“Your mother must be under a lot of pressure, Everly. Spend some time with your mother when you can. She only has you now.” Everly nodded. She was usually busy with work. It had been a while since she had quality time with her mother, Maddie. There were times Everly would not see Maddie despite living under the same roof. She was out at dawn and home after dark. Maddie had not woken up yet when Everly left home in the morning. By the time Everly returned, Maddie had turned in for the night. Everly and Maddie kept missing each other. Aware of Everly’s hectic schedule, Maddie would not call unless there was an emergency. Maddie would get into gardening, painting, or calligraphy to pass the time. Apart from her side of the family, Maddie had no close friends and barely went out to socialize. Whenever Maddie was out, people would always mention her late husband. She would get upset, getting the idea that people were pitying her. As a result, Maddie would rather stay awa

“Your mother grew up in a sheltered environment. The problem is that she has had it too easy, so she doesn’t have a strong mind of her own. Family is everything to her, and that’s what your aunts and uncles take advantage of. “You’re her favorite person, though. She has given up a lot for you, your dad, and our family. When I’m gone, your mother will only have you. No matter what she does, please don’t hold a grudge against her. “You’re going to take over the family anyway. Your mother gets a bit of money, and that’s all your uncles and aunts can take off her. Of course, it would be ideal if you could help your mom see through that side of the family, so that she would cut them out of her life.” Kaden understood that Maddie was not aggressive in nature. Maddie’s side of the family had been trying to get their hands in the Flemmings’ business through her. Things were slightly better when Maddie’s parents were still alive. Once they died, Maddie’s family dropped all pretense an

“Whether it’s Mr. York or Mr. Brown, I don’t see them romantically. Stop trying to play matchmaker, Grandpa.” Everly had always been rational when it came to matters of the heart. “It’s late, Grandpa. You should get some sleep. Mr. Brown is joining us for breakfast in the morning. He’ll then take us to Wildridge Manor.” Everly urged Kaden to rest before the latter could nag more about potential husbands for her. Since her twenty-fifth birthday, Kaden would mention any guy who was considered a catch. He could not look at a young man without sizing him up for her. “I’m just worried about you. I hope to find you a man before my time comes. If I can do that, I can rest easy.” Everly said in resignation, “We’ve been over this, Grandpa. Marriage is not something I want to think about. I don’t want a husband to join our family. I promised you that I would have children, so our family legacy doesn’t end with me.“I’m not the best in the world, Grandpa. I doubt anyone would be inte

Everly said, “I’m busy meeting with clients on the weekends as well. Putting on a suit is just a force of habit for me.” Her wardrobe was packed with women’s business suits. She did not have a lot of loungewear, let alone dresses. Maddie often nagged Everly about lacking a feminine touch. At the time, there were times when she wished that Everly were a boy. Everly had lived with it her whole life and had long since become numb.Kaden stopped talking, his eyes reflecting his heartache for her. If his son had not tragically died so young, he and Maddie would have more children. At least, Everly would not be left to shoulder the family business all on her own. Kaden probably would be blessed with more grandchildren if his son were still alive. Maddie loved kids, and she and her late husband used to talk about having a big family of boys and girls. The Flemmings had always been small in number. Kaden had always hoped his son and Maddie could have more kids. He and his son we

Sonny said, “Just keep it casual. The meals at your place are already pretty lavish, Aunt Seren.” Since he could remember, Serenity pulled every dinner like it was a feast. As Serenity had a big family, the dinner table was always packed with food. For a typical small family, two main courses with dessert were more than enough. “I’ll handle everything. Just bring your appetite. Enjoy your breakfast with them both. I should grab a bite too.” “Alright.” After the call, Serenity took out a pen and paper, getting straight to planning the menu. With Serenity scribbling away, Heath came downstairs and leaned closer. He asked, “What are you writing, Mom? Is Sonny bringing guests around later? When are they coming? Should I go over and pick them up?” Serenity did not even lift her head. “I’m putting together what we’ll have for lunch. I’m expanding the menu because we have guests. If you’re bored, you can head over to the hotel and bring them here.” Heath glanced at the menu a