Luca watched the two of them play chess for a while. She glanced at the time, and when it was almost time to prepare lunch, she
stood up and said, “Old Master Crawford, Mr. Crawford, please excuse me. I'm going to prepare lunch now."
"Do you need help?" Luke asked. Aunt Neile usually helped Luca out when she was busy preparing meals in the kitchen. Now,
she had to prepare lunch for six of them. Luke was worried that she would not be able to handle it herself.
Luca shook her head, pursed her lips, and said in a gentle voice, "It's okay. I can handle this. You can play chess with Old Master
Crawford."
After that, Luca walked to the kitchen.
Before she walked into the kitchen, she heard Old Master Crawford making fun of Luke, "Hah, I didn't know you'd step into the
kitchen."
Luca smiled without turning around. She headed straight to the kitchen.
Luke did not look like someone who would enter the kitchen, but there were times when he would help her in the kitchen. Her
heart pounded faster when she recalled him standing beside her and helping out in the kitchen.
No one had ever said that the kitchen was only meant for women. Luca was happy that Luke could understand that and was
willing to help her.
In the living room.
Luke arranged the pawns on the chess and slowly replied, "I sometimes help her out in the kitchen."
"That's great. I didn't expect you to be the sort who helped out. That's something I just found out today," exclaimed Old Master
Crawford. Luke had always thought that men should stay away from the kitchen.
Besides, it was indeed unsuitable if Luke smelled like food and oil.
"I'll let you have the opening move this time," said Luke.
Old Master Crawford could not be bothered about it and said, "How is this considered making concessions? Making a
concession means letting me undo my move in front of Luca."
"I won't be able to impress Luca if I had let you do that," said Luke calmly. He immediately made his move after he watched Old
Master Crawford make his first move.
"So, you care about Luca, but it seems like she doesn't think of this as her home yet," Old Master Crawford deliberately drawled
and looked in the direction of the kitchen.
Luke did not show an unhappy expression on his face and continued to play chess.
Old Master Crawford got restless when Luke did not say anything about it. He immediately asked, “What are you thinking? Why
are you taking your time?"
“She'll make herself at home sooner or later." Although Luke's voice was cold, he sounded affirmative.
"How can you be so sure about that? Hurry up. This woman is about to be taken by some other men," said Old Master Crawford
with sincerity. It was not to trigger Luke, but it was to remind him.
Luke said in a firm voice, "What's mine will be mine. No one can take her away."
Old Master Crawford could not help but mock him when he saw how confident Luke was, "Oh, look at how confident you are.
Take things slowly as you wish and you'll regret it in the future."
Luke looked up and saw the mocking expression on Old Master Crawford's face. He reminded him in a calm voice, "Grandpa,
you're going to lose if you don't take this game seriously."
Old Master Crawford lowered his head and looked at the chessboard. Only then did he realize that Luke had taken a few of his
pawns.
He could not help but complain, "You little brat. You always make me look bad!"
"You taught me well," replied Luke. Then, he shot a glance in the direction of the kitchen.
The woman he loved was preparing lunch for him.
Luke kept Old Master Crawford company for the rest of the day since Mr. Griffin was not here to accompany him.
Old Master Crawford enjoyed living a life like this.
It was not as noisy as it was in Crawford Manor. The atmosphere was relaxing and he was happy with it.
However, he could only enjoy such happiness for a short while. He had to return to Crawford Manor the next day.
The next morning, after Old Master Crawford had Luca's homemade breakfast. Then, he asked his chauffeur to send him back to
Crawford Manor.
Luke initially thought of sending him back himself, but Old Master Crawford rejected his offer. He gave Luca a meaningful look
before he left. He was truly fond of this woman.
It would be best if she could stay by Luke's side.
"Luke, opportunity waits for no one. You have to seize the chance." Old Master Crawford said something meaningful to Luke
before leaving. Then, he got into the car and returned to Crawford Manor.
Luca frowned and asked, "Mr. Crawford, what does Old Master Crawford mean?"
"He's telling me to jump at the chance," replied Luke. Today was the second day after New Year's Day. He had to get prepared to
pay a visit and prepare some gifts for the Norman family and Rayne family on behalf of Bianca.
"Huh?" Luca was even more confused. She did not hear Luke mention that something was wrong lately. Why did he have to
seize the chance?
Luke saw the confused look on Luca's face and thought to himself that he was waiting for the chance too.
It was not that he did not seize the chance, but the chance had yet to come!
Crawford Manor...
Susan woke up early in the morning and instructed the maids to prepare tea, refreshments, and spring water bottles for the
guests.
Old Master Crawford should be back soon.
Old Master Crawford's arrival meant the guests would be coming soon too.
Louis did not know how to seize the chance. Susan had no choice but to worry about the preparations.
She was hoping that she could get more opportunities for Louis. That way, he would be able to live a more comfortable life this
year.
At least she could help Louis to make a good impression on Old Master Crawford.
After everything was prepared by the maids, Susan asked, “Have you prepared the tea Old Master Crawford drinks every
morning?"
Mr. Griffin nodded and replied, "Madam Crawford, they're all ready. We can brew the tea once Old Master Crawford arrives."
The tea leaves could not be brewed in advance. Otherwise, it would affect the taste of the tea.
Otherwise, Susan would have brewed the tea herself.
"Okay. Good." Susan nodded. She dared not to be careless in preparing something for Old Master Crawford.
Louis yawned and made his way down the stairs slowly. He was surprised to see Susan sitting properly on the sofa. He asked,
"Mom, why are you so early today?"
"Is it still early now?" Susan frowned. She noticed the tired look on Louis' face and asked, "Why are you so tired? Did you sleep
late last night?"
"Yes." Louis nodded and yawned.
He felt tired from sleeping late and waking up early.
'What's wrong with you?" Susan looked at what a mess Louis was. Old Master Crawford might be unhappy to see Louis in such
a state when he came back later.
"Mom, it's the New Year. I was gaming with my friends," replied Louis. He seldom played games these days. It was just that his
friends had invited him to play together, so he agreed.
"You're already married and you have a child, yet you're still playing games. Look at you. You didn't just sleep late but you stayed
up all night, right?" Susan frowned. She was extremely unhappy about it.
"It's only once in a while. It's fine." Louis stretched.
"Look at you. You're such a mess. The guests will be laughing at you when they come later. Your grandfather won't be happy to
see you in such a state. Hurry up and go freshen yourself up," urged Susan. She could not help but secretly blame Yuri for being
lenient toward her husband.