Chapter 444
Chapter 444:
For all her sharpness, Elianna’s fondness for a good glass of low-alcohol wine was one of her gentler traits. She’d always said it kept her warm in the winter and lulled her into peaceful sleep.
As Elianna accepted the bottle, a flicker of guilt crossed her face. Only moments earlier, she’d been harsh with Donna. She turned the bottle over in her hands, muttering with an awkward cough, “Well, that was… considerate of her p>
Callum, sharp as ever, picked up on her hesitation and seized the moment. “Donna really cares about you, Mom. She’s just not the best at showing it p>
He glanced toward the kitchen knowingly. “I’d bet she’s in there now, making you some treats, isn’t she p>
Callum understood the unspoken rhythms of the household better than anyone.
Elianna’s lips quirked, though she tried to mask her reaction. “The wife you picked might not be brilliant in all areas, but I’ll give her this—she’s got a real knack for desserts p>
A compliment from Elianna—no matter how backhanded—was a rare prize.
It was, after all, Donna’s skill in baking that had first caught Callum’s attention all those years ago.
Just then, Donna entered the room, a tray balanced carefully in her hands.
Her steps faltered when she spotted Callum, surprise flitting across her face before her smile bloomed. “You’re back p>
Callum stepped forward quickly, taking the tray from her hands and setting it gently on the coffee table in front of Elianna. Then he turned his eyes to Donna, his gaze softening as he searched her face.
Without a word, he raised an eyebrow, as if to ask if she was alright.
Donna gave a small smile, mouthing that everything was fine.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝘁 gⲁⳑ𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧽ⅽ𝗈𝗺
But it was not enough to fool Callum.
Callum didn’t say much at first, his expression unreadable as his gaze lingered on the tray of desserts.
Donna had always enjoyed creating intricate sweets, but Callum knew it was just one of her many talents—never the entire picture of who she was.
She could pick up any skill, any craft, and excel effortlessly. And he admired that about her.
But he also knew this house, its dynamics, and its silent demands. He didn’t want Donna stuck here, confined to the kitchen, trying to win Elianna’s approval one dessert at a time.
Before Elianna could comment, Callum reached for a delicate slice of chestnut cake and took a bite, cutting through the tension with deliberate calm.
The flavors were a revelation—rich chestnut puree layered between impossibly soft, fluffy cake.
The sweetness of the chestnuts, deepened by roasting, melted on his tongue, leaving behind a delicate nutty aroma that lingered just long enough to tempt another bite.
Between the layers, Donna had added roasted pecan bits, their crunch a perfect counterpoint to the creamy puree, elevating the dessert to something far more intricate.
Callum set his fork down with a look of quiet satisfaction. “Chestnut cake really is the perfect treat for fall and winter,” he said, his voice warm and steady. “It brings comfort… and a kind of joy that stays with you p>
His eyes flicked to Donna, his words holding more meaning than anyone else in the room could hear.
Donna felt the weight of his gaze—the subtle message behind his remark. He wasn’t just talking about the cake. He was talking about her.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she dropped her gaze.
Fortunately, Elianna was far too engrossed in savoring the dessert to notice the silent exchange between Callum and Donna.
For now, the chestnut cake had earned her approval, though her habit of nitpicking lingered like an unsaid threat.