Tarquin grumbled to himself, swiftly removing his suit jacket and tie, then taking off his watch and rolling up his sleeves as he entered the kitchen. After expertly tying on an apron and washing his hands, he picked up a knife to finish slicing the potatoes that Elysia had left halfway done. His knife skills were impressive, the rhythmic chopping sounds creating a satisfying beat.


    Before Elysia appeared in his life, he often cooked for Elijah, showcasing his ability to excel both in the boardroom and the kitchen.


    The rhythmic chopping sound drew Elysia''s attention away from her thoughts about the million dors. She put away her bank card and turned to look towards the kitchen.


    Truth be told, seeing someone aproned and busy in the kitchen was undeniably attractive. Standing nearly six foot three, with a straight andmanding posture, his ck shirt tucked into his trousers and cinched at the waist by the apron, entuated his physique perfectly. Broad shoulders, long legs, and a slim waist... definitely a sight for sore eyes.


    Whether it was the million dors or his attractive physique, Elysia found him slightly more bearable now. She approached him, "Need a hand?"


    But-


    Tarquin didn''t even nce her way. "No need."


    "Huh?" Elysia didn''t catch his drift at first.


    He looked up, casting her a cool nce, "You''re too precious."


    Elysia sensed the sarcasm and was about to retort when he dismissed her, "Off you go, don''t be a nuisance!"


    Elysia huffed, "Fine, I''ll enjoy my free time then," and turned to leave the kitchen, her mind returning to the million dors she had just acquired. Tarquin soaked the chopped potatoes in water and cracked three eggs into a bowl, whisking them smoothly with a fork. Hisment about her being "too precious" was indeed sincere. A cut on his hand would just be a minor inconvenience, but for her, it was a different story. With Elijah always ready to dote on her, she had the luxury to be more delicate. If Elijah found out she got hurt helping him, he''d be beside himself with worry, and Tarquin would never hear the end of it. Thus, he insisted, "No need!"


    But still, when Elijah came out for breakfast and noticed Elysia''s finger was hurt, he was distressed and threw Tarquin several disapproving looks. Tarquin felt unjustly used-it was her own doing, not his. But arguing with his son was out of the question, so he could only shoot Elysia a displeased look.


    Elysia, enjoying her breakfast immensely, didn''t seem to care. Today''s meal was particrly to her liking, and she ate with gusto, cheeks puffed out, without a care for her image. Tarquin, watching with a mix of disdain and amusement, thought to himself how carefree she was.


    "Mommy, is it good?"


    "Mmm, who would''ve thought your dad could whip up such a delicious meal?"


    Tarquin was torn between taking it as apliment or an insult. Elijah, ever the peacemaker, said, "As long as Mommy likes it, we can have Dad cook every day."


    "I''d love that."


    Elijah was delighted and served Elysia arge portion, "Eat up, then."


    Their interaction was the very picture of familial bliss. Tarquin, on the other hand, bit into his omelet with a sour expression. Even his drink tasted bitter to him. Breakfast ended with two happy diners and one decidedly less so.


    Afterwards, Elysia mentioned that Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were off school and proposed taking Elijah to see them at Future Community. Tarquin didn''t object. With some unexpected business to attend to, he arranged for them to be driven there. Knowing Elliot and Evan''s capabilities, he wasn''t worried about Elijah''s safety with Elysia. They would surely look after them well.


    Once at Future Community, Elysia politely thanked the driver and led Elijah towards the building.


    "Elysia!"


    Blossom suddenly appeared, bundled up in a thick down jacket and carrying arge bag.


    Elysia was surprised, "What are you doing down here? Are you feeling better?"


    "Yeah, just came down to throw out some trash and feed the stray cats in the neighborhood. Why are you guys back so early? I thought you wouldn''t return until noon. Elliot and the others are still sleeping."