Chapter 453 The Divine Assistance of the Three Treasures
The Grayson Mansion
After lunch, Angela, Andy, and Nate watched cartoons together before their afternoon nap. Later, the three children played together, though Andy maintained a much cooler demeanor than Nate.
During naptime, Nate had sneaked off to the registration desk and signed Ashley up for the cooking competition.
"Please arrive at the Royal Kitchen tomorrow at 10 AM to prepare," they had informed him.
Nate said to Andy, "I secretly registered Mommy for the competition. They want her there at ten tomorrow. How should we convince her to go to the palace cooking contest?"
Andy thoughtfully stroked his chin. "Lying won't work. We'll have to tell her the truth."
"But Mommy will definitely refuse to go," Nate pointed out.
Andy nodded in agreement, then his quick mind turned to Angela, who was playing with her toys. A sly smile spread across his face. "Let her do the convincing."
"Me?" Angela asked in surprise, pointing to herself.
Andy explained, "If Nate and I try to persuade Mommy to enter the cooking competition, she'll absolutely refuse. But you're different. Now that Mommy knows you're Totti's sister, you can cry and beg her to do it for your brother's health. She'll definitely soften."
"Brilliant!" Nate exclaimed, giving a thumbs-up.
Andy raised an eyebrow smugly.
"But what if your mommy's cooking still makes my brother sick?" Angela asked.
"How will we know unless we try?" Andy responded.
Angela nodded. "That's true. Leave it to me then!" She thumped her chest confidently.
Just then, Ashley approached with a fruit platter, completely unaware of the children's scheme. "Sweethearts, time for fruit," she said warmly.
The three children gathered around. Andy shot Angela a meaningful look, and she nodded while taking a piece of fruit.
"Mommy," Nate began, "while you were napping, I went to the palace and registered you. They want you at the kitchen tomorrow at ten to prepare."
"What?" Ashley exclaimed. "I told you not to register me!"
"Mommy, please," Nate whined. "I've already signed you up. Just try it... please?"
Ashley remained silent, her heart fluttering. Now that she knew Totti was a prince—someone of such noble status—she, as a commoner, lived in an entirely different world. She had already decided to avoid seeing Totti again.
Yet Nate's action could lead to her being selected and having to see Totti every day again.
"Absolutely not!" she said firmly.
At a loss, Nate gave Angela a desperate look.
Angela began to cry. "My brother is so pitiful!"
"Angela, why are you crying? Please stop..." Ashley said, her heart breaking at the sight of the doll-like child looking so miserable.
"It's so unfair," Angela sobbed. "Everyone can eat normally, but my brother gets sick. He's so unfortunate! What if your food doesn't make him sick? He might never taste good food again in his life... Please, Aunt Pearl, do as Nate asks and just try. You might save my brother!"
Ashley was torn between compassion and reluctance.
"Mommy," Andy chimed in, "you always taught us to help others in need. Now Uncle Totti needs help, and you're refusing? I'm so disappointed in you."
Ashley was stunned that her son would look at her with such disappointment. Her heart ached.
The three children stood before her—Nate full of hope, Andy visibly disappointed, and Angela crying inconsolably.
Ashley's resolve crumbled. "Alright, I'll do it."
A satisfied smile tugged at Andy's lips.
"Really?" Angela asked, blinking away tears. "You're not lying to me, are you?"
"I'm not lying," Ashley assured her. "I'll try tomorrow, but I can't promise my cooking won't make your brother sick."
"Pinky promise!" Angela insisted.
Ashley smiled indulgently and linked fingers with the little girl.
"Mommy, you're amazing," Andy said, his tone completely changed to admiration. "Helping others sets a great example. I'm proud of you and want to be like you."
"You're amazing too, Andy," she replied.
"Mommy, I think you're wonderful! Love you!" Nate added.
Ashley kissed his cheek. "Thank you, sweetie."
"Angela, stop crying now," Ashley gently wiped away her tears. "Have some fruit. Your brother will be here to pick you up soon."
"Okay."
Ashley checked the time. "I'll go prepare dinner for you all."
"Yes, Mommy."
As soon as Ashley left, the three children broke into triumphant smiles and high-fived each other.
Suddenly, Ashley turned back. "Sweethearts, what would you like for dinner?"
She caught them in the middle of their celebration, looking suspiciously pleased with themselves.
"Why are you smiling like that?" she asked, a prickle of unease running down her spine as she suspected she had fallen into their trap.
Before they could come up with an excuse, Atticus returned. "Pearl, you're here. Good, I need to talk to you."
Ashley nodded. "Alright."
Outside, Atticus shared his news, "Pearl, I just heard that someone is coming tomorrow to collect milk samples from our farm for testing. If we pass, they'll likely choose our company."
Ashley's hands stilled. "Really? That's wonderful!"
Atticus gazed at her intently, his eyes burning with passion. "If they build a milk powder factory next to our farm, our business will be even more stable."
Suddenly, he grabbed her hand excitedly. "I can give you and the children a better life, Pearl. I... we could..."
His face reddened as he stumbled over his words, trying to propose marriage.
Ashley sensed what he was attempting to say and awkwardly tried to withdraw her hand, but Atticus held on tightly, his eyes full of yearning.
Just then, Diannel and Ian approached. From his angle, Diannel could see Atticus and Ashley in profile, holding hands, and assumed they were a couple.
"Hello," Ian called out. "I'm here to take Angela home."
Ashley seized the opportunity to pull her hand away and turned toward them.
When Diannel saw Ashley's face, his eyes widened in shock. "Mrs. Yates...?"
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