked up at him. “From now on, call me by my name.”

Tatum smiled. “I may be your chef, but you will always be my Miss.”

She didn’t argue.

He could call her whatever he liked.

As Tatum stood at the foot of the stairs, he watched her ascend to her room. Only when she was out of sight did he finally turn away.

What he didn’t realize was that the lights were still on upstairs.

Mrs. Ormond had seen everything.

The moment Elora entered the hallway, she noticed her mother standing nearby in her pajamas, quietly observing her.

“Mom.”

Elora could tell immediately—her mother had witnessed the scene downstairs.

But she maintained a calm expression and greeted her as usual.

“You’re back,”

“Mrs. Ormond spoke softly. Her voice remained steady, yet her emotions were in turmoil within her. She had witnessed it all.”