Chapter 564


    Valerie''s car came into view from afar. Sophia became immediately excited and quickly stood up, eximing, "They''re back, they''re back!"


    Ryan nodded in agreement. "Yes, they finally made it back. I''ll go check how things areing along in the kitchen." Ryan immediately turned and headed to the kitchen. "Chef Russo, they''ve already returned," he announced.


    He nodded and said, "Don''t worry, everything is ready. Dinner will be served in forty minutes." Hearing this, Ryan returned to report the news. Valerie and Matthew were excited as they got out of the car. Eager to check out the kitchen, Valerie was thrilled to taste dishes a state banquet chef prepared for the first time and wanted to learn a few things. "Grandma, Grandpa, I''m back!" she called enthusiastically.


    Sophia held Valerie''s hand and said, "You''ve worked hard today, even on New Year. Matthew, you need to take good care of Valerie from now on and not let her get so tired again!"


    "Got it. I won''t let it happen again," Matthew replied.


    Matthew''s words made Valerie smile. "I''m not tired at all. Everyone has been taking good care of me. Grandma, can I check how things areing along in the kitchen? It is my first New Year at home, and I want to show what I can do!" Sophia watched Valerie, wanting to remind her to be careful, but Valerie was already eagerly heading into the kitchen.


    The Grant family staff were startled when they saw Valerie and immediately greeted her, "Mrs. Grant!"


    "Don''t be so formal. I''m just here to learn a bit. I hope I''m not disturbing you," Valerie said.


    Chef Russo looked at the woman who had appeared before him and realized she was Mrs. Grant. He nodded and said, "You''re not disturbing us. Everything is nearly ready. Here''s the menu for your review."


    Seeing the man before her, with his gray hair and average build, Valerie immediately recognized him as the state banquet chef. She nced over the menu and said, "You''ve put a lot of thought into this, considering everyone''s tastes. Let me show off my skills, too!"


    "Please, feel free, Mrs. Grant," Chef Russo said, impressed by how approachable she was. Valerie, feeling weed, didn''t hold back and began to join in.


    Before long, Matthew entered the kitchen, having changed out of his usual attire. His presence immediately caused a stir, and everyone became tense. However, he walked straight over to Valerie and said, "You all continue with what you''re doing; I''ll help her." He rolled up his sleeves and began assisting Valerie. The staff were astonished to see Matthew, a prominent figure in Kranson City, working in the kitchen alongside Valerie. Seeing such distinguished individuals busying themselves in this was a remarkable sight.


    Valerie did not think much of it and rolled up her sleeves. "I want to make a vani custard. You can wash the bass for me, and I''ll prepare the egg mixture. It''s straightforward; it will be ready in just a few minutes.


    "Also, I''d like to bake a cake to celebrate. It''s my first wrapped-up and the first New Year here. Matthew, do you remember the cake we made togetherst time?"


    Matthew nodded. "Of course. Just let me know how you''d like things done, and I''ll take care of it."


    The other staff were left


    dumbfounded, none ever expected


    iel


    Matthew to help Valerie so willingly. Known for his decisiveness, stern demeanor outside, and cold nature at home, Matthew seemed to transform into apliant kitten when it came to Valerie. The sight of the couple smiling at each other didn''t look like an act, leaving the Grant family''s staff utterly amazed.


    Chef Russo observed the couple and felt their rtionship was genuinely affectionate, unlike the pretense he often saw elsewhere. Despite her young age, Valerie quickly and efficiently prepared the ingredients. As she quickly cracked three eggs into a bowl and whisked them with practiced ease, he realized she wasn''t the pampered typé and was quite skilled in the kitchen. With a smile, he returned to focusing on his cooking.


    Although somewhat clumsy, Matthew worked perfectly with


    l


    Valerie, assisting her in the kitchen. The head chef of the Grant family watched in disbelief. Usually, Matthew never stepped into the kitchen at the manor and never cooked. Seeing him now helping Valerie made it clear how well-suited they were for each other Valerie, adept in the kitchen, showed that cooking was not new to her. The sight of them working together made them hopeful that their happiness would bring the entire Grant family prosperity.


    The custard was steamed in a double boiler, and then the cake-making began.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    "Let''s make a simple fruitcake!" Valerie said.


    "Sure, the fruits are all air-shipped, so feel free to use any of them," Matthew replied.


    Valerie nced into the fridge and saw that all the preserved fruits were her favorites. She picked out two types, choosing appetizing ones that wouldplement the meal without shing with the other dishes, considering they were for older people.


    Recently, with the constant filming schedule, her body was starting to feel the strain. She decided to boost her vitamin C intake, so she grabbed a couple of oranges and some easily digestible dragon fruit to begin. "Do you remember the steps fromst time? Get the mixer ready..."


    "I''ve already bought it," Matthew said as he pulled the mixer out of the cab. Valerie was slightly surprised, and he exined, "I knew you enjoyed doing these things, so I got aplete set of kitchen tools and equipment, all from your favorite brand."


    Valerie looked at Matthew and yfully pinched his cheek. "You''re so thoughtful!"


    The chefs couldn''t help but exchange nces when they saw the gesture, thinking that Valerie was quite bold.