Chapter 40:

🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙

“Finally, they’re out of here,” Emanuel exhaled deeply, his eyes locked onto the tea set as if it held some ancient secret. “You must be exhausted after all that. There’s some food left over, but it’s my leftovers, not exactly set aside for you.”

Allison’s eyes swept over the table, noting that the dishes were fresher than Emanuel let on. She decided to keep that observation to herself.

Reluctantly, Emanuel stashed the tea set and took his place at the table. They gathered for a meal, and the mood was surprisingly serene. Emanuel was in high spirits, even treating himself to a sip of his treasured Hennessy Paradis. “You’ve fulfilled my biggest dream today! It’s a shame you young folks crave independence so fiercely. I wanted to hand this property over to you so you could settle down.”

Allison nibbled on a piece of delectable fish, more focused on her plate than on Emanuel’s words.

“Are you turning your nose up at it?” Emanuel pressed.

“No. Everyone knows your place here is worth a fortune. It’s the true legacy of the entire Athton.”

If Allison had stamped Emanuel’s name on the ceramics she crafted, it would have been like striking gold and securing her future without further struggle.

Emanuel had seen the harsh realities of life. Today, when that unsavory couple showed up with ill intentions toward Allison, Emanuel had a moment of clarity about her struggles.

Allison was a young woman on her own, freshly divorced, and without the safety net of family. Emanuel wanted to offer her a place of stability.

Updates loaded at gαlησνe𝓁s․com

But Allison’s playful refusal to his offer made him chuckle as he served Kellan a hearty piece of braised meat. “You did a great job today. Here, have this!” A hint of sadness flickered in Emanuel’s eyes. The detestable couple had paraded around his domain today, but they actually held Kellan in high regard. In the end, it was money and power that drove people. Kellan might not have Allison’s talent, but he proved to be quite capable in the everyday grind.

“Allison, I’m not trying to pity you, but I genuinely don’t want these old pieces to vanish from history.”

Emanuel sighed heavily. These days, pottery was largely machine-made, and fewer young people carried the torch. Even his own generation was fading away.

The competitive edge of their youth had left a lasting impression, but the departure of familiar faces brought an inexplicable loneliness.

Understanding Emanuel’s sentiment, Allison put down her utensils and spoke with calm resolve. “I appreciate your desire to preserve the art of pottery, but taking over this property would be too great a burden. I’m not one for being tied down. I promise to promote the craft, but you should prioritize your family when it comes to the property.”

Emanuel wanted to argue further, but Allison skillfully shifted the topic.

“Emanuel, how bad do you think my situation is? Just because I’m divorced doesn’t mean I’m destitute. I own a villa at the Starfish Villas. I’ve just been occupied with other matters, which is why I’m temporarily staying with a friend. I am far from being homeless.”

“Staying with a friend is hardly ideal,” Kellan added. “If you need a place, just let me know. I have plenty of properties. Consider it a reward for today’s guidance.”

“Always the wealthy one,” Allison chuckled.

“Well, it’s getting late. You two might as well stay here tonight,” Emanuel said, rising with a groan. “I’m getting old. Cooking makes my back and waist ache.”

Allison shook her head, seeing through Emanuel’s feigned discomfort. He was likely sore from his excitement over the tea set.

“Since it’s going to rain tonight, you can’t just mooch off my place. Go fetch some dried bamboo shoots from the hill behind.”

Kellan looked at his wheelchair in silence.

“I’m disabled,” he said flatly.

“But you still have arms and legs,” Emanuel retorted. “That fancy wheelchair of yours should make it a breeze. You could probably catch and haul a pig with it, let alone some bamboo shoots. Just go.”

Allison eyed Kellan’s custom-designed wheelchair, produced by a top medical technology team, knowing Emanuel saw any fancy contraption as a mere tool for work.

Kellan, accustomed to Emanuel’s tough-love approach, saw a reflection of his own grandfather in him. Despite Emanuel’s constant scolding, he had always cared for Kellan deeply.

“Alright, I’ll go make good use of my wheels.”

.

.

.