Chapter 172
Chapter 172
They were eager to savor the feast before them.
Vivien’s gaze had been fixed on Howard and Gwendolyn, watching as they lifted the lids and took their first
bites.
She then lowered her head and slowly began to taste the dish in front of her.
It must be said, the flavors of this seafood chowder surpassed any she’d experienced before. A sly and triumphant smile curled the comers of her mouth.
At the head table, Howard leaned toward Gwendolyn, his voice hushed. “With a dish like this, you start by appreciating the savory broth, then work your way down through the layers, tasting each ingredient.”
Gwendolyn sparkled her eyes with curiosity. She mimicked Howard, sipping the clear broth before biting into a succulent piece of lobster.
“Delicious,” she declared.
Howard twitched his lips upward. “If you like it, have some more.”
He even pushed his portion toward Gwendolyn, but she refused it.
“One serving each, that’s the rule. I can’t be greedy,” she said. Her restraint was admirable.
“Hey now!” Valor, having observed them for a while, couldn’t resist chiming in. “Coming to my family’s banquet and whispering sweet nothings to each other? Sure, we all know you’re smitten, but don’t blind us with your love!”
His comment drew a round of good–natured laughter from the table.
Valor was probably the only one bold enough to tease Howard.
Gwendolyn’s cheeks flushed a becoming shade of pink.
Howard merely glanced at Valor, a subtle warning in his eyes.
Valor promptly clamped his mouth shut. NôvelDrama.Org content.
Alberta reached over and playfully smacked him. “Don’t mind him, Mr. Chadwick. Valor is spoiled rotten. It’s wonderful that you two are so close. Let’s all toast to Mr. Chadwick for a blissful marriage and a lifetime of happiness,” she said, lightening the mood.
The guests at the head table stood, raising their glasses to Howard, and even Gwendolyn had to lift her glass.
“To Mr. Chadwick, may you have children soon!”
“Two within three years!”
The toasts grew more outrageous.
Howard obliged with three drinks, accepting the well–wishes.
Gwendolyn sipped three small glasses as well, the strong spirits quickly bringing color to her cheeks, and she swayed just a bit.
That was when an accident occurred.
15:05
A server, perhaps too eager, bumped into her, spilling some of the broth onto her dress.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” The server was visibly distressed.
“It’s okay, maybe I wasn’t standing steady,” Gwendolyn said softly.
She turned to Howard. “Mr. Chadwick, I need to visit the restroom.”
“Alright.”
Howard pointed towards a room on the second floor. “There’s a nameplate on the door. You’ll find everything you need there. The Peterson family was always prepared. They should have some spare
clothes.”
“Thank you.”
At the sight of Gwendolyn’s predicament, Alberta offered warmly, “Why don’t I come with you, Gwendolyn? I’ve prepared spare dresses for the ladies, just in case.”
“No need, I can find it.”
Gwendolyn was reluctant to trouble Alberta, who was also a host for the evening.
With many guests at the table waiting to toast, her absence would be impolite.
“Alright then, if you need anything, just call the service desk from the room’s phone. They’ll provide whatever you need.”
“Got it.”
The Peterson family had indeed thought of everything.
Gwendolyn rose and made her way to the second floor’s rest area.
Vivien, watching the scene, gave a subtle nod to the handsome server, signaling him to follow Gwendolyn.
The server hesitated, then with gritted teeth, he followed at a discreet distance behind her.