Chapter 54
“I’m fine! I was more worried about what it might do to your reputation!” I said quickly.
“I’ll be fine. I stand by what I’ve done,” Soren assured me.
That was a relief.
The manager knocked on our door, followed by the chef, who pushed a trolley stacked with delicacies to our table.
“You treat me too well,” Soren remarked courteously.
“No, no. I’m honored to treat you, Mr. Kenway. It’s worth it” I replied.
The chef placed the food on the table before announcing, “Bon appétit, Mr. Kenway, Miss Jones.”
I was a little surprised. The chef knew who Soren was–even though Jean did not!
“Does the chef de cuisine know you, Mr. Kenway?” I asked.
Soren laid out his napkin and handled his cutlery with polished dexterity. “Chef Remy Charousset’s star apprentice works at the Kenway residence. Sometimes, when we throw banquets, we invite Chef Remy the kitchen.”
Oh my God!
to oversee
“I see! Well, this restaurant actually belongs to my best friend,” I admitted. “It’s really expensive, though, so I rarely come here.”
“The Valentines?”
“Yeah. Jean Valentine is my best friend.”
Soren hummed, then suddenly asked, “Do you enjoy the Orible’s offerings?”
“Yeah, I really do!” I answered candidly.
Who wouldn’t enjoy food from a highly recommended high–end restaurant?
His lips curled. “If you’re craving it, you should just visit the Kenway residence. That way, you don’t need to spend a dime to enjoy Chef Remy’s artistry. His apprentice is just as excellent, you know.”
I looked up at him in shock. “What?! I can’t… I mean, I can’t just go to your residence and…”
We weren’t friends or family. And he was aristocratic! How could I possibly show up at his house for a free meal?!
“Why not? My mom loves what you’ve done for her. She even told me she absolutely must invite you to a meal at our place one day,” he said.
I was even more shocked.
Lisbeth had ordered three gowns for her birthday banquet. I had finished the first one, but I was so busy at the time that I passed it to Charles instead of delivering it personally.
Then Lisbeth called and showered me with praise. She said it was comfortable and beautiful. I could hear her joy. But to repay me with a meal?! They had already paid me for my work! And Soren had even lent me money!
“God, Madame Kenway is just too kind! I’ve never met a wealthy matriarch who was so… approachable and kind! I’m so jealous of you, Mr. Kenway. You have an amazing woman as a mother,” I praised sincerely.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 54
He sighed, to my surprise.
“What?” I asked.
“It’s easy for outsiders to see her good sides, I reckon. Not quite so if you’re… her son.”
I looked at the expression on his face and laughed. “I’m sorry, but what? There’s no way she’s the type to annoy her children, right?”
“I wish.” He flashed a wry smile. “My sister’s often flying broad for her ‘performances,‘ but it’s really because she’s avoiding her. Sometimes, she comes home only after month and a half.”
“You have a sister?”
“You didn’t know?”
I shook my head. At the time, I didn’t know I had already met this sister–even if I hadn’t recognized her.
We chatted between bites, as though we were old friends.
Just the thought that someone like Soren could also be pestered by his parents made me ask jokingly, “Don’t tell me Madame Kenway’s always telling you to get a girlfriend and start a family.”
He looked at me, stunned. “How did you know?”
I stared back at him. “Nooo waaay.”
“Yes, way! She keeps nagging me about being 30 soon. Why aren’t I married yet? Where are my achievements? The lecture,goes on and on…
