Chapter 207 Palm Kiss
Jerry was remarkably efficient in his actions. In less than half an hour, the vegetables were washed and chopped. However, while I had clearly said I wanted mashed potatoes, Jerry seemed intent on making French fries. Not that I minded much—fries were delicious too.
I was lounging on the couch, idly scrolling through my phone, when I noticed him emerge from the kitchen, wearing an apron. The always-arrogant heir scratched his head awkwardly. "Do you want to take a shower first?"
I looked up, puzzled. "I’d rather eat first and then shower."
"Go take a shower. You'll feel refreshed and enjoy your meal more," he earnestly persuaded.
I wasn’t sure what he was up to, but this didn’t seem like a hill worth dying on, so I chose to compromise.
I went to the bedroom, closed the door, grabbed my clothes, and went into the bathroom. By the time I finished showering, the food was ready.
Jerry was in the kitchen doing something. When he heard me come out, he glanced up guiltily and said, "Let’s eat."
"Okay!" I was genuinely surprised by his cooking skills. "I didn't know you could cook so well."
Four dishes and a soup—all looked as good as restaurant quality.
Did he have any flaws?
Jerry pulled out a chair for me and raised an eyebrow. "Take a good look. My strengths are no less than Christopher's."
I sat down, still puzzled. "Where are the fries? Are they not ready yet?"
He lazily sat next to me. "What fries?"
I was puzzled. "You were cutting potatoes for fries, weren’t you?"
He cursed under his breath and pointed to the blackened potatoes in the kitchen trash can, which also contained a few takeout boxes underneath. I realized what had happened. No wonder he wanted me to take a shower.
But the food from this restaurant was indeed good. Every dish was perfectly seasoned and cooked, making it very enjoyable to eat.
Seeing my satisfied look, Jerry smiled, "Do you like it?"
I replied, "I like it a lot."
"Then do you mind also liking the person who made this meal?"
"Do you mean the chef?" I teased.
Jerry gritted his teeth. "Hope Royston! You knew from the start?"
I nodded. "Yes. Someone who can cook so well wouldn't burn fries, Mr. Hammer. Next time..."
Before I could finish, I widened my eyes and raised my hand to block. Jerry's lips unexpectedly touched my palm, the cool sensation making me stiffen.
He looked at me, deflated. "That was quick."
I swiftly pulled away, creating a safe distance, nervously swallowing. "Move any faster, and I can't guarantee I won't call the cops."
"Hope Royston, you're here just to torment me," Jerry said, flicking my forehead with his finger before rising to clear the dishes.
Before leaving, he stood at the entrance and muttered, "All the daily necessities for women are in the living room cabinet. Remember to lock the door, and call me if you need anything."
I interjected him, "Anything else you want to say?"
He swallowed, his eyes bright, and despite his serious demeanor, he wore a rogue's grin. "When do you plan to fulfill our childhood engagement?"
I clenched my palm. "I haven't finalized my divorce yet, and that promise was from when we were kids."
Truthfully, those were mere excuses. The real reason? I was not ready to risk loving someone again.
Seeing through me, Jerry pressed, "I want the truth."
I sighed and said candidly, "I need some time to think it through."
He nodded, hands in his pockets. "Of course, take your time."
The next day, Jerry and I agreed to meet the person Kyle had captured. Jerry mentioned that this person had confessed something significant and I needed to hear it firsthand to decide whether to believe it.
He reasoned, "If you hear it from me, it might seem like I'm trying to stir up trouble, ruining my upright image."
Just as I was about to change and put on makeup, the doorbell rang. Checking my phone, I realized it was two hours before our scheduled time. Smiling, I walked lightly to the door, only to be stunned by the person standing there.
"Hello, Mr. Hammer," I greeted politely.
Austin, looking entirely different from the night at the hospital, now seemed like a warm, middle-aged uncle. "May I come in?"
"Sure, please come in."I replied, stepping back.
The door was open, with bodyguards standing outside.
Austin sat down, his eyes scanning the house before he sighed, "Jerry never cares about anyone, but he's been devoted to you for twenty years. He personally oversaw the renovation of this place. A Hammer heir running errands and dealing with every detail."
My heart tightened. Wealthy folks usually outsourced house renovations, rarely showing up until the final inspection.
I poured a glass of water and placed it in front of Austin. "Yes, Jerry is very good."
Especially to me.
I shouldn't be afraid that when I offer my heart, he would turn against me like Christopher had done.
Austin finally got to the point. "Twenty years ago, you and my son would have been a perfect match. But now, divorced or not, you were once Mrs. Valence. He deserves a better match."
I clenched my palm. "What do you mean?"
Austin said, "I know you're smart. Now, the Harris family has declined under Mr. Valence's pressure. And you know whether Mr. Valence will divorce you."
He nearly outright stated that regardless of my marital status or affiliation with the Harris family, I was not worthy of Jerry.
I lowered my eyes. "Have you asked Jerry what he thinks?"
With a confident laugh, Austin said, "If he agreed, I wouldn't be here. He's simple-minded, but Mrs. Valence, you can see the bigger picture. You know I have more than one son. If Jerry insists, the Hammer family has other heirs."
In other words, if Jerry chose to be with me, his half-siblings would inherit the Hammer family wealth.
I looked up and asked directly, "Alex Hammer wouldn't agree, right?"
As far as I knew, Jerry's grandfather, Alex Hammer, doted on Jerry.
Austin took a sip of water, his voice steady. "Like I said, you were smart. Unfortunately, because of you, he had a big fight with me. Now he had a heart attack this morning and is still in the hospital. The Hammer family is now under my control."
He slowly stood up, his presence a reminder of my precarious situation. "Mrs. Valence, I can't make him see reason, but you can."
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