Chapter 565


    Chef Russo noticed that Valerie and Matthew had a special bond, and their warm, harmonious rtionship created a true sense of home. Seeing how well the couple got along, he became even more meticulous with his cooking. Soon, the dishes, desserts, and soups were ready.


    Once the dishes were served, Valerie''s cake was also ready. Matthew turned to Chef Russo, who nodded and said, "Mr. Grant, the meal is all set."


    "Thank you for your hard work," Matthew said as he handed over a check. Chef Russo took the check with a smile and responded, "Enjoy your meal, and Happy New Year!"


    Matthew nodded, and Valerie couldn''t help but exim, "100 thousand dors!" She thought, ''A state banquet chef is truly worth that much! It''s good to have a specialty!''


    Matthew nodded and exined, "Each dish costs 2 thousand dors. We provided the ingredients, and since it''s the New Year, the price is a bit higher, but overall, it''s reasonable." He then led Valerie outside, where Nn and Sophia were already seated, and called for Valerie to join them.


    Valerie looked up and was astonished to see a giant lobster on a 3-foot-long tter on the table. The presentation and the array of dishes were truly mouthwatering. "What a huge lobster!" she eximed.


    Matthew exined, "This Austrolobster was delivered this morning. The ingredients are fresh, so we felt confident serving it to you."


    "How much does it weigh?" Valerie asked.


    Ryan chimed in. "It''s about six pounds. We specifically chose this weight for good luck and prosperity!"


    Valerie was surprised by the many details that wealthy families put into their meals. Sophia patted the seat and said, "Come, sit beside me.


    "This dinner was specially prepared for you. I''m so happy that Matthew is no longer alone, and it makes me d, too!"


    Valerie felt profoundly and said, "I feel the same way. Meeting Matthew has given me a home." She and Matthew exchanged smiles, recognizing that finding each other was their most incredible fortune.


    Matthew poured Valerie a ss of freshly squeezed juice and served his grandparents and himself wine. "Here''s to a new year where all our wishese true, and everything prospers," he said. Valerie wholeheartedly agreed, looking forward to the new addition to the family this year. She couldn''t wait; the house would be lively and joyful once the baby arrived.


    Hearing his words, everyone felt joyful and raised their sses in unison to toast.


    Valerie looked at Matthew beside


    е


    her and took his hand. Admiring the dishes on the table, she couldn''t help but take a photo, eximing, "So beautiful! Truly worthy of a top chef!" She had initially thought that state banquet chefs were just about making delicious food, but she was amazed by their sense of aesthetics and perfect color coordination. She realized that mastery in any field could lead to bing a leading figure and earning substantial rewards.


    Matthew carefully served the dishes for her while Sophia watched the couple with great satisfaction. She thought, After all these years, I''ve finally seen Matthew settle down and start a family. He has someone who cares for him, and I feel like I''ve fulfilled my mission!''


    Sophia drank more in unusually high spirits today, and Nn did the same. Having watched over Matthew and the Grant family for so many years, they felt content seeing him now with a harmonious family, which brought them great joy.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    After the meal, Valerie brought out the desserts. Unlike the borate and beautifully crafted ones by the state banquet chef, these were made with her and Matthew''s heartfelt effort. "Grandpa, Grandma, this is the cake Matthew and I made together. Please give it a try!"


    Sophia was thrilled, saying, "After all these years, finally get to enjoy something made by my


    grandchildren. Before you came, not only did Matthew rarely step into the


    kitchen, but he didn''t even coop ne


    me. Now that you''re here, everything is different! It shows that having a wife changes a person. Valerie, make sure to train him well!" Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Valerie smiled at Matthew and said, "Thank you for teaching Matthew so well. He takes such good care of me and is wonderful with the baby." As Valerie and Sophia exchanged praise, Matthew and Nn stood by, unable to speak.


    The New Year''s atmosphere was distinctly festive as the family gathered together. After the meal, Sophia took out a satin gift bag and handed it to Valerie. "This is your New Year''s gift for your first year celebrating at the manor," she said.


    "Thank you, Grandma!" Valerie graciously epted it and, feeling the thickness, could tell it contained several thousand dors.


    Seeing Valerie''s reaction, Sophia smiled and nudged Nn, saying, "And yours?"


    Nn quickly took out a gift bag and said, "Valerie, this is for you. Since you''re pregnant this year and it''s New Year''s, we''re giving you double. It also includes a portion for Matthew and the baby in your belly!"


    Nn''s gift bag looked much thinner byparison. When Valerie picked it up, she realized it contained a bank card. Nn smiled as he watched her reaction.


    Valerie quickly thanked him and waved triumphantly at Matthew. Matthew couldn''t help but smile, thinking she was so easily pleased by two gift bags. Matthew felt sympathy, knowing Valerie''s childhood and understanding that her parents would never have given her New Year''s gifts. It might be her very first experience receiving such a gift.


    Every year brought its gift, and every moment brought its joy.


    For a moment, Valerie couldn''t help but wonder what her biological parents might have been like. She wondered if they would have been kind and warm and if her childhood would have been filled with more joy and warmth had she grown up with them.