Chapter 1104

Chapter 1104 Raise A Toast

"I haven't had the chance to travel much, so I'm still quite uninformed. I'm not very acquainted with many of the seafood dishes here," Cherise admitted.

"Well, lucky for you, I am! Let me give you the rundown," Colin chimed in eagerly, using his utensils to point out each dish to Cherise. "This one's the brown crab. Look at it. Isn't it darker than a usual crab? And this one...'

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Colin delved into detailed explanations of each dish while Cherise listened attentively, nodding and responding to each. The atmosphere at the table instantly took on the semblance of a kindergarten teacher leading children on a museum tour.

"Dr. Shaw has quite the charm," Jude remarked with a slight smile. "Much like Phoenix in the past-always genuine and blunt. She's true to herself and puts on no pretense or airs of nobility." After that, Jude shot an icy, meaningful glance at Anthony. "What do you think, Dad?"

Anthony's disdainful scrutiny of Cherise was interrupted by Jude's words, snapping him back to the present. "What was that?" he asked, a touch of confusion in his tone.

"I was just saying," Jude replied with a faint smile, "Mrs. Lenoir is so delightful. Doesn't she resemble Phoenix back then?"

At the mention of Phoenix, Anthony's expression instantly hardened. "Don't speak of that uncultivated woman!" With those words, a heavy silence descended upon the table.

Colin furrowed his brows and glanced at Anthony. "Uncle Anthony, it's been years since her passing. Can't you refrain from such labels?"

"Indeed," Jude added with a faint smile, "Phoenix and Mrs. Lenoir share many similarities, Father. Criticizing Phoenix for being uncultured could mislead Mr. Lenoir." He then turned to Damien, his smile lingering. "Mr. Lenoir, what's your take on this?" Damien's brows furrowed, recognizing Jude's deliberate attempt to provoke Anthony. Cherise was being used as a proxy for Phoenix in order to unsettle Anthony.

It was evident that Anthony had formed opinions about Cherise from the moment she arrived. From Jude's remarks, it was also apparent that Anthony held similar views about the late Phoenix back then. Hence, Jude was using Cherise to challenge Anthony and embarrass him. However, this also indirectly revealed that Anthony still harbored some apprehension toward Damien.

With a faint smile, he directed his gaze towards Anthony. "My wife does indeed stand apart from those pretentious women in high society circles," Damien acknowledged. "Having grown up in the countryside, she's sincere and straightforward, qualities that may differ from the women you're accustomed to, Mr. Gray."

"Ahem. Indeed," Anthony swiftly attempted to salvage his pride. "Encountering someone as genuine as Mrs. Lenoir is a rarity these days, so it caught me off guard. After all..." Anthony pursed his lips in embarrassment. "There aren't many women like her who remain so honest and unpretentious."

"Let's raise a toast to Dr. Shaw," Jude interjected, in a good mood after seeing his father concede. He raised his glass with a cheerful smile directed at Cherise. "Dr. Shaw has been married to Mr. Lenoir for so many years, yet she's still so genuine. That's commendable, don't you think?"

Colin chimed in, nodding in agreement. "Absolutely. Let's toast to Dr. Shaw... no, let's toast to my sister-in-law!"

Damien offered a faint smile and winked at Cherise. As she hesitated, raising her glass, she couldn't help but wonder if this was genuine praise or subtle mockery. "Um... I don't think it's a big deal..." The ambiguity left her uncertain of how to respond.