Chapter 47: I Miss You

As the steaming dishes were set on the table, Marcellus couldn't wait to take a bite. The moment the flavors hit his palate, his expression softened, and his eyes sparkled with unmistakable admiration. "This taste… it's amazing! Even better than our chef's cooking!"

He knew that many of these dishes might have been prepared by Elise and the household chef, but Livia's thoughtfulness had already delighted him. What he didn't realize, however, was that these dishes were actually prepared by Alia!

He quickly reached for another bite, showering the food with praise and even revealing a childlike, satisfied smile. Alia lowered her head slightly, hiding her expression. Outwardly, she maintained a relaxed demeanor, but her emotions were complex. Marcellus' enthusiastic response brought her relief and bolstered her confidence in the success of her plan.

Edgar, on the other hand, was more restrained. He carefully picked up a piece of roasted meat, placed it in his mouth, and chewed slowly. After a moment, his gaze sharpened, as though recalling something. He refrained from openly praising the food like Marcellus, instead lifting his eyes to Alia and speaking in a calm yet faintly emotional tone. "When did you learn to cook? You never showed much interest in the kitchen before."

Alia smiled nonchalantly and replied, "Recently, I had some free time and found a few cookbooks at home. I thought I'd try making a few simple dishes, and it turns out I'm not too bad at it. Elise helped a lot too."

Edgar didn't respond immediately. Given how little interaction he had with Livia lately, he had no reason to suspect the food was prepared by someone else. He merely took another bite, chewing slowly, his gaze deep and reflective, as though reminiscing about some distant memory. After a long pause, he said softly, "The taste of these dishes… reminds me of what your mother used to make."

Alia couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly. What kind of compliment is that? I'm Alia, not Livia, and I have no idea what her mother's cooking tasted like.

This comment, however, brought a brief silence to the table. Alia noticed the fleeting softness and sadness in Edgar's eyes, though he quickly composed himself and returned to his usual calm demeanor. He looked up, his tone steady once more. "But I doubt you came here just to deliver food, did you?"

Alia felt a pang of tension but kept her expression composed and her tone light. "Mostly, I just wanted to bring you some food. I also thought I'd see if there's anything you need help with. I heard the city expansion project is very important, and I wondered if there's any way I could contribute."

Before she finished speaking, Marcellus chuckled and shook his head. "The fact that you thought to cook for us is already a wonderful surprise. As for the expansion project, don't worry too much about it. It's not as simple as it seems out there."

Edgar gave her a meaningful look but said nothing, as if pondering her true intentions. Alia inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, knowing her father was starting to soften toward her actions. Her plan had only just begun to unfold.

With a gentle smile, she spoke in a natural tone, "It's been so long since I've seen you, Marcellus. I missed you, so I thought I'd come and check on you." The words were delivered casually, laced with just the right amount of warmth, making it hard to discern any hidden motives. While she did genuinely want to see Marcellus, her primary goal was to uncover what they were working on and whether she could gather valuable information.

Marcellus' eyes lit up at her words. His expression instantly shifted from weary to radiant, as though all his fatigue had melted away. He abruptly stood, striding over to Alia, and pulled her into an embrace. His voice was filled with a mix of guilt and deep affection. "My dear, I'm so sorry for neglecting you lately! But hearing that you missed me makes me so happy!"

Alia was momentarily stunned by his enthusiasm but quickly adjusted her expression, lightly patting his back as she chuckled softly. "I know you've been busy, but… you should take a break sometimes."

Edgar, observing the scene, coughed twice, his face adopting a facade of sternness. Yet the slight curve at the corners of his mouth betrayed his satisfaction at the improved relationship between his daughter and son-in-law. Setting the documents in his hand down on the table, he spoke with casual authority, tinged with care. "Since Livia went out of her way to visit, Marcellus, I think you should take a few days off and spend some time with her."

Marcellus hesitated, his brows furrowing slightly as he seemed torn. "But that matter…"

"You don't need to worry," Edgar interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand, his tone firm and resolute. "A few days won't make a difference. I know what needs to be done."

Hearing this, Alia discreetly focused on their exchange, curiosity flashing in her eyes. But outwardly, she maintained her cheerful demeanor. She casually asked, "What exactly is this matter? You've been working tirelessly—does it have to do with the expansion? Where is the expansion happening? Could I visit? I won't be of much help, but I promise not to get in the way."

Her seemingly offhanded question carried just the right amount of interest, concealing her real intent. As expected, Marcellus hesitated before glancing at Edgar, clearly seeking his input.

Edgar pondered for a moment, weighing his options, before nodding slightly. "Very well. It's still early today. Taking her to see it shouldn't be an issue. Let her gain some understanding."

He cast Marcellus a meaningful look, his eyes carrying a mix of caution and an unspoken message. Alia caught the subtle exchange but betrayed no reaction, instead flashing an excited smile. "That's wonderful! I've been eager to see the progress."

Marcellus turned back to her, his tone affectionate. "Go ahead and prepare with Elise. I'll gather my things and join you shortly."

Alia understood that Marcellus and Edgar likely wanted to have a private discussion, one she wasn't meant to hear. She showed no sign of displeasure, nodding agreeably. "Alright, I'll wait for you outside."