Micah gazed at Sadie with a soft smile. "You know, you don''t have to go all out. As long as there''s food, it doesn''t matter who cooks it."


    Sadie shot back yfully, "But I want to cook for you. Is that a problem?"


    Micah chuckled. "Alright, whatever you say."


    He had mellowed out a lot; gone were the days of being overbearing. Life''s too short to waste on arguments. He just wanted her to be happy by his side. Her happiness was his happiness. Sadie nced over at Annika and Andrew, Arya and Rodolfo, then leaned in to Micah. "Can we talk? I''ve already given the green light for these two couples to date. Any objections?" Micah sighed, "You''ve already decided. What can I say? You''ve got Half Mountain Vi and Hillside Vi under your thumb now!"


    Sadie grinned. "You don''t seem thrilled about it." "Convince me with some sincerity," Micah teased. Sadie blinked, confused. "What kind of sincerity?"


    Micah leaned in, his hand brushing her arm. "What do you think?"


    Realizing his meaning, Sadie quickly pulled away. "You''re still recovering. Don''t get any ideas."


    "I''m fine," Micah said, pressing her hand to his chest so she could feel his steady heartbeat.


    "Stop it," Sadie blushed. "People are watching."


    "Then let''s wait until we''re back in the room," Micah teased, giving her cheek a yful pinch before returning to his meal. Everyone was in high spirits tonight, even the servants had a bit of wine.


    The kids, after eating, ran off to y. Arya and Rodolfo kept an eye on them but couldn''t help sneaking nces at each other. Andrew was doting on Annika but kept checking to see if Micah needed anything.


    Micah noticed and said, "Your job tonight is to take care of the guests."


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens," Andrew replied, grateful. Micah could be tough, but he had his considerate moments.


    "Annika, how''s your wound healing?" Sadie asked with concern.


    "It''s healing well, Ms. James. Don''t worry," Annika smiled. "But you look like you''ve lost weight."


    Sadie touched her face. "Really?"


    "You''ve been taking care of me, working too hard," Micah raised his ss to her, joking, "Eating porridge with me every day must''ve made you lose a few pounds."


    "Are you saying I''m mistreating you?" Sadieughed. "You''ve been on porridge for so long. Starting today, you can eat other things, but no spicy food and less alcohol." "She''s not even old yet, and she''s already nagging," Micah pointed at Sadie and asked Annika and the others, "How do you put up with her?"


    "Ms. James is amazing," Annika quickly defended. "I won''t find a better boss."


    "Mr. Clemens is great too," Andrew added instinctively.


    Annika shot him a look that said, "Are youpeting with me?"


    Andrew quickly looked away, not daring to meet her eyes.


    Sadieughed at their yful banter.


    "We''re all great," Micah said, trying to ease the tension. "We''re all family, no need topete."


    "Who says I''m family with you?" Sadie retorted but smiled.


    Micah cupped the back of her head, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply.