Chapter 164 The Greatest Value
Eileen, in high spirits, made her way to the kitchen. Donning an apron, she retrieved ingredients from the fridge, preparing to bake.
Sharon offered her a*sistance. “Do you need
my help?”
“No need. I’ve done it several times, and I’ve got the hang of it. Sharon, you go ahead with your other tasks.”
“All right, remember to call me if you need anything.”
“Okay.”
The process of making chestnut pie was not too complex. Vera entered, observing the bustling activity, and couldn’t resist asking curiously,-“Eileen, when did you start making chestnut pie? Can you teach me?”
“Sharon taught me. If you want to learn, I can give you a tutorial and the recipe later. It’s not too hard to pick up.”
“Sure thing! Otherwise, I’ll just be watching you work. Eric is chatting with them, but I can’t understand a word, so I thought I’d come over and see you. Do you need any help?”
Eileen replied, “Could you help me wash these dishes? I’ve already done half of them. Please be careful.”
“Sure.” Vera nodded, rolling up her sleeves and adjusting the water temperature from the faucet. “Eileen, how did you come to know Mr. Smith? I can tell, it seems like he has feelings for you.”
Eileen, focused on mashing steamed chestnuts into a paste, didn’t answer the question. Instead, she casually changed the subject, saying, “How are you doing in the Olympiad Math Cla*s? When I was there, the workbook that Mr. Gardner gave me was quite challenging. I’ve only managed to finish half of it so far.”
Vera responded, “It’s manageable, but the study environment in the top cla*s is too intense. Besides focusing on studies and doing exercises all day, there’s hardly any time for personal activities.” She sighed deeply, “There are some concepts I struggle to grasp, and my only recourse is to consult Mr. Gardner. At home, my only option is Eric. However, he’s been arriving home late lately, so if there’s something I don’t understand, I have to let it go. Do… you resent me for taking your spot? For being the reason you couldn’t join the Olympiad Math Cla*s?”
Eileen shook her head. “There’s no need to blame yourself. It’s a competitive environment. That’s the nature of our cla*s. As long as your grades are strong, no one will scrutinize your
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choices, and you’ll always find a way forward, no matter where you are. This is something Ms. Hayes advised me.”
That’s true… Oh, by the way, are you still friends with Yvette?”
Eileen glanced at her. “What’s the matter?”
She’s asking about Yvette. Could it be related to today’s events?
Vera, washing dishes with a somewhat forlorn demeanor, began to share, “Today, I overheard a conversation between Mr. Swan and Eric. He wishes for Eric to be with Ying Yvette! Eileen… what should we do about this?”
Eileen pretended to contemplate, wearing a troubled expression. “I’m not sure, but if my brother has feelings for her, as his sister, it’s only natural that I would want to support. them.”
Perhaps Vera hadn’t anticipated this response. The plate in her hands sl*pped, clattering into the sink. She forced a chuckle. “But… I thought you liked Eric? Are you really going to let him be with someone else?”
Eileen curved her l*ps into a smile, gazing at Vera. “Yes, I do care about him, but… at the moment, it’s the kind of affection a sister has for her brother. Besides… matters of the heart can’t be forced.”
“I’ll
go ch*ck if there’s any mulling spices in the fridge.” Eileen preferred not to delve into unproductive discussions, especially concerning matters related to Eric.
By the time dinner was served, the chestnut pie that Eileen had prepared was ready. She had made a generous amount, enough to feed seven or eight people.
The table was set. Jasper occupied the head, with Will to his left. Eileen sat to his right, in close proximity, and Vera took the seat next to her.
Five individuals faced a table brimming with dishes, an abundance impossible to consume entirely.
With a gracious expression, Will spoke with a smile. “These are just some simple home- cooked dishes. I hope you won’t find them too plain, Mr. Smith.”
“Not at all,” Jasper replied, his gaze frequently shifting toward Eileen as he spoke.
“Good, good. Eileen, serve Mr. Smith some food.”
Eileen presented Jasper with a slice of sweet and sour pork placed in front of him, accompanied by a freshly baked chestnut pie. “Give it a try and let me know if it’s too sweet. If it is, I’ll use less sugar next time.”
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“Did you make this as well?” jasper inquired, holding a piece of the sweet and sour pork.
Eileen nodded, strategically fibbing, “I can’t cook much, just these two.”
“Okay, I’ll give it a try.”
“How does it taste?”
Jasper sampled it. “Not bad.”
All of this was a spectacle for Will to witness. In the Smith family, most of the time, Jasper was the one accompanying her.
“At home, I don’t recall you ever being this nice to me. Why are you so kind today?” As Jasper spoke, his unwavering gaze on her resembled a deep-sea whirlpool, drawing people in.
To an outsider. this gaze wasn’t entirely innocent.
The home Jasper referred to was naturally the Smith residence.
Eileen, inexperienced with such attention, was unsure how to respond. All she could muster was to summon her courage and say, “In my home, you’re a guest, so it’s only natural to treat you well. Please enjoy; it won’t taste as good once it cools down.”
This turned out to be the longest meal Eileen had ever partaken in, lasting for a full two
hours.
The group became rather intoxicated. Will produced his prized red wine, worth over a hundred thousand, along with some Blake wine. The trio drank until their gla*ses were empty.
Shortly after, Will retired to his room to rest.
Jasper was a lightweight when it came to alcohol. Since his leg was still recovering, his old leg ailment would still act up on rainy days, making alcohol consumption impossible.
The clock struck nine in the evening. Eileen helped Jasper to the couch, and Mary brought over the hangover remedy prepared by Sharon.
“Eric, you’ve had quite a bit to drink. Would you like some water?”
“No need, I’ll go back to my room first. Remember to rest early.” Eric’s tone was somewhat distant as he spoke to Vera, and even his gaze lacked its usual gentleness.
Is it because of Eileen? But Eric doesn’t actually like Eileen, right? I know this. Despite Eileen’s deep affection for him and all the crazy things she did, Eric wasn’t swayed at all. Perhaps… I’m overthinking
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Okay, Eric.
He just discussed such a big deal at the dinner table; isn’t he happy?
After all, Will and Eric, both experienced veterans of the social drinking scene, found it impossible to avoid these obligations.
Eileen offered the hangover remedy to Jasper, saying, “Have some; you’ll feel better in a bit.”
“Are you giving me food?”
“Mmhim.”
It was clear that Jasper was trying his best to maintain his composure.
Noticing that the living room was now deserted, with only the housekeepers tidying up the dining table. Eileen said to him, “Actually, you don’t have to agree to cooperate with my father because of me.”
He always gave in and treated her well. It was all kindness she couldn’t repay.
“The fact that your brother took a liking to that piece of land on Cutvine shows he indeed has good taste. But to me, that land means nothing.” He looked at her as if trying to see right through her.
After drinking, even his voice became more alluring, as if enchanting her, “The greatest value is not in it, but in you… Eileen, you know what I desire.”
His scent wafted over her face, a mixture of alcohol and his own aroma, somewhat pleasant.
Eileen’s heart tightened, “I know…”
