Chapter 681
Richard Evans was still figuring out how to stay.
Evelyn Ross had already spoken.
"Sorry, the food tonight was prepared based on the number of people."
"Grandmother's meals here are served individually."
"Surely you don't expect to watch us eat while you have nothing?"
Her words were blunt and cutting.
Anyone with a thinner skin would have left by now.
But Lillian Evans smiled gently.
"It's quite alright. It would be my honor to serve Grandmother during her meal."
The corner of Evelyn's lips lifted slightly.
"I'm just worried it might be uncomfortable for you, watching us eat."
Lillian's eyes flickered.
Her earlier comment about her humble background was mere modesty.
Did this Miss Ross really think she'd never seen the finer things?
As Richard Evans's mistress, what delicacies hadn't she tasted?
It was just watching a meal.
She wasn't even hungry right now.
How bad could it be?
Lillian maintained her smile.
"It won't be a problem."
"Really?" Evelyn's smile deepened.
"The food here at Grandmother's has a very unique flavor."
"I'm just afraid it might tempt you too much."
Cecilia Evans let out a scoffing laugh.
"Auntie, you're really underestimating us!"
"In that case, I'll go prepare the food now."
Evelyn left these meaningful words hanging and turned to enter the kitchen.
Alexander Vance raised an eyebrow upon seeing this.
Tsk. A treat was in store today.
Eleanor Vance's eyes lit up.
Having stayed at Evelyn's place for a while in the past, she knew her granddaughter-in-law's cooking skills best.
She wondered what would be made this time?
Both of them looked toward the kitchen with anticipation.
Their expressions made Richard and Lillian exchange a glance.
Richard walked over to Lillian and lowered his voice in warning.
"Later, keep your uncultured demeanor in check."
"Don't embarrass me! Understand?"
Lillian replied softly, "Don't worry, Richard. You've taken me to so many fine dining places."
"What could a young girl cook that would be so tempting? It's not imperial cuisine!"
Cecilia also chuckled.
"I don't get what this woman is trying to do."
"But we'll stay here today, and come again tomorrow!"
"Don't worry, Dad. With Mom and me here, we'll definitely help you build a good relationship with Grandmother."
Richard nodded with satisfaction.
"Good girl! You're so much better than that wretched son of mine!"
"All he does every day is infuriate me! He's useless!"
Cecilia lowered her gaze.
"Don't be angry, Dad. Brother was just led astray..."
The three of them spoke in hushed tones.
Completely unaware of what they were about to face.
In the kitchen.
As soon as Evelyn entered, Fiona Vance handed her an apron.
"Madam, the ingredients you requested before going out are all prepared."
"Good."
Evelyn tied on the apron and walked to the counter.
She first opened the stew pot beside her.
This was the chicken she had stewed before leaving.
Lifting the lid, a rich, intense aroma instantly wafted out.
Evelyn's lips curved into a smile as she looked at Fiona.
"Auntie Fiona, prepare four plates."
"Today, we're serving some serious dishes."
Fiona smiled and prepared the plates.
When Evelyn mentioned individual servings earlier, she understood—Madam was doing it on purpose.
Let them watch, but not eat!
Madam's culinary skills were simply unmatched.
Her cooking was so delicious you'd want to swallow your own tongue...
And those three would only be able to smell it, not taste it...
Ha, just thinking about it was torture!
As Fiona was thinking this, Evelyn had already begun expertly handling the side dishes.
Heating the oil, her movements were fluid and seamless.
Fiona watched from the side.
Every step was executed in one smooth flow.
Watching her cook was a pleasure in itself...
Fiona couldn't help but recall an animated series she watched as a child.
It was no exaggeration to say that every time she ate Madam's cooking, she experienced that exaggerated explosion of flavors.
What you ate wasn't just food—it was art!
The side dishes at home were already prepared.
Now it was just the stir-frying stage.
Soon, four dishes and a soup were ready.
Evelyn divided them evenly into four portions.
She set one aside for Fiona.
Pointing at the other three, she blinked.
"Auntie Fiona, have someone bring these out."
"Right away!"
Evelyn removed her apron, walked out of the kitchen, and entered the dining room.
Seeing her, Eleanor's eyes sparkled.
"Is the food ready?"
"It's ready."
Evelyn smiled.
Eleanor looked at Richard, Lillian, and Cecilia.
She spoke slowly.
"You can still leave now... It might be harder to leave later."
Her words baffled the three.
Richard even curled his lip disdainfully.
Lillian walked behind Eleanor.
"Grandmother, serving you during your meal is my duty."
At that moment, Fiona arrived with several servants carrying three sets of meals.
The meals were placed in front of Evelyn, Alexander, and Eleanor respectively.
Fiona announced, "The meal is served. Please enjoy."
Richard scoffed, thinking they were just putting on a show.
What kind of food could possibly tempt a grown man like him?
The next moment, the lids were lifted.
An overpowering, rich aroma instantly assaulted the three's nostrils!