Chapter 429
Irene Valdemar held Theodore Valdemar's arm, smiling warmly at Isabella Sullivan.
"Minnie, and you too, brother-in-law. You're both here? Mom and Dad didn't mention anything. We thought you weren't coming to Kyoto for the New Year this time. This is wonderful, the whole family is together."
Her smile was sweet, her words impeccably polite.
Isaac Atlante and Florence Atlante exchanged a glance.
Ever since Irene married into the Valdemar family, she hadn't returned for holidays like Mid-Autumn or Spring Festival.
The old lady herself preferred not to see her; her absence was more peaceful.
Besides, the Valdemar household was large. As a daughter-in-law, Irene had in-laws to attend to and children to care for. Coming back to her maiden home for the New Year wasn't really proper.
It could be said that when you dislike someone, even their breathing feels wrong.
If it were Isabella returning for the New Year, the old lady would be grinning from ear to ear.
Now, with Irene's sudden appearance, the old lady's smile faded slightly.
But it was the New Year. They couldn't very well turn her away, especially with Sebastian Evans present. Though reluctant, the elderly couple invited them to sit and eat.
The housekeeper added two place settings.
Irene sat down with a smile.
"Being able to enjoy this meal today is all thanks to Minnie."
No one responded.
Unfazed, she picked up a piece of braised pork rib and placed it in Theodore's bowl.
"This looks good. Try it."
Theodore's tone was cool.
"I'll help myself."
Irene took a bite of the rib and paused.
"Is this... Mom's own cooking?"
David Sullivan nodded.
"Mom has been busy since morning. Most of the dishes on the table were made by her."
Irene's heart instantly soured.
She had long known they played favorites, known they treated them differently, but seeing it with her own eyes was still hard to bear.
"My sister certainly has the greater influence. Mom hasn't cooked in years. I thought I'd never get to taste her cooking again in this lifetime."
Theodore frowned.