Chapter 698
Chapter 699
Zachary’s affectionate words provided Serenity with reassurance. She smiled and replied, “I’ll open the gate for your mom now. Just don’t blame me if I end up arguing with her for accusing me of neglecting household chores p>
Serenity firmly believed that household responsibilities should not rest solely on the shoulders of married women.
She would stand her ground against her mother-in-law if the latter began to criticize her, just as Mrs. Brown had done with her sister.
Zachary smiled back. “Alright, I won’t confront you, but I trust my mom won’t say anything like that to you p>
If his mother had concerns about Serenity, she would discuss them with Zachary first. She would only confront Serenity directly if she felt boundaries had been crossed.
Serenity went to unlock the gate for her mother-in-law.
Tania was growing impatient from waiting, but she kept her composure.
As she opened the gate, Serenity apologized, “Sorry for keeping you waiting, Mom p>
Tania gently inquired, “Have you and Zachary eaten yet p>
“Not yet. Zachary is cooking in the kitchen p>
Once the gate was open, Serenity asked as Tania entered the villa, “Mom, aren’t you going to drive your car into the driveway p>
Pausing for a moment, Tania considered her response before saying, “I just stopped by to see you. I’ll be leaving shortly, so I’ll just leave the car where it is p>
Since learning that her son had contracted a severe flu during a business trip, Tania had been checking in on him every two days. She was aware that her daughter-in-law took excellent care of him, ensuring he adhered to his daily shots.
Tania felt conflicted about this situation.
She was not particularly fond of Serenity as her daughter-in-law. Tania believed her son had no choice but to marry Serenity out of gratitude for saving Grandma May.
Zachary would never fall in love with Serenity. To her surprise, it took less than three months for him to develop feelings. Although Serenity had family support in the form of her aunt, Mrs. Stone, the Stones’ wealth had no impact on her. Tania would not regard Serenity highly simply because of her connection to Mrs. Stone. Despite being cultured, Tania would not say or do anything to demean Serenity. Zachary was the one who would spend his life with Serenity, not Tania. Her son knew what he was doing; he could determine whether Serenity would make a good wife or if the marriage was successful. As long as Zachary accepted Serenity’s background and the fact that the community viewed her as a laughingstock, it was fine.
“Zachary’s cooking?” Tania exclaimed, surprised. “It’s been a while since he cooked anything.” Serenity closed the gate and entered the house with her mother-in-law. As they walked, Serenity cheerfully remarked, “He bragged about his cooking. I wasn’t convinced, so I asked him to show me. Mom, you should try Zachary’s cooking later and judge who the better cook is p>
Tania’s flawless complexion, a result of the expensive skincare only the wealthy could afford, lit up. “Zack isn’t the best cook among his brothers and cousins. That title goes to Austin. He’s always hidden away in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors since he was a little boy. After more than a decade, he has become the best cook in the family.” Austin was Tania’s youngest son. Instead of taking a position at York Corporation, he launched his own business in the food and beverage industry, earning quite a reputation.
“The simple dishes you make are delicious. I prefer your cooking over Zack’s,” Serenity said. “It’s been so long since I tasted Zack’s cooking that I can’t remember what it was like p>
Zachary grinned. “You arrived just in time. You can enjoy Zachary’s cooking later p>
“Sure,” Tanía replied with a nod.
Since Zachary took over the management of York Corporation, he hadn’t had a moment to relax and rarely ventured into the kitchen. Living alone and seldom returning to the old family home meant that Tania, as his mother, hadn’t tasted her son’s cooking in a long time.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law engaged in a pleasant conversation while Serenity kept the dialogue flowing.
**Chapter 700 p>
Initially, Zachary worried that his mother might give Serenity a hard time. He quickly finished the last dish and rushed out of the kitchen. Just as he was about to step through the door, his mom and wife entered, chatting and laughing together.
He paused, a smile spreading across his handsome face.
Zachary realized he had nothing to worry about. Serenity had a gift for setting a tone that his mother couldn’t criticize.
“Mom,” he called gently.
“I caught a delightful whiff of the delicious aroma as soon as I walked in. I guess your cooking hasn’t declined,” Tania praised her son before turning to Serenity. “You have to keep it up, Serenity. Don’t let him outshine you p>
“Mom, you haven’t even tasted his cooking yet. Zachary’s food may not be as good as it smells. If he loses to me, he should be cooking every day to hone his skills. He should take charge of the family dinner for New Year’s p>
With her beautiful eyes sparkling, Tania grinned and replied, “You must make him practice when he has the chance so we don’t end up with food poisoning p>
Zachary listened as his mother and wife enjoyed their light-hearted conversation. His mother tried to convince Serenity to handle all the meals, while Serenity skillfully countered without stepping on Mom’s toes.
The doorbell rang again. “It must be the seafood delivery. I’ll go get it,” Serenity said. Turning on her heel, she made her way to the gate once more.
With Serenity gone, Tania began to circle her son. “Mom, you can tell me whatever it is. Seren isn’t here; she can’t hear you.” Tania reached out and tugged on Zachary’s apron, adding, “You look a bit like your dad right now p>
“I’m my dad’s son, so of course I look like him,” Zachary replied, leading his mother to sit down on the sofa. “How long has it been since the heir of the Yorks and CEO of York Corporation held a pot and pan? You’re back to cooking for a woman. Zack, I’m impressed p>
While Tania was not particularly fond of Serenity as a daughter-in-law, she knew her son well. Without an older family member playing matchmaker, he would likely remain single forever.
As a child, he had no interest in playing with girls. While other teenage boys pursued girls, Zachary received countless love letters without even trying. He simply handed them to the teacher, unopened. The girls who wrote them received a lesson on education instead.
Over time, many girls lost the courage to confess their feelings or give him love letters, choosing instead to admire him from a distance. Zack avoided trips with friends if there were girls involved. In short, he had an aversion to engaging with women.
Grandma May had once suspected that Zack was misogynistic. Despite her concerns, Tania, who understood Zachary’s character well, did not stop Grandma May from trying to set him up with Serenity. She was curious to see if Serenity could change her son’s attitude toward young women. Tania could accept Serenity if…
There was undeniable chemistry between the couple. She would not harbor any resentment if they chose to part ways. This would allow Tania to introduce her son to an heiress of equal status to the Yorks. Zachary softly remarked, “Mom, I’m simply following in my dad’s footsteps. He is my role model.” Tania was left speechless.