?Chapter 1428:


    She’d noticed how thin Ste was—tall, around five foot seven, but weighing barely a hundred pounds.


    She hadn’t eaten all day. That alone was heartbreaking.


    “Ms. Russell, have a seat. I’ll make something for you.” Tasha rolled up her sleeves, ready to work.


    But Ste quickly stopped her. “Really, you don’t need to. I’ll just make a bowl of noodles.”


    And maybe crack in an egg.


    “You didn’t have dinner tonight, and in noodles won’t do much for you,” Tasha said softly. “Let me make you a proper meal. Something simple, but nutritious.”


    She just couldn’t stand the thought of Ste going to bed hungry—not in a house like this. This wasn’t some ce that couldn’t afford food.


    Ste knew she meant well, but she still reached out, gently holding Tasha’s arm. “It’s okay, really. I just want a quick bowl of noodles. It’ste… and if you start cooking, the noise might wake William.”


    Tasha paused, then gave a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, dear. Let me make the noodles. I’ll make them properly nutritious—much better than what you’d throw together. Ten minutes, that’s all.”


    Before Ste could stop her, Tasha was already heading into the kitchen.


    Left with no choice, Ste sat down at the dining table and waited, a quiet warmth settling in her chest.


    Tasha had been true to her word. Exactly ten minutester, she returned with a steaming bowl of noodles.


    But when Ste looked down at what was in it, her eyes widened slightly.


    Abalone. Oysters. Fried squid. Was this really just a bowl of noodles?


    Wiping her hands on her apron, Tasha smiled proudly. “I found some fresh seafood in the fridge. Thought I’d make use of it. The broth’s from pork bones—boiled for hours. It’s way better than in water and has way more nutrients.”


    Ste blinked, her heart catching at the warmth behind the gesture.


    It had been so long since anyone had cared for her like this.


    Her mother had passed away years ago. And even after reuniting with the Carter family, she didn’t exactly have a mother waiting with warm meals. Just a brother… and a grandfather.


    Tasha was around the same age her mother would’ve been. And for a moment, something about the kindness in her voice, the simple act of cooking, cracked something open in Ste’s chest.


    Before she knew it, tears were slipping down her cheeks.


    Tasha’s smile faltered. “What’s wrong, dear? You don’t like it?” she asked, rmed. “If it’s too much seafood, I can make you something simpler! Don’t worry about it—I’ll do it right now!”


    She turned to head back into the kitchen, already halfway to prepping a second batch.


    “Tasha, wait!” Ste wiped her eyes quickly. “I love it—really. It’s perfect. Thank you.”


    Tasha paused, then gave her a knowing look, her voice soft. “No need to thank me,” she said, waving it off. “Eat up while it’s hot. I’ll take care of the cleaning after.”


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