Nathalie scooped a piece of braised pork onto Nathan''s te, her voice teasing like you''d use with a kid, "Nathan, here''s your favorite braised pork." Nathan felt a weight lift off his shoulders, his mood brightening immediately. Throughout the meal, he wore a constant, subtle smile.


    Though the meal was simple, the atmosphere was warm and lively. Everyone was chatting andughing, truly enjoying each other''spany.


    Dominick and Ford even got a bit teary-eyed. Dominick said, "Sis, Ford and I are orphans. It was Grandpa who got us out of the orphanage and paid for our schooling. Even though he''s just a year older than us, he''s like a father to us. We respect him and rely on him deeply."


    Nathalie was taken by surprise. She nced over at Nathan, a knowing look in her eyes.


    She suspected Nathan, Ford, and Dominick had some sort of deep connection in a past life. After Nathan''s rebirth, he must have feltpelled to help Ford and Dominick out early on.


    Their bond seemed even stronger than she had perceived.


    She felt genuinely happy that Nathan had two brothers who were so sincere with him. It was truly a blessing.


    Dominick went on, "Before today, Ford and I were worried about what kind of girlfriend Grandpa would end up with. Would she ept us? But seeing you today, your kindness has eased all our anxieties. We''re really grateful. This meal didn''t just give Ford and me a family, it also gave us respect."


    Dominick raised his ss and pledged, "From now on, you''re like my sister. I promise to always respect and protect you, just as I promised Grandpa."


    Nathalie was caught off guard.


    She was astonished by how much Nathan truly cherished her, and by how genuine Dominick and Ford were.


    Her eyes welled up with tears, "All it took was cooking a meal to win your heartspletely. I must be having a lucky day."


    Nathan gently wiped her tears away with his thumb.


    In the end, Dominick and Ford, overjoyed, drank a bit too much.


    Ford, usually the quiet type, turned


    into a chatterbox, holding Nathan''s hand, pouring his heart out,


    "Grandpa, thank you for being so et


    good to me. Even though you''re grumpy and a bit scary, we know you''re the one who truly cares for us..."


    He smeared his tears and snot all over Nathan''s hand.


    Nathan looked at him with a mix of annoyance and helplessness.


    Nathalie couldn''t help butugh.


    She exchanged a nce with Lizzy, and they both went to tidy up in the kitchen.


    When they came back, Nathan had already moved Ford and Dominick to the couch, tucking them in with nkets.


    Nathalie watched Nathan''s gentle, thoughtful actions and fell into deep thought.


    Lizzy whispered in her ear, "Sis, if you don''t let him know how you feel and someone else steals him away, you''bhave no one to me but yourself."


    Nathalie pretended to be cross, "You little rascal, are you rooting for him too?"


    Lizzy grinned, seeing right through her, "Sis, isn''t it what you''ve always wanted, to see someone treat him well?"


    Nathalie turned her gaze to the


    window, spotting a figure


    approaching under an umbre. Her


    expression grew serious as she


    muttered, "That might not be as good as it seems."


    With that, she headed upstairs alone.