Chapter 215
“Not me. He made it,” Rachel laughed, pointing at Mason.
“Come sit down. I’ll grab you some silverware p>
“Mason’s skills easily match any five-star chef. Let’s dig in while it’s hot p>
Rachel immediately ladled a bowl of the Wild Squab Consommé and placed it in front of Mira. “Drink up. You work so hard all day, you need the nourishment p>
The milky-white broth, speckled with red goji berries and bright green scallions, looked incredibly appetizing.
“I will. Make sure you eat too, don’t just fuss over me p>
“Mom, dish me up a bowl too,” Mason complained, faking jealousy.
“Are your arms broken?” Rachel shot him a withering glare.
“Give it up, man.” Ronan Creed patted Mason’s shoulder.
“Yeah, you gotta know your place in the pecking order. In Rachel’s eyes, Miss Mercer is the favorite child p>
Even the usually stoic Iron Wolves were cracking jokes.
They had grown completely comfortable and integrated seamlessly into the household. Mira found them incredibly reliable.
They were perfect in every way except one: if she ever tried to pry into Owen’s background, their mouths clamped shut tighter than a steel trap.
But that unwavering professionalism only made Mira trust them more.
“You guys don’t get it. I accepted my fate a long time ago. Ever since my mom started looking after Mira, she completely forgot she had a son.” Mason feigned absolute misery.
“Keep talking, see if I don’t smack you p>
“Lips are sealed. I swear.” Mason shrank back playfully at his mother’s raised hand, begging for mercy.
Everyone burst out laughing.
“You’re a grown man. You expect me to baby you p>
“No babying required. I’m good p>
“Rachel only needs to take care of me. Right, Rachel?” Mira deliberately fanned the flames, tilting her head and flashing a smug smirk at Mason.
“Exactly. My Mira needs looking after. Since she calls you her brother, you better take care of her too p>
“Yeah! Whenever you have time, Mason, you have to cook me amazing food like this p>
“He absolutely will. If he doesn’t, I’ll beat him black and blue p>
The others shot Mason looks of blatant, unapologetic schadenfreude. Mason gave his mother a look of utter defeat.
“I cook for Mira because I want to, not because I’m scared of you. And honestly, can you leave me some dignity in front of company? I’m an adult, stop threatening to hit me.
“I threaten you because you’re infuriating. I clearly didn’t hit you enough when you were little p>
Cursed with such a ruthless mother, Mason dramatically turned his head away in mock despair.
More laughter echoed around the table. The atmosphere was warm and lively. Suddenly, Mira’s phone buzzed.
It was plugged into the charger, and she couldn’t be bothered to get up. Rachel glanced at the screen. “It’s Ethan p>
Mira had blocked his number previously, but he just kept calling from new ones. Figuring it wasn’t worth the effort, she had unblocked him.
“What do you want? Make it quick,” Mira answered.
“Mira, please come back and see Mom. She hasn’t eaten anything since lunch, and she skipped dinner too. With everything happening to Mara, she’s drowning m anxiety. She’s wasting away. If this keeps up, I’m genuinely scared for her health. Just make some time to come see her p>
“She’s choosing not to eat. What does that have to do with me p>
“Don’t be like that. She’s your mother. Of course she cares about you p>
“Could have fooled me p>
Meanwhile, back at the Mercer estate, the rest of the family was seated around their dining table.
With Mara locked in the Riverdale
Detention Center, Lacey was utterly
consumed by despair. Her
obsession over her precious daughter killed her appetite, which in turn ruined dinner for the rest of the household.
Julian Mercer was visiting today. He had suggested that if their estranged sister
came back, it might lift their mother’s spirits.