?Chapter 742:


    Lovingly embracing Sk, Harlee’s voice was a whisper of gratitude.


    “Thank you, Mom. I understand that all of you are tough on Rhys out of concern that I might get hurt.”


    This marked the first time Harlee had thrown herself into Sk’s arms since her return to the Sanderson family. While this was a typical moment of affection between a mother and her child, to Sk, this simple yet tender moment felt extraordinary.


    Tears welled up in Sk’s eyes as her hands hovered, tentative and unsure, above Harlee’s back. Noticing Sk’s subtle movements, Harlee’s heart skipped a beat. She was taken aback by the impact of such a modest gesture of closeness.


    It dawned on Harlee how distant she had been projecting herself when faced with her family, though she never intended for it. Years of maintaining a guarded distance had made the expression of love challenging.


    Still, Harlee made an effort to mimic the cozy snuggle she’d seen Tonya showcase with Sk, akin to a puppy seekingfort.


    Sk’s pupils widened with emotion, and she enveloped Harlee in a firm embrace, holding her tightly as if to never let go.


    After a heartfelt moment, Sk spoke with a trembling voice.


    “Harlee, I know you’re as resilient as your brothers, but it’s crucial for you to remember that the Sanderson family will always support you.”


    In Sk’sforting embrace, Harlee was momentarily caught off guard.


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    Her usual independence made it difficult for her to embrace such protective gestures. She paused, pondering the right reaction, then raised her eyes to meet Sk’s, her features brightening into the most radiant smile she had ever shown. It seemed more people cared about her, including the Sanderson family and Rhys.


    Side by side, they made their way toward the dining room.


    As they strolled, Sk’s voice softened, revealing a hint of surprise.


    “I’ve been learning to cook your favorite dishes from Nyomi. Let’s sit down and enjoy them together, shall we?”


    Harlee nodded, letting Sk guide her to the dining table, where four enticing dishes awaited. Sk nced at Harlee with hopeful eyes.


    “These are the dishes I mastered with Nyomi’s help. Would you like to taste them first?”


    Standing slightly apart, Nyomi observed the exchange, her expression tinged with faint worry. She was well aware of Harlee’s discerning taste in food and her blunt honesty about it. If Harlee left Sk’s food untouched, displeased by the taste…


    A flicker of apprehension crossed Nyomi’s features, revealing her internal turmoil.


    Harlee paused, uncertainty coloring her voice.


    “Shouldn’t we wait for everyone to join us before we start?”


    Sk brushed off the question with a casual wave of her hand.


    “Your father will be tied up with Rhys for a while, and the kitchen has avish feast in the works forter. This, however, is something special I whipped up just for you.”


    During Harlee’s absence these days, Sk had hardly been idle. She recognized that her bond with Harleecked the intimacy seen in other mother-daughter rtionships.


    After confiding in Nyomi, she had resolved to bridge that gap by cooking a meal specifically for Harlee.


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