She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 683

Under the watchful eyes of everyone in the room, Loyce reached out and accepted the box. "Thank you. It's a large table, we have plenty of chairs. Please, have a seat, Mr. Shapiro."

Loyce's acceptance instantly cleared the heavy, stagnant air that had settled over the room when Zeke arrived.

Gordon's slightly tense expression melted back into a welcoming smile. "Come on, take a seat right next to me. The kids have been slaving away all afternoon. You're just in time to taste their handiwork."

Zeke nodded and took the seat beside Gordon.

His eyes involuntarily tracked his grandson. Lucian had already reverted to his usual stoic, impenetrable self. But looking closely, the stiff line of his spine and his overly formal posture were a stark contrast to the relaxed, laughing man he had been in the kitchen just moments ago.

The three Lonsdale brothers exchanged a look and seamlessly stepped in to liven up the atmosphere.

"Perfect timing, Mr. Shapiro. Try the turkey. Forrest roasted it exactly to Loyce's specifications." Hank was the first to act, dropping a massive turkey leg onto Zeke's plate.

Hank was rarely this polite to outsiders, but for the sake of his sister's happiness—and even for Lucian, whom he was beginning to tolerate—he decided to play nice with the old man.

Zeke looked at the golden-brown, mouth-watering turkey on his plate, then glanced at his grandson sitting rigidly across from him. He picked up his silverware, cut a small piece, and took a bite.

The meat was incredibly tender and juicy, the spices perfectly balanced.

Surprise flickered in his eyes. "You boys made all this?"

"Yeah," Forrest replied smoothly. "But we were just following orders. Without Loyce's guidance and recipes, it would have been a disaster."

Zeke looked at Loyce and slowly nodded. "It's excellent."

"And these vegetable garnishes are supposedly my grandson's masterpiece," Gordon boasted, pointing to the elaborate charcuterie board. "Look at that dragon! It belongs in a museum. I almost feel bad eating it."

Morris smiled modestly. "Just a parlor trick. It doesn't hold a candle to the salad dressing Loyce put together."

Zeke's gaze drifted from the intricate carvings to the rather plain-looking bowl of potato salad in front of Loyce. He remembered Lucian saying he had made it himself.

Catching his glance, Loyce picked up the serving spoon, scooped a generous portion of the potato salad, and naturally placed it onto Zeke's empty side plate. Her voice was calm and even. "Lucian made this one. You should try it."

Zeke froze slightly, looking up at Loyce. A complex mix of emotions swirled in his eyes. He took a bite. The mashed potatoes were rich and smooth, the dressing perfectly tangy with a subtle hint of herbs. It was, undeniably, delicious.

The old man ate in silence, offering no verbal praise, but the rigid lines of his face seemed to soften considerably.

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