Before Nicole even knew it, she had already finished everything Maya had cooked.
When she popped the last prawn into her mouth, her face shone with pride and satisfaction as she exclaimed, âMy daughter is a genius. Everything she cooks is amazing.â
When Evan entered, he saw that the plates were empty and was surprised by that sight. However, he was also delighted. Everythingâs fine as long as Nicole likes it.
If Nicole ate that much every day, it was likely that she would get back to her former healthy self in no time.
Looks like Maya will have to stay busy for a while.
Nicole caught Evan staring at the empty plates with his beautiful eyes. That got her a little embarrassed, and she commented shyly while massaging her fingers. âUhm, Mayaâs cooking is really goodâ¦â
âOf course. Everything my daughter cooks is perfect.â
Nicole was speechless.
She was just telling herself that a moment ago. Who wouldâve thought that Evan is as equally shameless as I?
âI will let the kids see you once youâve recovered. They can prove if youâre my wife and their mommy.â
Nicole didnât say anything.
Evanâs thought reflected her own. She also planned to go see the kids once she got better and looked less like a skeleton.
âOkay,â agreed Nicole, as she nodded.
Maya later heard about how Evan would like her to cook for him every day, and that got her ecstatic. She was certain that her cooking was amazing, and that was the only reason her daddy would love it so much.
âIâm glad you like it, daddy. I will cook for you every day,â promised Maya.
âOkay. Thank you, Maya. Looks like youâll be working hard lately.â
âOh, that is no trouble at all. Iâve already completed all my school work anyway, and all I really need to focus on is my cooking. I want to spend more time finding out the best combination so that I can create healthier and tastier recipes. Itâs perfect. I can try making a few dishes so you can taste-test them daddy. Hopefully, you can offer me some valuable feedback,â said Maya.
Healthier meals are exactly what Nicole needs right now.
âOkay, keep working on it for a while, Maya. Daddy will monitor your improvement and provide feedback.â
âShould I stay in the Imperial Garden for the time being, daddy?â
Evan thought about how itâd be difficult for Maya to go back and forth all the time. Plus, I canât exactly ask Maya to drive all the way over to cook for Nicole if she gets hungry in the middle of the night.
âStay here for a while then, Maya.â
âOkay.â
Juan and Kyle had no objection whatsoever, but Nina complained and wanted to stay as well. Evan made up an excuse about how he wanted Nina to focus on the cosmetics press conference, then had her stay at Seet Residence.
Nina pouted. âDaddy, are you letting Maya stay here because you want to secretly give her all the rewards and gifts? Youâve always played favorites. You were nicer to Maya ever since we were kids, and youâre still so mean now that weâre grown up,â complained Nina.
âDaddy wonât do that, Nina. He just wants me to stay so that I can cook for him.â
âNina, has daddy not been nice to you all these years?â asked Evan.
âYouâre nice to me, but youâre even nicer to Maya,â replied Nina before she held her beautiful face up high and turned around unhappily to leave.
Evan couldnât speak.
He was stunned. Nina has always been a little petty and needs to be the center of attention all the time. Sheâs going to have a hard time if she continues being so stubborn.
Maya walked to Evan and said, âYou know how Nina is, daddy. Her words might be harsh, but she doesnât really mean it. Sheâs just a little too blunt.â
âIâm not mad at her. Youâll stay on the third floor for now, Maya.â
Maya got confused. âI used to stay on the second floor, daddy. In fact, the room Nina and I shared is still empty. Why are you making me stay on the third floor now?â
Evan didnât know what to say for a moment there. I canât exactly tell her itâs because her mother is worried about being seen in a weakened state.
âBecause I think the third floor is quieter. Youâre a big girl now, so the third floor is better suited for you.â
Maya was a lot less picky than Nina, so the former didnât object and simply did as Evan asked.
That night, Evan deliberately asked Maya to prepare two dishes and some porridge for dinner. He later had the maids take them to the second floor.
Maya was surprised, so she asked, âDaddy, why are you taking them to the second floor? Arenât you going to eat with me?â
âI have some work to do, so Iâll eat on the second floor. Cook something you like and eat on your own, okay?â