â If Elora hadnât been so capable and her father had been in charge, the Ormond family would have
lost its position long ago.
The old Mr. Ormond had realized early on that his sons werenât very capable, so he focused on
training his granddaughter, Elora, to take over. He let her take charge while his sons retired. Even
though it was a tough responsibility, he trusted Elora to rise to the challenge.
The truth was, the Ormond family had always been led by strong women, while the men werenât as
dominant.
Mrs. Ormond didnât feel bad about giving birth to Alonzo.
Elora said, âMom, you enjoy painting. You could focus on that. After the New Year, when the
weather gets warmer, Iâll help you organize an exhibition.â
Her motherâs eyes brightened. She loved painting and had real talent, but she usually did it just to
pass the time. She had never thought about selling her art, let alone hosting an exhibition. But since
Elora suggested it, she started to consider it.
She began to imagine holding an exhibition and having people admire her work. It would be even
better if someone wanted to buy one of her paintings.
She didnât care much about the money. What mattered was having people appreciate and support
her art.
âIs that really okay? Wonât your father say itâs too much attention on me?â she asked, worried her
husband might not support her.
Elora smiled. âTinsley and I are in the spotlight all the time, and Dad doesnât mind. As long as itâs
something you enjoy, go ahead and have the exhibition. If Dad says anything, let me handle it. Iâll
talk to him. I promise he wonât interfere.â
Elora had gained a commanding presence after managing such a large family business. Even at
home, her authority was felt, and the family elders were careful about what they said around her. If
she supported something, even her father wouldnât oppose it. Mrs. Ormond smiled. âThen Iâll
continue painting without any worries. Your father always teases me, saying I spend all my time
painting, but all he does is play chess or go out to play sports.â
The couple had a good relationship, though their interests were different. Sometimes they would
poke fun at each other, but it never turned into a real argument.
Elora said softly, âYou and Dad, along with Uncle and Aunt, are all retired now. Other than making
sure Alonzo and the others do well in school, you donât have to worry about anything. Just enjoy
yourselves and do what makes you happy.â
Their elders were in good health, and there was peace at home, which was a blessing for the
younger generation.
Mrs. Ormond smiled again, feeling reassured. She was grateful that her daughter was so capable
and thoughtful.
She then asked, âElora, didnât Tatum come back with you? Did you let him go?â
Tatum had gone straight into the kitchen to prepare lunch when he arrived, and Mrs. Ormond hadnât
noticed him. She had been too focused on her children.
Elora paused for a moment.
Why did her family always ask about Tatum whenever she returned from a trip?
Tatum was well-liked by the family, and they had a great impression of him.
Good looks certainly had their advantages.
Alonzo chimed in, âMom, Tatum wasnât fired by my sister. He came back with her and went into the
kitchen to cook. Weâll be eating his food at lunch. Angelo, letâs see who can eat faster at lunch.â
There were only two boys in this generation of the Ormond family, and although Angelo was
younger, he always saw himself as Alonzoâs second-in-command.
Mrs. Ormond looked relieved.
Elora couldnât help but think her family had fallen in love with Tatumâs cooking a little too quickly.