Chapter 178

Although she had met Penelope a few times before, she liked her a bit more at that moment.

Allison was prepping to whip up a cherry pie. Back in the day when she was in Cloudville, there was this old bakery at the corner street of the county.

The old lady who ran the bakery was buddies with her grandma, and they often scored some free pastries. Allison practically grew up in that bakery, watching the old lady bake every day, and eventually picked up the skills Then one time, an earthquake wrecked most of Cloudville, and she had no clue how the old lady was doing now The cherry pie was out of the oven in no time. Miranda took a bite, the cherry flavor sweet and smooth but not cloying. Compared to her own, this one was even smoother. Two totally different sensations. He exclaimed, “Penelope, I had no idea you were such a whiz in the kitchen”

“Lucian should be in the side hall, let’s take it over to him”

Side hall Lucian and George were having a go at chess.

Lucian was playing with the white pieces, George with the black ones. The two were locked in a fierce duel, neither willing to give an inch.

Kamilla was watching from the sidelines, “What do you say? Should we spice up this game with a little wager? Like, the loser has to take me out for a meal!”

George chuckled, “You’re quite the wheeler dealer. Regardless of who loses, you benefit.”

Having been spoiled since childhood, Kamilla responded, “Then it’s settled. Lucian, George, best of three, loser takes me out for a meal and then shopping!”

Just then, a faintly sweet cherry aroma wafted through the air.

Kamilla sniffed, “What’s that smell? It’s so good! Did someone bake something?”

Allison walked over carrying the cherry pie, with Miranda trailing behind her, “This is Penelope’s creation, you guys should try it.”

Allison set the tray down on a table nearby, thought for a moment, and handed Lucian a slice.

Lucian took a bite after receiving it, it tasted a bit different from what he was used to, but it was delicious, even better than any he had tasted before. Smooth in texture, sweet and tasty.

George also had a slice, “You’re quite the baker.”

With a puzzled look, Kamilla asked, “Is it really that good?”

She was skeptical But seeing both her brothers seemed pretty pleased, she couldn’t help but take a slice to taste for herself, and then her eyes widened, it really was tasty, even better than what the housekeepers at homemade Penelope, who knew you were such a culinary master!

George glanced at Allison. She was wearing dark sunglasses, covering half of her face. Dressed in a black and white tweed outfit, with her hair gently curled and draped over her back, standing next to Lucian. He turned to Allison and asked, “Got any good ideas for a bet?”

Allison was a bit hesitant, but seeing Lucian looking at her, she said, “The loser has to down three extra drinks tonight.”

Kamilla snorted. “Boring”

George said, “That’s fine; it’s been a while since I’ve had a proper drink.”

Lucian put down his chess piece, ‘Looks like you know you’re outmatched and are going to lose.”

George retorted, “Only through comparison can we know who’s better. Let me see if your chess skills have improved over this time, Lucian.”

Allison stood next to Lucian, watching him play chess.

Back in Cloudville, when she was a kid and bored, she played chess with friends. It was her favorite pastime, not as formal as now, but a great way to kill time.

In the evening, a bunch of people would gather at the entrance of her grandma’s clinic, where she would watch the old folks play chess, often until late into the night.

The elderly man next door always liked to play chess with her, and after a while, Allison’s chess skills became quite impressive.

She could hold her own against the old guys.