“Now that you’ve taken over the position of family head, you’re going to hold a banquet, right? Have you chosen the date already? I’m going to Clearfield tomorrow for work, and I might be there for about a week or so. If you’re still picking a date, choose a later one, so that I’ll be able to make it.“We definitely have to attend such an important occasion to support you.”Laurence had taken over the leadership of the Longbottom family and was officially assuming the position of the head of the family. He was definitely going to hold a banquet and invite all the who’s who of Havenmill.His friends and family definitely had to attend, too, not only to support the event but also to back him up and to tell the world he wasn't just an orphan—he actually had plenty of backers.Laurence said, “I’ve not picked a date yet. Don’t worry, it won’t clash with your schedule. You said you were coming back soon, though. Why do you still have to go on a week-long business trip? Are things very bu

“We’re eating together as a family. It’s enough to just throw together a few simple dishes. It’s not like I’m picky.”Sonny looked at Jessica, who felt a little awkward, then said, “Sorry to trouble you again, Jess.”“Oh, it’s no trouble at all, no trouble. I have to buy fresh ingredients to cook every day anyway, and it’s just a couple of extra dishes, so it’s no trouble at all,” Jessica hurriedly said.Ever since she had torn Chelsea a new one in Sonny’s defense, Sonny had become a little more amiable toward her.This child was a forthright one and very sensible. It was all because Liberty had taught him well.Sometimes, Jessica would think of the child she had lost. If she had successfully given birth and not lost the child while having to go to prison, the child would have been entrusted to Hank’s parents to care for. It was hard to say how they would have taught the child.Even Hank could not raise a child well.She sighed internally. She and her child simply were not writt

“I’m just telling the truth. What’s there to be embarrassed about? My grandson is such a young, successful, handsome, and caring man. I wonder which lucky girl will end up with you.”Olivia then asked, “Sonny, are you dating anyone? It’s time to start thinking about it. You’re not getting any younger. When your father was your age, you were already in preschool.”Sonny put down his glass of water and said, “Grandmom, I haven’t met anyone I liked yet. There’s no rush. I’ll get married before I’m thirty-five.”Olivia would ask about his love life every time he came over for dinner. He was used to it.He was already thirty-two. At his age, many men and women were married with children, yet he was still single and had never even been in a relationship before.It was no wonder the elders were worried.Those from his grandparents’ generation typically married much earlier. In their eyes, one should already be thinking about marriage once they hit their twenties. Sonny was still single

“Thanks, Dad.”Sonny helped Olivia into her seat, then said, “I’ll go wash my hands.”By the time he returned, Jessica had already served everyone a bowl of soup.Sonny had intended to serve the elders himself, but since Jessica already did it, he thanked her and sat beside Hank. Hank was on his left while Luke was on his right. Olivia sat on Luke’s other side.“Sonny, hurry and try the chowder,” Hank said expectantly.Sonny picked up his spoon and took a sip.“How is it? Is it good? Last time, you said my soup was missing something, so I’ve been making it over and over again. Jessica got so tired of it she almost got sick, but I think I finally got it right.”Jessica added, “Sonny, you have no idea. Your grandparents and I were all afraid of soup. Your dad made this chowder every single day. He only stopped after all of us agreed that it tasted good.”The elderly couple nodded in agreement.“Your dad said you’re always so busy and use your brain so much, so he wanted to mak

“I’ll talk to my parents. The past is in the past. Besides, it wasn’t just your fault. I was at fault too. In fact, the biggest mistake was mine.“You were young back then and had little life experience. That was why I was able to fool you so easily. I was the one who was unfaithful in my marriage. I ruined your life as well as my own.“We both paid the price for the mistakes we made in our youth, so stop dwelling on the past and move forward. It’s enough as long as we can enjoy a peaceful old age together.”Thinking back on those years made Jessica’s eyes redden. She had also hoped to settle down in the big city through marriage. She had been attracted by Hank’s high income and the apartment he owned in Wiltspoon.Even when the property prices fell, the apartment they lived in barely lost value because of its location and proximity to good schools.When Liberty divorced Hank, she smashed up all the renovations. After Jessica married into the family, they renovated the place again