Unlike Elora, who was ambitious, Rosie was carefree and easygoing. She went wherever the fun
was and didnât take life too seriously. Rosie enjoyed living that wayâbeing content and not feeling
the need to compete. For her, it was a happy, simple life.
After Elora finished talking to Rosie, she went into the dining room. Her two younger brothers and
her mother were already seated at the table, each enjoying a bowl of soup. There was also a bowl
of soup placed at Eloraâs usual seat.
Tatum had prepared it for her. After greeting Elora earlier, he had returned to the kitchen to finish
cooking two more dishes before he could join them.
Once Elora finished lunch, she planned to take a short break before heading back to the office.
Tatum, though a bit tired, was dedicated to taking care of Elora, his fiancée. He waited until she
returned to work before he could properly rest.
If Elora didnât come home for dinner in the evening, Tatum would either rest or get back to work.
The Ormond family had other chefs, but Tatum mainly catered to Elora. As for the rest of the family,
he would cook for them when he felt like it, and they never complained.
Tatum saw the Ormonds as his future in-laws, so he was always happy to cook special meals for
them, especially for Mrs. Ormond and Alonzo, his future mother-in-law and brother-in-law.
Elora was a serious person, but her love for her brothers was genuine.
âSister, try the soup. Brother Tatumâs soup is amazing,â Alonzo said excitedly. âIâm going to have
another bowl later.â
Elora responded, âWeâll be eating soon. If you drink too much soup, you wonât have room for the
other dishes. Didnât you say you missed Brother Tatumâs cooking? He can also make you some
snacks. After you practice the piano this afternoon, you can have snacks, then work on your
drawing. I also bought some math problems for you both. You need to finish them by tomorrow.
After breakfast, Iâll check if youâve done your homework and look at your paintings.â
The brothersâ faces fell as they suddenly lost interest in the soup.
Alonzo looked at his mother, hoping she would speak up and save them from the pile of homework.
He wanted to play in the snow with Angelo instead.
Mrs. Ormond noticed Alonzoâs silent plea, but after glancing at Elora, she pretended not to see and
continued to enjoy her soup calmly.
When Elora took charge of Alonzoâs studies, even their parents stayed out of it, feeling they couldnât
interfere. Although they felt bad for him, they would either sit by quietly or leave the room to avoid
seeing it. If they didnât see it, they wouldnât feel as guilty.
As Elora often reminded them, Alonzo and Angelo would eventually take over the family business.
Without hard work, they wouldnât be prepared to succeed. The Ormond family had faced many ups
and downs, and the two brothers needed to be exceptional to protect the large empire left by their
ancestors.
Seeing that his mother wouldnât step in, Alonzo knew his silent plea had failed. He was used to it by
now, but he couldnât help holding out hope every time, only to be disappointed.
âSister, I understand,â Angelo said obediently.
Seeing Angelo give in, Alonzo quickly followed suit, though he gave Angelo a light kick under the
table.
The brothers never worked as a team and always ended up giving in to Eloraâs instructions without
much resistance.