Chapter 79

Vivian Bennett stood by the dining table, feeling dazed.

Her cousin's husband, Jason Harper, had actually served her soup himself.

This was even more unbelievable than the sun rising from the west.

She cautiously accepted the bowl and murmured her thanks.

Jason beamed at her. "We're all family here. No need for formalities."

The words "all family" sounded particularly harsh coming from him.

Vivian remembered clearly.

When she had first stayed with them, Jason had often treated her poorly.

He would complain every time she took an extra piece of meat during meals.

Now he was serving her soup?

Grace Harper pulled her down into a chair. "Eat while it's hot."

Vivian mechanically picked up her fork and knife.

Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward Jason.

He was carefully opening a bottle of red wine.

She recognized that bottle.

It was Jason's treasured possession, aged for many years.

He usually wouldn't even let Grace touch it.

Yet today he was willing to open it?

"Don't just eat, Vivian," Jason suddenly spoke.

He deftly poured three glasses of wine.

The first glass was pushed directly in front of her.

"Here, let me propose a toast to you."

Vivian instinctively stood up.

But Jason pressed her back into her chair.

"Just drink while sitting."

He threw his head back and drained his glass in one go.

He showed her the empty glass.

Vivian hesitated, holding her wine glass.

Grace quickly tried to smooth things over. "Just a sip is fine."

Vivian reluctantly drank half the glass.

The rich aroma of the wine spread across her tongue.

It was indeed excellent.

Jason served her more food. "Eat more."

The tenderest piece of steamed sea bass.

The largest piece of sweet and sour ribs.

Shelled shrimp from the buttered prawns.

All piled high in her bowl.

Vivian held her utensils, tasting nothing.

There's always a trick behind unusual behavior.

When had Jason ever been this attentive?

She put down her fork and knife and looked directly at Jason. "Just say what you want to say, Jason."

Jason rubbed his hands together.

His smile widened. "Vivian, you really are clever."

He glanced at Grace.

Grace lowered her head, her fingers twisting the hem of her shirt.

Jason leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You've been promoted now. Could you give me a hand?"

Vivian raised an eyebrow. "What kind of hand?"

Jason's eyes lit up. "Transfer me to the headquarters!"

He counted the benefits on his fingers. "My salary would double. There would be more room for advancement. Your cousin could have a better life too."

Grace softly added, "Your Jason is quite capable."

Vivian looked at her cousin's evasive eyes.

She suddenly understood the real purpose of this meal.