Chapter 380
“We finally managed to get you away from the Carter family. After all you went through, I haven’t forgotten a thing. All I want is for you to live peacefully, not to be caught up in constant competition or stress p>
As Elise spoke, the soft sounds from the kitchen drifted over, blending with the gentle smell of home-cooked food. The noise pulled her attention away from the conversation. Her gaze naturally settled on Lance.
She knew Lance had always treated Camilla well, even before the divorce. He was the one who always stood up for her. But after everything that happened with Barnard, Elise truly believed girls like them, from ordinary families, had it rough trying to fit in with the wealthy. She didn’t want to see her daughter go through those struggles again.
And then there was Tessa, with her surprise visits, always leaving Elise with a headache just thinking about her.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I trust Lance. He won’t let me deal with all that nonsense alone,” Camilla said, her voice gentle. “And about that stuff his mom told you, don’t take it seriously. Lance listens to his heart, not hers p>
Whenever Camilla talked about Lance, there was a hint of pride and warmth. Elise was starting to realize nothing anyone else said would shake what Camilla and Lance had. Jasper felt the same way—completely sure of their decision.
With her daughter and grandson so united, Elise still had her worries, but she tried to push them back, to believe in these people she loved.
She patted Camilla’s hand lightly and took a quick glance at the kitchen. “Alright, I know what you want. I’ll just sit here a bit longer. Go help him p>
Camilla nodded, reminded Jasper to keep Elise company, then headed into the kitchen.
Lance already had two dishes ready—simple, light, the kind the doctor recommended. All the ingredients laid out were the things Elise liked best. Camilla’s heart warmed at the care he’d taken. She started to roll up her sleeves to help, but Lance reached out and stopped her.
“Camilla, I’ve got this. When I have the time, let me do it. You really don’t need to worry about dinner,” he said.
With the staff off for the afternoon, Lance was alone in there, but somehow he kept everything tidy and under control. His hands, always busy at a keyboard or with a pen, were just as skilled at the stove.
Camilla smiled. “I know you don’t need my help, but Mom and Jasper are getting hungry. Let me be your assistant, just for today p>
Lance looked at her and relented. “Alright, just this once. But remember, Camilla, it’s my job to take care of you. I don’t expect you to fit into some idea of a perfect wife. Do what you love, be happy. You have me, you have the staff. Really, you p>
“I know, I know,” Camilla laughed. “You always say that. Sometimes you make me feel like a total bum p>
Lance put on a mock serious face. “Don’t say that. How could you ever be useless? You’re amazing at what you do. Let me handle the boring stuff you don’t like p>
Their easy laughter filled the kitchen, and the tension that had followed them from the Charles Estate quietly faded away.
Elise, still sitting where she was, watched Lance in action. She honestly didn’t expect much from him in the kitchen—some pampered guy like that probably never lifted a pan in his life, she thought. Even though Jasper kept bragging about Lance’s cooking, Elise had already decided she’d be polite, no matter how the food turned out.
But when the food started arriving, colorful and fragrant, she couldn’t help but feel surprised.
Jasper immediately picked out the best bits and put them in her bowl. “Grandma, try this! Daddy’s food is the best. Seriously, it’s even better than Mom’s. He’s the one who always cooks for us, so now Mom barely needs to come in the kitchen p>
To Jasper, Lance had already become his real dad. Sensitive as kids are, he could tell Elise wasn’t fully on board yet, so he happily jumped in with more praise whenever he could.
Elise had been on the fence, but after the first bite, she looked like she couldn’t believe how good it tasted. Jasper grinned. “See, Grandma? Isn’t it good? Daddy’s food is way better than Mommy’s. Ever since he started cooking, we’ve all gotten chubby p>
His open compliments made Elise shake her head with a helpless smile. Still, she couldn’t resist poking a bit at Lance. “So, is this what you do all day, just cook? You don’t work? Camilla’s the only one with a job in this house p>
Lance picked up on her tone right away and smiled, meeting her gaze. “There’s time for everything. Work is work, but no matter how busy I get, I’ll still come home and cook for Camilla. I mean it, Elise. I could sign a contract if you want. I’ll always do my best for Camilla, and I’ll never let her get hurt again or suffer. And if you want to come by to check on us, you’re welcome anytime. I’ll prove it to you. I won’t let either of you down p>