Chapter 534 Dinner

It was already seven thirty at night.

Rain sat stiffly, his face set with defiance. “Tilda, one day I’m going to be good at cooking. I’ll make food so amazing that every single one of you will have to admit it.”

His fists tightened as though he was holding on to his pride with everything he had.

His red eyes were ablaze with fire, and his messy hair puffed up like the spikes of a hedgehog.

There was nothing left of the ruthless leader of the R Organization.

In that moment, he looked like nothing more than a stubborn teenager.

Tilda gave him a gentle smile. “Alright, Rain. I’ll be waiting for that day.”

“Rain,” Mystro said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of an older brother, “I'm going to give you some advice. Let it go. Even if you’re strong, if you blow up the kitchen, you won’t get out in time. Life matters more than pride. It’s better to let us handle the cooking.”

Mystro wasn’t trying to crush him.

Rain’s cooking really was a disaster.

If they hadn’t stopped him earlier, all of them might have been sent flying through the air.

Mystro still felt a chill when he thought about it.

What was supposed to be a joyful holiday meal nearly turned into a tragic scene.

Rain’s voice rose, sharper and more determined. “Mystro, that was just a mistake. When I decide to do something, I always succeed. Next time, I’ll show you I can do it.”

His stubborn spirit shone so bright it almost burned.

Tilda sighed. “Alright, alright. Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

She knew this argument could stretch forever if she didn’t stop it.

Dane caught Liam’s eye, and both of them laughed under their breath.

The holiday meal finally began.

Outside the window, fireworks exploded across the night sky, their booming sounds echoing through the streets along with neighbors’ cheers.

On the television, a holiday special played, its music flowing softly into the room.

“Tilda, try this! I marinated the chicken myself. It’s amazing!” Mystro held a drumstick toward her with pride.

“And this is my fish filet,” Liam said with a smile, sliding a piece toward her lips. “Have a bite and tell me what you think.”

Before she could answer, Dane slipped several barbecued ribs on her plate. His eyes locked with hers, sending a quiet message. I made these. Tilda. Please try them.

Rain froze.

All the food had been made by his seniors. He hadn’t done anything. He couldn’t offer Tilda anything.

The only choice left was to scoop up a few beef meatballs no one had touched and drop them on her plate.

“Tilda, here… try these meatballs. Do you like them? I picked them out at the store myself.”

Tilda pressed her lips together, trying to hold back her laughter, but it spilled out anyway.

Her seniors burst into laughter as well.

Rain’s cheeks flushed a deep red. He lowered his head, feeling shame for the first time in his life. Inside, he made a quiet vow.

When they went back to the R Organization base, he would find the best teacher and learn how to cook.

By next year, he wouldn’t embarrass himself like this again.

“Alright, I’ll try everything.”

Tilda lifted her fork. “The chicken is tender and seasoned perfectly. The fish is so fresh, and the sauce brings out its flavor. The ribs are rich and tangy, and the meatballs are chewy and delicious.”

Her face lit up. “This is the best meal I’ve ever had. Not just because of the taste, but because each of you put your heart into it. I love it.”

Her words came with a smile so bright and warm it filled the entire room.

The flavors lingered on her tongue like sweetness she would never forget.

Happiness wrapped around her heart and whispered again and again that she was no longer alone.

She had people who cooked for her, laughed with her, watched fireworks with her, and shared the holiday by her side.

She wasn’t the ignored girl she used to be at the Jensons’ home, shoved to the background while Kyla soaked up all the attention.

Her words lifted a heavy weight from her brothers.

Until then, they had been afraid she might dislike the food. The thought of letting her down had nearly crushed them.

“Glad you like it. Have some more,” one said quickly.

The others jumped in, filling her plate repeatedly until the food piled like a small mountain.

Tilda laughed and held up her hands.

“Enough, all of you. Rain too. I can’t finish this much. I’m not a piglet.”

“Take your time. There’s plenty. You said it was good, so eat more,” someone urged.

“You’re too skinny, Tilda. You need to eat more. You’ll look healthier.”

“Maybe she won’t look any different, but she’ll be stronger.”

Rain leaned across the table with sudden eagerness. “Tilda, these shrimp balls are mine. Try one.”

She looked at all their expectant faces.

Her thoughts slipped back to another holiday long ago, sitting alone in a corner at the Jensons’ house, watching everyone else shower Kyla with love and food.

That night, she had been invisible.

But tonight, she was the center of it all, surrounded by love.