Chapter 48
The shove sent Rebekah stumbling. The sudden movement jarred her injured ankle, and a sharp pain shot up her leg, nearly causing her to fall. She managed to grab the back of a nearby chair to steady herself.
She didn’t bother responding to Hortensia’s accusations. For days, Hortensia had been finding fault with everything she did.
First, she called her a jinx, blaming her for Old Mr, Forrester’s illness. Then she barred her from the elevator, forbade her from “wandering around,” and accused her of theft whenever something went missing. Wasting breath on someone like that would only sour her own mood.
Once she was steady, she moved to Old Mr. Forrester’s other side. “Grandpa, have some fish soup. I made it for you this afternoon. The doctor said you should eat lighter foods p>
As she spoke, she ladled the soup into his bowl. The fragrant steam, scented with scallions, rose to greet him, instantly whetting his appetite. He ignored Hortensia and beamed at Rebekah.
“My dear Rebekah is the most thoughtful. She knows fish soup is my favorite.” He took a sip and praised it again.
“I’m glad you like it, Grandpa. I’ll make it for you often p>
Rebekah’s cooking skills were born of necessity. Both Benjamin and Shawn were picky eaters, so she had taken lessons from a Michelin chef years ago. The only problem was her hand; it couldn’t handle much strain.
Old Mr. Forrester noticed the scars on her wrist and shook his head with a gentle smile. “Just let me know when you’re craving it, and have the maids help. You shouldn’t strain your hand p>
A lump formed in Rebekah’s throat. He was the only one in this family who ever showed any concern for her injuries.
Hortensia watched them, fuming. This girl had her methods. She had the old man wrapped around her little finger already.
“Rebekah, did you hear me? Who gave you permission to seat my father here p>
Before Rebekah could answer, Old Mr. Forrester spoke, his voice firm. “I wanted to sit here. It’s easier to reach the dishes. If you want the head seat, take it. Stop harassing Rebekah p>
Hortensia fell silent. Rebekah sat down next to Old Mr. Forrester and refilled his bowl.
Across the table, Shawn watched as Rebekah placed the soup tureen in front of her, pouring all of its contents into his great-grandfather’s bowl. His face flushed with anger.
Hortensia noticed his stare and assumed he wanted some. “Shawn wants soup, too. Can’t you see? Get him some soup,” she commanded.
Rebekah glanced at Shawn before looking away. “This is a medicinal broth for Grandpa. It has herbs in it that aren’t suitable for children. The maids made a different fish soup over there if he wants some he can get it himself p>
Shawn threw his fork down in a fit of rage. “Who wants your stupid soup anyway? Aunt Candice can cook, and her food is a hundred times better than yours! From now on, I’m Only eating what she makes for me p>
He scrambled down from his chair and stormed out of the dining room.
Benjamin frowned at Rebekah, and his mother’s face darkened. “Rebekah, you’re a grown woman.. Why are you arguing with a child? Shawn just wanted some soup All you had to do was give him abowl
What kind of mother are you?
Benjamin added coldly, “And to think Shawn was looking forward to your cooking.
Turns out you spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen just to make one pot of soup, and nothing he actually wanted p>