Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei
Chapter 3653

Chapter 3653

– If Elora hadn’t been so capable and her father had been in charge, the Ormond family would havelost its position long ago. The old Mr. Ormond had realized early on that his sons weren’t very capable, so he focused ontraining his granddaughter, Elora, to take over. He let her take charge while his sons retired. Eventhough it was a tough responsibility, he trusted Elora to rise to the challenge. The truth was, the Ormond family had always been led by strong women, while the men weren’t asdominant. Mrs. Ormond didn’t feel bad about giving birth to Alonzo. Elora said, “Mom, you enjoy painting. You could focus on that. After the New Year, when theweather gets warmer, I’ll help you organize an exhibition.” Her mother’s eyes brightened. She loved painting and had real talent, but she usually did it just topass the time. She had never thought about selling her art, let alone hosting an exhibition. But sinceElora suggested it, she started to consider it. She began to imagine holding an exhibition and having people admire her work. It would be evenbetter if someone wanted to buy one of her paintings. She didn’t care much about the money. What mattered was having people appreciate and supporther art. “Is that really okay? Won’t your father say it’s too much attention on me?” she asked, worried herhusband might not support her. Elora smiled. “Tinsley and I are in the spotlight all the time, and Dad doesn’t mind. As long as it’ssomething you enjoy, go ahead and have the exhibition. If Dad says anything, let me handle it. I’lltalk to him. I promise he won’t interfere.” Elora had gained a commanding presence after managing such a large family business. Even athome, her authority was felt, and the family elders were careful about what they said around her. Ifshe supported something, even her father wouldn’t oppose it. Mrs. Ormond smiled. “Then I’llcontinue painting without any worries. Your father always teases me, saying I spend all my timepainting, but all he does is play chess or go out to play sports.”

The couple had a good relationship, though their interests were different. Sometimes they wouldpoke fun at each other, but it never turned into a real argument. Elora said softly, “You and Dad, along with Uncle and Aunt, are all retired now. Other than makingsure Alonzo and the others do well in school, you don’t have to worry about anything. Just enjoyyourselves and do what makes you happy.” Their elders were in good health, and there was peace at home, which was a blessing for theyounger generation. Mrs. Ormond smiled again, feeling reassured. She was grateful that her daughter was so capableand thoughtful. She then asked, “Elora, didn’t Tatum come back with you? Did you let him go?” Tatum had gone straight into the kitchen to prepare lunch when he arrived, and Mrs. Ormond hadn’tnoticed him. She had been too focused on her children. Elora paused for a moment. Why did her family always ask about Tatum whenever she returned from a trip? Tatum was well-liked by the family, and they had a great impression of him. Good looks certainly had their advantages. Alonzo chimed in, “Mom, Tatum wasn’t fired by my sister. He came back with her and went into thekitchen to cook. We’ll be eating his food at lunch. Angelo, let’s see who can eat faster at lunch.” There were only two boys in this generation of the Ormond family, and although Angelo wasyounger, he always saw himself as Alonzo’s second-in-command. Mrs. Ormond looked relieved. Elora couldn’t help but think her family had fallen in love with Tatum’s cooking a little too quickly.