When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0823

Nelly linked arms with Timothy and greeted Mindy with a smile. “Min, Lionel, what a surprise to see you here! I hadn’t heard from Mom and Dad that you’d be spending Easter in Elgerson. This is wonderful–a full family reunion.”

Her words were polished, and her smile was radiant.

Aren and Fiona exchanged a look. Ever since Nelly married into the Cooper family, she had never returned home for major holidays like Easter or Thanksgiving.

Fiona could understand, partially. On one hand, she hadn’t wanted to see Nelly either, so her absence was a relief. On the other hand, Nelly had her own family obligations now, with in–laws and kids to tend to. It left her with little room for visits to her childhood home.

Yet, it could be said that once the seed of dislike was sown, everything about the other party felt unsatisfactory in every possible way.

Take Mindy, for example. She had returned for Easter, and Fiona’s smile hadn’t faltered all day. But now that Nelly was here, that smile had visibly dimmed.

Still, it was a holiday, and asking Nelly to leave wasn’t appropriate–especially with Sam present. Although Aren and Fiona weren’t thrilled, they invited Nelly and Timothy to join them at the table.

The housekeeper quickly prepared two clean sets of plates and utensils. Nelly took her seat with a smile. “What an honor to get this treatment! It seems I have Min to thank for it today.”

No one responded to her comment.

Undeterred, she picked up the serving spoon and placed some food on Timothy’s plate. ” Here, try this. It’s delicious.”

Timothy’s tone remained neutral. “I can serve myself.”

Nelly ate a piece of rib but froze as soon as she tasted it. “Is this… Mom’s cooking?”

Lionel nodded. “Yes, she’s been busy in the kitchen since this morning. Most of the dishes on the table were made by her.”

A wave of bitterness surged through Nelly. She already knew about all the favoritism and unequal treatment, but being confronted with it like this still stung.

“Looks like Min has all the sway. Mom hasn’t cooked in years; I thought I’d never get to taste her food again in this lifetime.”

Timothy frowned. “Eat your dinner and say less.”

Nelly smiled. “What’s this? Are you trying to stuff my mouth with food in front of Mom and

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0823

Dad?”

Timothy replied evenly, “I remember you’re not this talkative at home.”

“That’s because I’m at my parents‘ house today. Isn’t it absurd if I can’t speak freely here?”

He set down his utensils. “I’m not saying you can’t talk, but could you at least finish eating first?”

Nelly’s smile froze, and she was about to lose her temper.

“Mom,” Sam interjected suddenly, breaking the tension. “Grandma spent a lot of time preparing this meal. You should try this–it’s one of her specialties.”

He placed a piece of beef onto Nelly’s plate. Nelly forced herself to let it go, picking up her bowl and regaining her smile. “It’s delicious. Mom’s cooking is as good as I remember.”

The atmosphere eased, and everyone resumed eating. At least, on the surface, it looked

harmonious.

After dinner, Aren invited Timothy and Sam to the study to discuss business matters. That left Fiona, Mindy, and Nelly in the living room.

Miranda had gone upstairs, while Lionel, feeling overly full, wandered into the garden to admire the plants in Fiona’s greenhouse. Many of them were imported and rare in the country, something he had been eager to examine closely.

Mindy stayed on the couch with Fiona, watching an Easter special variety show. The mother and daughter laughed together, sharing lighthearted commentary on the skits.

Meanwhile, Nelly sat silently at the far end of the couch. She seemed to be lost in thought, and her gaze looked distant.

Eventually, Mindy stood up. “I’ll go slice some fruit.”

Fiona immediately stopped her. “Don’t trouble yourself; let the chefs handle it,”