Chapter 248

Damian raced to his mother, a grin splitting his face. In the living room, everyone had gathered. Charlie, addressing Isabella, launched into a monologue. "Isabella, Damian was distraught when you left! Crying his eyes out! But I figured out he missed you, so I told him you and Adrian would be back soon. He stopped crying instantly! See? Babysitting ace!"

Isabella felt a dizzying wave of amusement. Famous Charlie, bragging about this? She managed a, "Yeah," stifling a laugh.

Emboldened, Charlie beamed at Adrian, then back at Isabella. "So, since I'm clearly brilliant, can Damian call me Uncle Charlie? First, even!"

"Dream on!" Bryce barged in, anxious. "He calls me Uncle Bryce first!"

"Bah! You can't even soothe a baby!" Charlie retorted. A full-blown argument erupted. Isabella was utterly bewildered.

Adrian watched them impassively. "Ignore them," he said to Isabella. "They're… obnoxious." He added, "Let's make dinner."

Isabella nodded. Stacey rushed in to help, followed by Hayden. Isabella's small kitchen overflowed, yet nobody budged.

"Adrian, Isabella, let me help," Stacey offered.

Isabella, remembering Becky's past, refused. "No, Becky. You rest. Adrian and I will cook."

"Let's all do it," Hayden countered smoothly. His calm demeanor made it impossible to refuse. They cooked as a team.

Hayden surveyed the ingredients. After Isabella’s input, he divided the tasks, working seamlessly with Stacey. Isabella was astounded by his effortless skill. Wow, she thought, can someone this wealthy cook so well? She glanced at Adrian, her cheeks flushing as their eyes met.

Adrian, despite his initial lack of culinary skills, had mastered household chores during his time at her house. Can a wealthy man really be like this? she pondered. Learn to cook for someone he cares about?

Once the ingredients were prepped, Hayden and Stacey gracefully deferred to Adrian and Isabella, respecting their home. Debra, Patrick, Bryce, Charlie, Lillian, Kevin, and Jeremy drifted in and out, observing. The children were mostly unfazed, but the adults grew increasingly impressed by Adrian.

Isabella felt a rising anxiety. Watching everyone’s awe, she was further convinced of Adrian’s earlier claim: he’d never cooked before. Did he learn… just for me?

The finished dishes filled the table.

After dinner, Adrian started clearing up, Stacey joining him. Isabella tried to help, but Stacey insisted she rest. After putting the children to bed, a space crunch arose amongst the adults. However, Debra and Patrick sincerely apologized for Adrian’s past behavior. Even Bryce apologized for his deception. Only Charlie remained disgruntled.

"Isabella, Adrian wouldn’t let me see you before! He hid his identity! He deserves a scolding!"

Isabella glanced at Adrian. He glared at Charlie. "Charlie, are you looking for trouble?"

"Afraid of you? I'll complain to Isabella if you bully me!" Charlie retorted.

"How old are you?" Adrian sputtered, gritting his teeth. "Childish!"

"Childish? Is that edible?" Charlie scoffed.