Chapter 168

Elvira noticed Zach’s stiffness and stared at the beautiful woman opposite her. She blinked and looked at them both curiously.

“Zach, my dear son, it’s been such a while. I’ve missed you so much,” Skylar greeted Zach with a smile.

Elvira spat out the drink she had just sipped. Fortunately, she reacted quickly and turned her head to the side, preventing her from ruining the food on the table.

“Mom, you’re back.” Zach was quite surprised. Grace had mentioned Skylar’s imminent return, but he hadn’t expected it so soon.

“Yeah. Are you surprised? Zach, I’m so happy to see you again.” Skylar stood up and hugged Zach, patting his back.

Elvira suppressed a cough and looked at them. She was extremely surprised; she hadn't expected to have hit Skylar's car during their first encounter.

“Zach, you’re really a marinig. You married Elvira, such a nice girl. I’m so, so happy.” Skylar smiled brightly, hugging Elvira after releasing Zach. She’d wanted to hug her beautiful and adorable daughter-in-law the moment they met, but feared it might frighten her.

Now that they had acknowledged each other, Skylar could naturally hug her. Elvira got up and hugged Skylar.

“Ma’am, I really didn’t expect you to be… Zach’s mom.” Elvira looked at Skylar uneasily, no longer feeling as comfortable as before.

Skylar immediately retrieved a gift box from her bag. “Just call me Mom,” she said.

Elvira glanced at Zach. Seeing his smile, she gracefully called out, “Mom.”

“How nice. Take it.” Skylar handed the gift box to Elvira.

“Mom, this isn’t necessary,” Elvira wanted to decline.

“You must take it. If you don’t, I’ll be upset. Also, I bought all these clothes for you; I’ll have them delivered.” Skylar happily seated Elvira and Zach, asking the waiter for more dishes. She planned to chat with the couple.

Seeing Zach’s happiness, Elvira felt happy for him. Previously, based on Zach’s descriptions, she’d thought Skylar didn’t value him much. Now, she realized she was wrong; Skylar loved Zach very much.

“Mom, you just spent one million dollars!” Elvira felt her small house couldn’t accommodate more clothes.

“You’re my daughter-in-law. This is another gift; I don’t think it’s enough! Let’s shop again tomorrow. I still have so much to buy for you,” Skylar said happily. Looking at Elvira, her eyes shone like a child who had found her favorite doll. She felt like she could dress Elvira up every day.

“My house is too small,” Elvira quickly explained.

“Small? How small? I will buy you a big house!” Skylar said generously.

Elvira was speechless. Skylar’s wealth and domineering nature made Elvira a bit scared. She quickly looked at Zach for help, hoping he would intervene.

“Mom, don’t buy it now. Elvira is usually frugal and doesn’t like extravagance. Besides, I like our current home and don’t want to move,” Zach spoke up for Elvira.

Skylar listened seriously. “Is that so? Do you have an empty room? I don’t have a place to stay yet. Can I stay with you?”

“Of course. We still have two empty rooms. You’re welcome to stay with us, Mom.” Elvira was happy; she knew Zach missed Skylar and thought having her stay would allow them more time together.

“Elvira, you’re such a sweet girl. I just like you so much!” Skylar held Elvira’s hand, deeply touched.

“Mom, Zach, hurry up and eat. I’ll cook tonight and let you try my cooking!” Elvira volunteered.

Skylar said, “Really? I want you to try my cooking too, Elvira.”

Zach diligently helped with the food. The meal’s atmosphere was especially harmonious.

After the meal, Elvira had to return to the company. She asked Zach to send Skylar home first, wanting to give them some alone time after so many years apart.

Elvira returned to the company, quickly finishing her work before driving home. On the way, she stopped at the supermarket for ingredients, unable to break her promise to cook for Skylar.

When Elvira arrived home, Skylar was already preparing dinner, wearing an apron. Zach was on the phone; upon hearing Elvira, he hung up and took the ingredients from her.

“Why did you buy so many? It’s so tiring to carry them.” Zach’s heart ached; he put down the bags and checked her hands, worried they were hurting.

“They’re not many. Mom is staying with us, so I have to prepare more food.” Elvira smiled, changed clothes, washed her hands, and went to help in the kitchen.

Skylar firmly ushered her out, telling her to wait for the food.

Elvira asked Zach curiously, “Is Mom’s cooking good?”

“From what I remember, she doesn’t know how to cook.” Zach’s expression was a little embarrassed. He knew Skylar had never been a good cook.

Elvira smiled awkwardly. “Maybe… Mom has learned in the past few years.”

“Don’t eat when the food is on the table. I’ll eat first; you can eat after I’ve checked it’s okay,” said Zach, worried Elvira would get sick, as had happened before.

Elvira almost laughed. She hadn’t expected such an embarrassing secret from the seemingly perfect Skylar.

The smell of food filled the kitchen. Zach asked Elvira to rest while he checked on the food.

Elvira stood in the living room, watching Zach and Skylar in the kitchen, a blissful smile on her face. She loved the happy atmosphere, feeling a warmth she'd never known in the cold, selfish Willis family home, a place she'd considered hell.

During the meal, Zach dutifully tried the food first before letting Elvira eat. Skylar, aware of her culinary ineptitude, had worked very hard, following online instructions to show her sincerity.

“This… I think we can eat it without worry. It tastes alright.” Zach was surprised the food wasn't poisonous.

Skylar patted her chest, sighing with relief. “I knew it! I cooked seriously. I’m sure it’s delicious!”