Ch. 421..430
Chapter 421 I Am Still Safe Jessica Xero said, “However, this is just an auxiliary. There’s also a saying that things depend on people’s efforts! If you don’t try hard to seize opportunities yourself, no matter how much good fortune you have, it won’t do you any good.” With Clifford Wells’ unyielding, lone-wolf personality, Jessica felt it to be quite difficult.
Clifford Wells nodded and said casually, “But at least after I changed my name, there’s one benefit – my grandma doesn’t rush to beat me anymore.” “Although Adrian Zhekova is no longer single. But I just changed my name recently, even if it would take effect, it needs some time, right? So, my grandma is patiently waiting. Anyway, for a short period, I’m still safe.” Clifford Wells said.
Thanks to the name change, it has given him some probation time.
The timing for changing his name was just right.
Otherwise, not only would Adrian be free from being single, but his child could even fetch soy sauce by the time they were done.
Based on past experience, his grandma would’ve broken his legs.
And honestly, the name change was quite useful.
At least it brought him benefits.
Clifford Wells began to believe that this name truly could help him.
At this time, dishes were being served one after the other.
As the waiter served the dishes, Michael Greene also followed, explaining each dish so that everyone could understand what they were eating.
When the Yellow Croaker in soup came, the waiter cut open the fish belly, and the rich soup inside flowed out, carrying tiny Pearl Glutinous Rice Balls, just like fish eggs.
Cindy Clarke tasted it carefully.
The fish was fresh and tender, melting in her mouth.
The Pearl-like Meatballs were soft and glutinous but not sticky.
The delicious soup’s taste had fully penetrated the Pearl-like Meatballs.
Having been used to eating sweet Pearl-like Meatballs, she felt that the salty ones were still quite harmonious.
“How is it?” Adrian Zhekova turned his head and asked Cindy Clarke.
“You’re right, there is a difference from what I made, and I believe it’s not small.” Cindy Clarke tasted it carefully.
Although the dishes overlapped, Yellow Croaker in soup was a famous dish, after all.
But in terms of cooking methods, she couldn’t follow Michael Greene’s example.
However, after tasting Michael Greene’s interpretation of the dish, Cindy Clarke suddenly had some new ideas.
“I have some ideas, I’ll try them when I go back,” Cindy Clarke said.
“Alright.” Adrian Zhekova nodded and smiled.
The dinner party tonight also allowed Cindy Clarke to better understand and connect with Adrian Zhekova’s circle of friends.
At the same time, it also let Adrian’s brothers know much more about her.
Tonight, Cindy Clarke truly integrated into Adrian Zhekova’s circle of friends.
Cindy Clarke understood why Adrian Zhekova could tell his friends about her and his relationship without hesitation.
He didn’t hide anything at all, and laid out all the twists and turns of their story to his friends.
That’s because they were all family members.
What would be the point of hiding anything from family, after all?
The dinner party tonight ended happily.
Although the adults could continue, the children’s stamina couldn’t keep up.
The kids started to feel sleepy, their heads nodding off now and then, looking drowsy.
Lincoln and Lynette Hamilton, the two youngest ones, didn’t make a fuss when they got tired.
As the duo was satiated, they simply slept soundly in their baby strollers, not making any noise.
Seeing that Morgan Zhekova couldn’t hold on any longer, sitting on the chair with his head tilted back, mouth wide open, sleeping both soundly and strenuously, The dinner party thus ended.
Everyone picked up their own children and started leaving.
Everyone was in pairs, except for Clifford Wells, who was all alone.
Chapter 422 But You Must Hold on Tightly It really does look quite pitiful.
Cindy Clarke expressed her feelings like this.
Who would have known, Adrian Zhekova had now become completely devoid of brotherly love: “It’s nothing, it’s just a good way to stimulate him, so that he becomes even more diligent and serious about leaving his singlehood.” Cindy Clarke:
What about being good brothers, being as close as family?
At this moment, Adrian Zhekova was holding Morgan Zhekova.
The little guy was comfortably laying on Adrian Zhekova’s shoulder, fast asleep.
Carrying him into the car, placing him in the child safety seat, and fastening the seatbelt, Morgan Zhekova was asleep the whole time, not feeling a thing.
It’s obvious how tired he must have been.
He didn’t even wake up when they took him back home.
With Adrian Zhekova’s help, Cindy Clarke spent so much effort, like moving heaven and earth, just to change Morgan Zhekova into his pajamas.
Seeing him so tired, Cindy couldn’t bear to wake him up and make him wash up.
“Let’s leave it like this for tonight. Not washing once won’t hurt, just let him sleep,” Cindy whispered.
Adrian Zhekova had no objections, and then he and Cindy left Morgan Zhekova’s room.
“This is the first time I’ve seen Morgan playing so happily with his friends,” Cindy smiled, “We had such a good time tonight.” Adrian Zhekova’s friends were really nice, and their children were also really well-behaved.
They were all so inclusive and generous.
All good people.
“You see, in the future, you have family and so many friends. What you didn’t have before, you have now,” Adrian Zhekova said, “There are so many people, all ready to support you. You don’t have to worry about anything.” Cindy nodded: “Tonight, I really felt a warmth like never before. It feels like I’m in a big family where everyone is so warm and friendly.” Adrian Zhekova proudly raised his chin slightly: “You see, being with me, you made the right choice, didn’t you?” Cindy couldn’t help but laugh: “Yes.” This man, always finding time to admire himself.
Even now, he wanted to boast for himself.
“Choosing me, you’ll never regret it in your whole life,” Adrian Zhekova softly promised.
“Although our lives haven’t passed yet, and there’s still a long time to go,” Cindy said, “but now I have great confidence. I will never regret it in my life, and I will be very fortunate.” “When I’m old and think back to the times we have now, I’ll be sure to praise myself for being too smart and too lucky. Meeting you when I was calculated against in the beginning, and having such good luck to meet you again now. And even being together with you.” Cindy thought about when she’s old, losing most of her energy, perhaps not as active and diligent as now.
Lying on a rocking chair, or a couch.
Watching TV, listening to comedy, eating fruits, drinking tea, and fanning herself.
Next to her, Adrian Zhekova.
Still admiring himself even when he’s old, bragging in the Eighty-Eight Sixty-Four chat group with his old buddies that Morgan Zhekova has left his singlehood and given him grandchildren.
The two of them spending their days leisurely and carefree, recalling the stories of their youth when they have nothing to do.
She would feel very, very fortunate, whether it was five years ago or now, to have met him.
At this moment, Cindy Clarke’s eyes were shining brightly, and her gaze at Adrian Zhekova was filled with admiration.
This made Adrian Zhekova feel like he was about to float up, extremely satisfied.
Suddenly, Cindy grabbed hold of Adrian Zhekova’s collar, and he looked up with a puzzled and surprised brow.
She then saw Cindy standing on her toes and giving him a quick kiss on his lips.
“Such a good man, I have to make sure to hold on tight!” Cindy said as she tightened her grip on his collar even more.
Chapter 423 Really Not Taking It to Heart It seemed like holding onto him would start from now.
Adrian Zhekova was so amused by her that he couldn’t help but pull her into his arms and hug her tightly, giving her an especially intense kiss.
“Oh, there’s something I need to discuss with you.” When Adrian Zhekova let go of her, it took Cindy Clarke quite a while to calm down.
She recalled the matter from their previous visit to the Quire.
Then she pulled Adrian Zhekova to the couch to sit down.
“What’s up?” Seeing how serious Cindy Clarke was, Adrian Zhekova felt like it was about to discuss something very important.
Cindy Clarke said, “I want to change Morgan’s last name.” “Huh?” Adrian Zhekova didn’t expect this proposal from Cindy Clarke.
“I mean, change it back to your last name,” said Cindy Clarke. “Due to various reasons before, he took my last name. Morgan’s relationship with you was still kept a secret from many people.” “But now, since you two have acknowledged each other, not only does Morgan know, but the elder members of the Zhekova family and your friends are also aware. It’s not suitable for Morgan to still use my last name.” “I was careless before and didn’t think of this,” Cindy Clarke said. “Tonight, at the restaurant, when you introduced Morgan to your friends, I realized it.” “In the future, when you introduce Morgan as your son to others and mention his name, people will hear him using my last name instead of yours, which would be pretty awkward,” said Cindy Clarke. “Morgan should take the Zhekova name sooner or later; better change it as soon as possible.” “I didn’t bring it up because I was afraid it would upset you,” said Adrian Zhekova. “We’re not married yet, and Morgan would already be taking my last name. I was worried that you might be concerned about him being snatched away.” “If he really gets taken away, could I do anything about it?” Cindy Clarke laughed. “With my limited power, I’m no match for anyone.” Knowing that she was joking, Adrian Zhekova didn’t say anything to comfort her further.
“Besides, you said that you’d never let me regret anything in this lifetime. So, I won’t regret any decision I make concerning you,” Cindy Clarke smiled. “Even if I let Morgan change his last name back to yours, I have nothing to worry about.” “I might have had concerns before, but not anymore. No matter who reminds me to be cautious, I don’t care about it anymore,” Cindy Clarke said with a light smile at Adrian Zhekova.
Her eyes and smile were filled with trust in Adrian Zhekova.
“Because you are here, no matter when, you would never let me suffer such grievances,” Cindy Clarke whispered softly. “With that being the case, what do I have to worry about?” Adrian Zhekova couldn’t help but smile, his heart warmed by Cindy Clarke’s words.
“You’re right,” Adrian Zhekova said in a low voice. “You’ll never have to worry about these things.” “Taking time off during Valentine’s Day won’t work,” Cindy Clarke said.
This time, the holiday was a combined weekend and Monday, a total of three days.
“Shall we go handle this matter for Morgan on Tuesday?” Cindy Clarke asked.
“Alright,” Adrian Zhekova nodded.
“Oh, about Morgan’s name…” Cindy Clarke said a little bit ashamedly. “When I named Morgan, I didn’t put much thought into it. It’s fine for now since he’s still young, but when he grows up, we can’t keep calling him Morgan all the time.” “And also, Morgan Zhekova sounds a bit childish,” said Cindy Clarke remorsefully.
If only she had chosen a better name for Morgan in the beginning.
Adrian Zhekova truly understood Cindy Clarke’s feelings at that time.
For a child who was not her choice and whom she stumbled upon.
When she discovered she was pregnant, she was only 19 years old.
Chapter 424 The New Name It was difficult to expect her at the time to have any expectations or feelings for this child who was forced to come into existence.
The name Morgan was chosen for the child, derived from the meaning of being a stranger.
However, after giving birth to Morgan, her feelings grew deeper due to instinctual maternal love, their blood connection, and the increasingly strong bond as they spent time together.
This was a completely different sentiment from the initial casual choice of a name without much thought.
“We have to consult the family genealogy for that. In Morgan’s generation, the name should contain ‘Yu.’ If we were to change it, it would be Morgan Zhekova,” Cindy explained.
“By the way, we’re going to the family mansion tomorrow, so we can consult the elders. Nowadays, the names in our family are decided by the Old Master,” said Adrian Zhekova.
“In my opinion, we shouldn’t change the ‘Mo’ character,” Adrian Zhekova continued, “For one thing, we’ve been calling him Morgan for so many years. Morgan himself is used to it, and so are we. Suddenly changing it would feel strange.” “Moreover, I think that the name Morgan somehow fits perfectly with the little guy. If we change it to something else, it wouldn’t feel like him anymore.” The name seemed inexplicably appropriate for the child.
“Also, I think the name Morgan actually holds a significant meaning.” Adrian Zhekova chuckled softly, “In the beginning, you encountered a stranger, me, and then gave birth to a child with that stranger.” Adrian Zhekova smiled at Cindy Clarke: “This name is also a memento of our first encounter.” Cindy nodded, also feeling that keeping the ‘Mo’ character in the name was better.
The next day arrived.
They decided to have dinner at night, so Adrian Zhekova planned to go to the family mansion in the afternoon.
That way, there was no need to rush for time.
In the morning, Cindy had nothing to do, so she made mooncakes at home, intending to bring them to the family mansion.
Every year during Valentine’s Day, Cindy made mooncakes for Morgan by hand, and they had never bought any from the store.
This year was no exception.
Cindy had prepared the ingredients well in advance.
She planned to make custard-filled mooncakes and snow skin coconut matcha mooncakes.
Considering that lotus seed paste and egg yolk mooncakes were often included in every mooncake gift box, and the family mansion would undoubtedly receive some of these as gifts, she thought they wouldn’t be exciting.
So, Cindy decided to make something a little special.
Because the custard-filled mooncakes were the most complicated, she got up early to start making them.
Since she hadn’t uploaded a video in a while, she set up her filming equipment.
When Adrian Zhekova saw that she’d brought out the camera, his interest was piqued: “Are you going to shoot a video?” “Yes, we’re going to the family mansion today, right? Besides other gifts, I want to bring something I made myself,” said Cindy, “Since today is Valentine’s Day, I decided to make some mooncakes to bring over. Homemade, with customized ingredients, taste, and sugar levels, the low sugar content is also more suitable for the elderly.” “While making it, why not shoot a video? I’ll edit and upload it later,” Cindy added.
“Let me shoot the video for you,” Adrian Zhekova offered.
Cindy couldn’t help but laugh. Why did these father and son both love helping her shoot videos?
Luckily, Morgan hadn’t woken up yet since he had exhausted himself yesterday.
And it was pretty early at the moment.
Otherwise, Morgan would have fought with Adrian Zhekova to help her film.
So, Cindy agreed, “Alright, but this time, you must not suddenly laugh or make any noise.” Adrian Zhekova nodded: “Okay.” Having already won her heart, he no longer needed to employ such small tactics.
Besides, this new video would show a significant change in the background; even if he made no sound, the audience would still be caught by surprise!
Chapter 425 Just Take a Look Adrian Zhekova was feeling rather sneaky in his heart.
Cindy Clarke prepared the ingredients for custard-filled mooncakes early on.
Custard-filled mooncakes are divided into three parts.
The crust, custard filling, and the runny center.
Steam and mash the cooked salted egg yolk, mix in milk powder, cheese, granulated sugar, and fresh cream, heat and melt in the microwave, then strain to ensure that the runny center has no grains. Wrap in plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator to freeze. This part is the runny center.
Afterward, beat eggs and add low gluten flour, then mix in crushed salted egg yolk.
Cook the cream and butter together until boiling, slowly pour into the mixture of salted egg yolk batter, then add cheese, granulated sugar, and milk powder, stir well and put in a flat-bottomed pot to heat and continue stirring on a low heat.
Keep going until it becomes a thick and dough-like consistency, with no more grains, then refrigerate.
Then, it’s time to make the crust.
Softened and whipped butter and honey are combined, then corn starch and low-gluten flour are added to make a dough, which is set aside.
While the runny center and custard filling are freezing, Cindy also made Snow Skin Mooncakes, which require no baking, on the side.
Snow Skin Mooncakes are much simpler and faster to make.
The entire process only requires steaming. Steam the snow skin and the filling separately, then wrap the filling and shape with a mold before refrigerating.
All of these steps were recorded as well.
Cindy thought that she could make two videos out of this.
Then she would become a high-yielding food blogger.
Once the Snow Skin Mooncakes were done, the runny center and custard filling should also be frozen enough.
Cindy took them out and cut them into equal pieces.
She wrapped the runny center in the custard filling, then used the snow skin to cover them completely, rolled the lot into a ball, and pressed it into a mold.
After freezing them solid, they were placed in the oven.
Brushing the surface with an egg yolk mixture would be enough in the middle.
Even Cindy let out a sigh of relief as she found it somewhat tiring after finishing all of these tasks.
“I think your fans will enjoy watching, but it’s really difficult to actually make them.” Adrian watched and thought it was difficult.
Looking at how difficult it was, he didn’t even want to try.
Of course, that was because he had no clue about cooking in the first place.
Cindy’s fans who were interested in cuisine might want to challenge themselves with something more difficult.
“Isn’t this just to fit the theme? It’s a festival after all.” Cindy explained, “And besides, always making simple and fast dishes can get boring over time. A slightly more complicated dish to challenge yourself with at home can be quite fulfilling.” As she spoke, Cindy started to put things away.
Aunt Jenkins was also there.
As usual, she came over to clean today.
Aunt Jenkins did not live in the house. Even though she did not take days off, she only worked and cleaned for three hours a day before leaving.
Aunt Jenkins tidied up the kitchen that had gotten a bit messy from making mooncakes.
Cindy couldn’t help but marvel at how extravagant her current lifestyle was.
Before, she would clean up by herself.
But now, she only had to cook.
All the follow-up chores were left to Aunt Jenkins.
She no longer had to do those tiring tasks.
If she developed this habit, would she become too lazy to do anything in the future?
Aunt Jenkins left after finishing the cleaning.
Cindy told her to go home and enjoy the holiday.
At noon, Cindy simply cooked three plates of meat sauce pasta, served with cream of mushroom soup.
After lunch, Cindy and Morgan Zhekova hurried to tidy themselves up.
Chapter 426 Low-key Although Cindy Clarke had already met the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler.
She hadn’t met the other elders yet.
Especially the Old Master, from what Adrian Zhekova said, the Old Master still had a reserved attitude towards her.
So, Cindy really wanted to give the elders a good impression.
Moreover, when she met the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler before, it was not as Adrian Zhekova’s girlfriend.
Now thinking about it, Cindy was still unsure.
She didn’t know how the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler felt about her.
Previously, when they met, Cindy didn’t even know that she would become Adrian Zhekova’s girlfriend.
Thus, she didn’t make an effort to leave a good impression on the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler.
At this moment, Cindy was feeling regretful.
She opened her wardrobe looking back and forth, unsure of what to wear.
Similarly, Morgan Zhekova was also troubled.
The little one knew that he would be meeting his Great Grandfather, Great Grandmother, and his Grandfather and Grandmother.
He didn’t know if they would like him.
He wasn’t sure what to wear to show his best side.
So, Adrian Zhekova waited and waited, but still didn’t see the mother and son come out of their respective rooms.
“Cindy,” Adrian Zhekova knocked on Cindy’s door, “Are you ready yet?” He had heard that women took a while to get ready.
Especially with makeup, it took a long time.
But since they were living together, Cindy had always been quick to get ready. She didn’t need him to wait for long.
“Not yet…” Cindy’s voice sounded quite disheartened.
“Are you changing now? Can I come in?” Adrian Zhekova politely asked from outside the door.
Though, he really wanted to just go in directly.
“Come in,” Cindy said, and Adrian Zhekova immediately pushed open the door.
Seeing that Cindy was still in her casual clothes and hadn’t put on makeup.
It was just like how she was an hour ago.
“How come…” Adrian Zhekova was at a loss for words.
Cindy said embarrassedly, “I don’t know which one is suitable.” She wasn’t afraid that Adrian Zhekova would make fun of her.
Anyway, if he wanted to tease her, then let him.
Cindy honestly said: “Although I have been to the family mansion before, it was for work. And at that time, I wasn’t with you. I didn’t think much about it then and only regarded the Old Madam as a client.” “It’s different now. This time, it’s my first official visit. Plus, last time I only met the Old Madam. I met my Aunt during the competition.” Cindy said, “I haven’t met the other elders.” “I’m just wondering what to wear to leave a good impression on the elders.” Cindy said.
Cindy was too nervous, as the person involved, she couldn’t properly assess the situation.
“May I have a look?” Adrian Zhekova asked for her opinion.
Since the wardrobe was open and there were no intimate clothes inside, she let Adrian Zhekova look freely.
“I think any of your clothes are suitable.” Adrian Zhekova said.
“Don’t comfort me at this time.” Cindy said.
“I’m not comforting you. Didn’t I tell you before that I would never lie to you?” Adrian Zhekova said, “In this matter, I definitely can’t lie to you. This is about your impression in the elder’s hearts. It’s a serious matter, and I can’t use it to comfort you.” “Your clothes are all low-key, without any flashy styles.” Adrian Zhekova said.
Chapter 427 Always Burning Bridges After Crossing Them Especially, Cindy Clarke’s style was picked for the convenience of Morgan Zhekova, all comfortable and easy to move in.
“It’s all about comfort, clearly chosen for ease to play and move around with Morgan,” Adrian Zhekova laughed, “These clothes are very reflective of your personality and daily life. Once the elders see that you always put Morgan first, wouldn’t they have a good impression of you?” “But wouldn’t it look too casual and not dignified enough?” Cindy Clarke was already somewhat influenced by Adrian Zhekova.
“It’s a family feast, and we are all together on Valentine’s Day, why should we be so formal?” Adrian Zhekova laughed, “You don’t need to be formal in front of family. And in front of me…” Adrian Zhekova moved closer to Cindy Clarke: “You don’t need to be formal at all.” Cindy Clarke:
How did the conversation become off-topic?
Looking at the closet, Adrian Zhekova stroked his chin: “I was careless, I didn’t think about it.” “What?” Cindy Clarke looked at him with puzzlement.
“These are the clothes you usually wear either for cooking, delivery, or accompanying Morgan. Loose and comfortable, there is naturally nothing wrong with them. But they are all similar in style, no other types,” Adrian Zhekova said.
“We don’t have time today, what if we go out for a stroll next weekend? Look for some beautiful clothes, and buy a few,” Adrian Zhekova suggested.
“But I usually wear more of these, aren’t they attractive?” Cindy thought to herself, perhaps the clothes she usually wore weren’t good looking after all?
“They are attractive, all of them are very attractive,” Adrian promptly responded, “Just try to have a few of all types of clothes. I see you don’t have any dresses, we should try some, and any that make you look good, we can buy.” “Why don’t you just give me a chance to spend money on you, to dress you up?” Adrian asked.
Cindy was not yet convinced with Adrian’s words.
However, his pleading expression made it hard for her to decline.
Cindy nodded slowly.
She knew she could not delay further, if she keeps dragging on, it will be too late to get to the family mansion.
Therefore, since Adrian Zhekova said these clothes were fine, Cindy chose one to wear.
Cindy didn’t take long to do her makeup, she put on a light makeup, making her complexion look better.
After being chased out by Cindy to wait, Adrian thought to himself miserably, this girl always burns her bridges after she crosses them.
“Dad!” Morgan finally ran over, “Do I look good in this? Will grandpa, grandma, great grandpa, and great grandma like it?” The little one was having the same concern as Cindy.
Morgan wore a white hoodie with dark gray jeans today.
She looked slightly handsome.
“Not bad, it’s fine,” Adrian nodded.
Morgan sighed in relief.
At this time, Cindy also came out.
Seeing that both Cindy and Morgan were ready, the three finally set off.
On the way, Adrian bought a box of hairy crabs.
Eating crabs on Valentine’s day was in line with the custom.
Neither of them brought any expensive items.
Adrian was visiting his own house, they didn’t need any expensive items, just a regular courtesy visit was sufficient.
Although it was Cindy’s first official visit as Adrian’s girlfriend, bringing expensive things for the elder Zhekovas would not be as sincere as her own hand-made gift.
Adrian Zhekova parked in front of the family mansion.
Cindy got out of the car, and only then did Morgan unbuckle her child safety seat belt, and with effort, climbed down.
Chapter 428 Young Mrs.
Adrian Zhekova was holding hairy crabs.
Cindy Clarke carried the mooncakes she had made herself.
Little Morgan walked between the two of them, with each of his hands being held by Adrian and Cindy.
Stepping up the three-level staircase and arriving at the entrance of the family mansion, little Morgan couldn’t help but take deep breaths.
The anxiety he felt now was more intense than when he met his father’s friends and playmates the night before.
Seeing that the usually lively little Morgan had become quiet, Adrian bent down to look at the little guy, whose face was serious and tense.
Even Cindy was constantly taking deep breaths, unable to relax at all.
Adrian knew at this moment that no matter how much he assured them that the family elders would surely like them and not to be nervous, it would be useless.
Therefore, Adrian said nothing more.
Before Cindy and little Morgan could react, he had already pressed the doorbell.
Not giving the two a chance to back out.
Now, the arrow was on the string.
Cindy could feel her palms were damp.
She didn’t know if the sweat was hers or little Morgan’s.
Glancing down, she saw that little Morgan had also lost his carefree demeanor from the past.
Cindy’s heart softened, and she gently reassured, “The elders will surely like you.” Little Morgan, with his face upturned, said, “They’ll like you too, for sure.” Cindy nodded slowly, seeing that little Morgan managed to force a smile.
Adrian had a headache watching these two scare themselves, yet not knowing how to make them believe that there was really no need to worry.
He could only wait for the Old Madam to comfort them with her actions later on.
After waiting for a good three or four minutes, Butler Howard finally arrived at the door.
As the door slowly opened in front of their eyes, Butler Howard appeared before them.
“Young Master, Mrs.” Butler Howard greeted.
Cindy was stunned.
She never expected that Butler Howard would call her Mrs. as soon as they met!
Not to mention that she hadn’t married Adrian yet.
But Butler Howard’s attitude alone was enough to indicate the attitude of the Zhekova family elders.
Without the approval of the family elders, how could Butler Howard take the initiative to call her Mrs.?
Yet, besides the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler, no one else had met her.
Had the family elders actually accepted her already?
As Cindy let out a sigh of relief, her anxiety lessened, but she couldn’t help being touched.
The touching emotion came from the acceptance of the elders and their trust in her.
Seeing the emotionally moved look on Cindy’s face, Butler Howard smiled warmly, and then looked down at little Morgan.
“This must be little Morgan, right?” Butler Howard looked at little Morgan with a kind smile.
Adrian had grown up under his watch.
Butler Howard still remembered vividly what Adrian was like as a child.
Now looking at little Morgan, a strong sense of familiarity surged within him.
He was exactly like Adrian when he was a child.
It seemed as if they were transported back to the time when Adrian was a child and Butler Howard followed him around while he played and made noise.
Butler Howard wore a nostalgic expression on his face.
Adrian introduced little Morgan, saying, “Morgan, this is Butler Howard, you can call him Grandfather Howard. Grandfather Howard has watched your dad grow up since he was little.” “Oh, I dare not, I dare not!” Butler Howard quickly waved his hands.
Little Morgan, of course, would listen to Adrian more.
He obediently said, “Hello, Grandfather Howard.” The wrinkles around Butler Howard’s eyes deepened as he smiled.
The more he looked at little Morgan, the more he liked him.
“Good, good,” Butler Howard nodded continuously, “Young Master, Mrs., please follow me.” Chapter 429: I’m Not Nervous As they walked, Butler Howard said: “The Old Madam has been talking about it all day, wondering why you haven’t arrived yet. She didn’t want to call and rush you, afraid if you had something to do, it would delay you.” Adrian Zhekova explained: “In the morning, Cindy was busy at home making the mooncakes to bring here, so we came after having lunch.” Butler Howard immediately smiled: “Last time Mrs. Zhekova came and made a whole table of dishes, our family’s Aunt Evans still keeps talking about it.” Last time Cindy came, she came in the identity of a Private Home-style Cuisine chef.
The Old Madam wanted to meet Cindy, but at that time, she didn’t know that Cindy and Adrian had a child.
But that time, Cindy prepared lunch for the old madams and still remembered to set aside a separate portion for Aunt Evans.
Later, Aunt Evans told Butler Howard about it and praised Cindy a lot.
As a result, Butler Howard became especially fond and grateful to Cindy.
In the family mansion, Butler Howard and Aunt Evans are like family members of the Zhekova Family, not just a butler and housekeeper working there.
But outsiders might not know it.
If it were someone else, they might not pay attention to Butler Howard and Aunt Evans.
At that time, Cindy didn’t know that they were like family here.
But she still thought of Aunt Evans carefully.
She didn’t ignore her just because she thought Aunt Evans was only a housekeeper.
“Not only the Old Madam is eager, the Old Master doesn’t say it but, you might notice that he is also anxious for you to come.” Butler Howard laughed and helped Cindy understand the situation in advance.
“Yesterday, didn’t you go to a party?” Butler Howard said, “Today, Old Mr. Smith called and said that Derek Smith and Frank Smith went back to the family mansion for the holiday. They mentioned Mrs. Zhekova and the young miss to Old Mr. Smith and Old Madam Smith.” Cindy quickly took the opportunity to say: “Butler Howard, please just call me by my name. I feel embarrassed being called Mrs. Zhekova. You don’t need to be so polite with me.” Since Butler Howard had already accepted that Cindy was Mrs. Zhekova.
So, Adrian didn’t worry much about the titles.
He nodded and said: “Uncle Howard, since Cindy feels uncomfortable, please just call her by her name.” “Alright,” Butler Howard agreed readily.
“Cherry Swift had a high evaluation of Cind… Miss Clarke, and Derek and Frank also like Morgan.” Butler Howard smiled, “With their approval, although the Old Master hasn’t met Cindy yet and hasn’t given in on the surface, he actually has accepted her in his heart. He has withdrawn his previous reserved attitude.” “Knowing that you would come in the afternoon, the Old Master didn’t take a nap today. After having lunch, he came to the courtyard. At first, he said he was digesting. Then he said he was taking a walk. Anyway, he kept looking for various reasons to come out. He looked out several times and found many excuses.” How could the Old Madam not know the Old Master’s real purpose?
So she didn’t bother to listen to his excuses.
It all went in one ear and out the other.
In the end, the Old Master’s excuses were just for himself to hear.
Although Cindy hadn’t met Old Mr. Zhekova yet, listening to Butler Howard’s descriptions, she already had an image of a lovely elderly person in her mind.
“How is it? Do you feel at ease now, not nervous anymore?” Adrian smiled at Cindy and Morgan.
“I was never nervous! I’m not nervous at all!” Morgan wouldn’t admit that she was just nervous.
Chapter 430: It Turns Out He Didn’t Get Any Good Things “How could anyone not like me when I’m this cute!” Morgan Zhekova held his head high and squared his shoulders, oozing with confidence, “Dad, even when you didn’t know I was your little darling, you still liked me a lot, didn’t you?” Adrian Zhekova felt sick at the sound of “little darling” from Morgan. Where on earth did this kid get such confidence from!
“Back then, you were always thinking of me! And you would hold me up high!” The more Morgan spoke, the more confident he became. He raised his little hand in a nonchalant gesture and combed his hair, “Anyway, you just need to bring me back, and I’ll handle the rest!” Adrian Zhekova:
Ha-ha!
Wasn’t this the same boy who stood pale-faced at the door, utterly nervous, just moments ago?
Butler Howard:
Even if you put appearance aside, this kid is surely from the Zhekova Family. There’s no doubt about it.
His narcissistic manner is so much like Adrian Zhekova.
And the stubbornness, he’s clearly inherited that from the Old Master.
With these thoughts, a hint of a smile cracked on Butler Howard’s face.
So, it seems this little guy didn’t inherit any of their good traits?
Instead, he inherited Adrian’s narcissism and the Old Master’s stubbornness.
The destructive power of these traits is really impressive!
Cindy Clarke couldn’t help but laugh and seemed to relax quite a bit.
Chatting this way, they inched their way to the front of the Main Hall.
Butler Howard opened the door and announced,”Old Master, Old Madam, Sir, Mrs., Young Master and Miss Clarke have arrived, along with Young Master Morgan.” After saying this, Butler Howard stepped aside.
Cindy Clarke, gripping Morgan’s hand, followed Adrian Zhekova into the room.
Inside the room were the old couple, Maverick Zhekova, and Victoria Wheeler.
The Old Madam, as always, was grinning ear to ear and full of pep.
The Old Master was quite imposing, but probably due to Butler Howard’s introduction on the journey.
At this moment, although Cindy Clarke was a bit nervous seeing the Old Master, she wasn’t fearful anymore.
She just regarded him as an adorable elderly relative.
Everyone’s attention soon converged on Morgan.
Seeing everyone looking at him, the poor child got so nervous that he froze in place.
“You’ve scared Morgan.” Surprisingly, it was the Old Master who spoke up first, “Act with some restraint!” Morgan was a bit rigid from nerves before, but he was okay.
Who would have known that the Old Master’s sudden shout would make him almost jump up in fright.
His tiny figure trembled a bit, his face showed signs of lingering fear.
Especially when the young lad’s large, rolling eyes, clear and distinct, were widened in surprise from the shock.
Everyone’s hearts melted at the sight.
The Old Madam was heartbroken, she glared at the Old Master, “You’re the scariest! What are you yelling for!” The Old Master:
He had just been too excited and couldn’t contain himself.
Plus, when people get old, it’s hard to control the volume of their voice, isn’t it?
From the moment he heard about Cindy Clarke and Morgan from Old Mr. Smith this morning, he had been looking forward to their arrival.
He had reservations about Cindy Clarke at first. He felt that Adrian Zhekova’s evaluation of her would certainly be biased because of his affection for her.
Isn’t it common for people in love, especially those in the throes of passion, to lose their heads?
They see everything about the other person as appealing, even their flaws can become charming traits.
The Old Master firmly believed that he understood the nuances of love.
So, he didn’t completely trust what Adrian Zhekova said.
Adrian Zhekova found everything about Cindy Clarke to be good because he liked her.
The Old Master also didn’t completely believe what the Old Madam and Victoria Wheeler said.