2025-01-04 21:00:25After nearly an hour of chatting, the sisters finally came downstairs to find a full table of "dishes" laid out in the living room.
Maria Long and Stephen Cooper, however, had retreated to their rooms, leaving only Charles Martin to admire his "masterpieces."
"Uncle, Aunt, Fiona, Heidi—dinner’s ready!" Charles called out, his face flushed with both pride and embarrassment.
"Wow, that was quick! Charles is so efficient—much faster than Joseph ever was," Maria said as she and Stephen emerged from their room, followed by Fiona and Heidi descending the stairs.
But the moment they saw the "feast" on the table, everyone froze in place.
There were over ten dishes on the table. The problem? Every single one of them was pitch black.
"Come on, everyone, have a seat. I apologize if the food isn’t perfect, but I
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 170
"Come on, Charles Martin. Even if you’ve only learned a little, it shouldn’t be this bad," Fiona said coldly, her words cutting through him without mercy. "An entire table of dishes, all burnt black? I’m genuinely curious how you even managed to achieve that.""I used to think Joseph’s cooking wasn’t anything special," she continued, "but now I realize how much skill it truly takes to make a proper meal. It’s not something just anyone can do."Hearing Joseph’s name, Charles’s heart clenched, though he kept his expression neutral. Inside, however, his anger was boiling."Hahaha! I can’t—this is too funny. I have to take some more pictures of this masterpiece and send them to my brother-in-law. Some people will never get to witness something this extraordinary in their entire lives," Heidi said, laughing uncontrollably.
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 171
Nova City, Whispering Pines Villas Blake Morgan was already seated at the dining table, a composed figure emanating an aura of authority. Standing behind him was a woman in her mid-thirties, elegant and strikingly beautiful despite her age. Her figure was nothing short of enviable—long legs encased in black stockings, high heels accentuating her stature, and a tightly-fitted business suit that perfectly complemented her curves. Her outfit exuded both sophistication and sensuality, blending the allure of mature femininity with the sharpness of a professional woman. The name badge pinned to her chest added a touch of corporate precision, giving her the air of a commanding presence in the workplace. "Molly, my dear assistant, why don’t you sit down and join us for dinner? Today, my future grandson-in-law personally cooked for us. My granddaughter can’t stop praising his culinary skills," Blake said with a slight smile, glancing back at his assistant. "This... might not be appropriate
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 172
"You may be uncertain about giving her a future, but she’s certain about giving you one. I have only one son and one granddaughter. Alice is the undeniable heir to the Morgan family." "The properties in Nova City? They’re just a fraction of the Morgan family’s assets. Our true foundation lies in Metropolis City, where Alice’s father manages all of our enterprises. As long as you marry Alice, all of it will be yours." "All you need to do is say yes—and you’ll instantly possess wealth beyond imagination," Blake said, his voice brimming with pride. Joseph silently reflected, marveling at the sheer magnitude of the Morgan family’s wealth. There was no doubt—Alice wasn’t just any heiress. She was the heiress, a true gem of high society. To marry Alice wasn’t just to gain unimaginable riches—it was to win the heart of a remarkable woman. A man who achieved both would have the world at his feet, smiling even in his dreams."I know all that. But my relationship with Alice has nothing to
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 173
"No, I was just following your train of thought." Joseph’s face fell, his inner thoughts a chaotic tangle. How had the conversation circled back to marriage again? It was giving him a headache. "Once you’re married, the two of you can always be together—even while you sleep. That’s the only way to ensure her safety forever." Blake’s tone was matter-of-fact. "I’ll think about it." Joseph quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. "Let’s talk about me instead, shall we?" "Fine. Go ahead. But remember, as long as you agree to marriage, everything is negotiable." Blake’s tone was magnanimous, as though any issue could be resolved as long as Joseph complied. "It’s about my master and his agreement with Old Mr. Cooper. When the time is right, I will awaken him." "Old Mr. Cooper—you must know him, don’t you?" Joseph’s words carried a deeper implication. "Old Mr. Cooper? He’s even older than I am. Of course, I know him. But we were never close. Our only connection was through you
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 174
"Good." Relieved, Alice let out a small sigh, then shyly hooked her arm through Joseph’s, her head still lowered. "Oh, and I also asked your grandpa about my connection to the Cooper family, but he didn’t know much. If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll visit the Cooper family next weekend to fulfill a promise I made to my master." Joseph explained as they walked. "A promise your master made?" Alice’s curiosity was piqued. "Yes. Old Mr. Cooper is still in a coma. According to the agreement between him and my master, I’m supposed to wake him when the time is right." "And now, that time has come." Joseph said with a calm resolve. "But the Cooper family holds such a grudge against you. Will they even let you near the old man?" Alice asked with a trace of concern. "I have my ways." Joseph replied with a faint smile. "If it really doesn’t work out, just let me know. I have my ways too. Most of the Cooper family’s lifelines are in our hands." "Grandpa told me once that threats a
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 175
"I attended your lecture the other day and created a workout plan for arm strength based on it. I’ve been following the plan for the past few days." "Mr. Wilson, I’ve attached a photo of the plan. Could you take a look and give me some feedback?" Shortly after, another message arrived: "By the way, you don’t need to return the acupuncture needles. My family has plenty of them. My grandfather loves traditional Chinese medicine and has a large collection. The ones I lent you are just a basic set." The next message was a voice recording, spoken in a pleasant and melodic female voice. Hearing the voice, Joseph immediately remembered—wasn’t this the student who had lent him the acupuncture needles during his substitute lecture? Her name was Lindsay Anderson. "Ah, so it’s Lindsay Anderson! I didn’t add a note when you friended me—sorry about that." "Why didn’t you reach out sooner after adding me?" Joseph replied politely. "I figured Mr. Wilson must be very busy, so I didn’t want t
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 176
"Ahem, nothing… I wasn’t looking at anything!" Joseph cleared his throat, coughing awkwardly. He forced himself to look away and picked up the glass of water on the table, taking a sip to calm himself."Pfft!"Alice couldn’t help but laugh at Joseph’s flustered expression."What’s so funny?" Joseph asked, clearly uncomfortable."Nothing!" Alice replied, her lips curling into a sly smile."Joseph, my hair’s a bit long. Could you help me dry it?" Alice ran her fingers through her damp hair, making her request with a hint of expectation in her tone."That’s not a big deal. I’m not busy with anything," Joseph replied. He got up, grabbed the hairdryer, and plugged it in. Standing behind Alice, he began drying her hair.However, as he stood behind her, his vantage point made it easier for him to see her cleavage and the soft, creamy curves of her chest.Joseph’s heart raced even faster, and he found it increasingly difficult to stay composed. He had to force himself to look elsewhere, avoid
The Rise of the Son-in-law After Divorce Chapter 177
"Joseph, I’m so silly. I forgot… I’m still on my period. Ugh… I’m sorry, Joseph!"Reading the message, Joseph exhaled a deep breath. Oddly enough, he felt a wave of relief wash over him."Don’t worry about it. Get some rest. There are some things that shouldn’t happen just yet…" Joseph replied.Alice quickly responded."I know you’re thinking about what’s best for me, but knowing you’re holding back feels even harder for me."Joseph stared at her reply for a moment before responding calmly: "It’s fine. Just rest early. Tomorrow morning, we can go for a run together."Alice sent back another message almost instantly."Okay. I’ll read for a bit and work on some assignments, then go to bed. You should rest early too!"This time, it was a voice message. Joseph listened to it, smiled faintly, and replied with a simple "Good." After that, he didn’t continue the conversation.Sunday passed quietly. Neither Joseph nor Alice went anywhere; they stayed home and enjoyed a peaceful day of rest. I
Latest Chapter
Chapter 258
"Uh… Mother!"Hugh Cooper called out just as the old lady turned to leave."Don’t waste your breath on me. Once your father has recovered, if you have any requests, take them up with him.""Now that he’s awake, I no longer concern myself with family affairs. I was never more than the one who cooked his meals, brewed his tea, tended to the garden, and trimmed the hedges. That was my role before, and it will remain my role in the future."The old lady’s refusal was absolute."Mother, wait! I have something to say."Bernard quickly called after her. Upon hearing his voice, the old lady’s expression grew even more displeased."If this is about control over the family assets, then save your breath. I’ve already said—I no longer involve myself in such matters."She reiterated firmly."No, Mother, it’s something else."Bernard forced a smile, trying to appear earnest."Then speak quickly. I don’t have time to waste on your scheming."The old lady’s tone was cold and impatient."Mother, it's
Chapter 257
"Brother-in-law, what’s up? Why all the secrecy?"Heidi asked in a hushed voice.Joseph didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leaned in and whispered something into her ear. Heidi nodded repeatedly in response.As they spoke, Fiona entered the room.The moment she stepped in, her eyes landed on Joseph and Heidi, who were speaking in hushed tones.She glanced at them briefly before quickly averting her gaze and walking over to old Mr. Cooper.Moments later, Joseph and Heidi finished their conversation, and Joseph walked back."Old Mr. Cooper, Mr. Morgan and I will take our leave now. Please rest well. If anything happens, have Heidi call me."Joseph gave a final word of caution, then exchanged a few words with the elderly lady before making his way out with Blake Morgan.The old lady watched Joseph’s departing figure, her eyes filled with regret and deep emotion."Fiona, my dear granddaughter, tell me—what was so wrong with him?""When it mattered most, he stepped up. Your grandfather
Chapter 256
"Money? Do you think I lack money right now?""I work at Nova University, earning at least six figures a month, with the highest level of salary and benefits.""Even if my salary weren’t enough, my various research paper royalties bring in a substantial amount every month.""And if, one day, I decided I didn’t want to work anymore, the Morgan family would still shower me with wealth. And you think you can talk to me about money?""I have only one answer to your request—no amount of money can buy my willingness."Joseph cast a cold glance at Fiona. Was this woman out of her mind? At a time like this, she actually thought she could buy him off with money?Did she really believe that just because she had some wealth, she could do whatever she pleased?Fiona lowered her head at his words, remaining silent, utterly subdued.If this were the past, she would never have imagined that Joseph would dare to speak to her like this."I'm sorry. But... if anything does happen, please... save Grandp
Chapter 255
Blake Morgan had likely been grinning ear to ear the moment he learned of Joseph’s expulsion from the Cooper family. He had probably even laughed in his sleep.Ungrateful descendants. Short-sighted fools. Arrogant and blind.Inwardly, old Mr. Cooper cursed Stephen Cooper and Maria Long a thousand times over.If those two were standing before him now, he wouldn’t hesitate to slap each of them across the face.Especially Maria Long—she was the one who held sway over the household. The divorce between Joseph and Fiona? There was no doubt in his mind—she had orchestrated the entire thing."Hahaha… Old Mr. Cooper, you must be joking. Your family may have cast Joseph aside, but we in the Morgan family certainly won’t! In our home, Joseph is treated with the highest regard.""A place to stay? That’s nothing. I could gift him several villas if he wanted. Money is trivial—but he refuses to accept my generosity.""In my household, nothing is off-limits to Joseph—not even my granddaughter. Of co
Chapter 254
Seeing that Bruce Cooper’s condition had stabilized, Joseph carefully removed the remaining silver needles from his body. Bruce Cooper could already feel the improvement. Just moments ago, he had felt suffocated, as if something was blocking his airways. Had he not been able to release that tension, he feared he would not have survived the ordeal. But thanks to Joseph’s intervention, the breath he had been struggling to catch finally eased. There was no denying it—Joseph, like his master before him, was a physician of the highest caliber, a man of extraordinary skill. It was a pity that such a man, such a brilliant healer, would no longer have anything to do with the Cooper family. "You have my deepest gratitude, Joseph." Old Mr. Cooper expressed his appreciation once more. "You’re too kind, sir. This is simply my duty." "Heidi, fetch some paper, ink, and a brush. I’ll write a prescription for your grandfather." Now that his work was nearly done, Joseph turned to Heidi. "Go
Chapter 253
"Years ago, he confided in me—he knew the Cooper family’s direct and collateral branches fought fiercely among themselves. But I never imagined you’d be so mad that you’d turn on your own kin. The old man had barely drawn his first breath after waking up, and you immediately hit him with the news that everything he built has been reduced to ruins." "If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t just cough up blood. I’d be dead on the spot." Blake Morgan sneered, his words cutting through the air like a blade. "I…" Fiona opened her mouth to explain, but Blake Morgan cut her off before she could utter another word. "Enough. I’m not here to agitate him. I came for an important discussion with old Mr. Cooper and Joseph." Without sparing Fiona another glance, Blake Morgan bypassed her entirely, leading his entourage straight into the house. The servants hesitated, but without Fiona’s explicit orders—and given the intimidating presence of the bodyguards—they dared not intervene. Inside the gra
Chapter 252
"Dr. Martin, you may leave now. Or are you waiting for the old man to break your legs?" The matriarch’s voice was cold as she glanced at Charles Martin, who stood frozen in place. "Uh… oh! Yes, of course! I’ll leave now!" Charles Martin stammered, snapping back to reality. He hurriedly prepared to leave. "Wait a moment, Dr. Martin." Richard Anderson suddenly called out. Charles Martin hesitated, turning back in confusion. He didn’t recall having any conflict with Richard Anderson. "Dr. Martin, I’m Mr. Anderson from Nova City’s Health Bureau. Based on your actions today, I have serious doubts about your medical ethics and professional integrity. We will launch an investigation and consider revoking your medical license." Richard Anderson’s voice was stern. "I—" Charles Martin opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words to defend himself. "You may leave now. If you have anything to say, take it up with the Health Bureau." Richard Anderson dismissed him coldly. Charles Mart
Chapter 251
"Stop crying. Crying won’t solve anything. I need silence." Joseph’s voice was sharp, his patience worn thin by the sobbing. He cast a cold glance at Fiona, his tone carrying unmistakable authority. Fiona flinched at his words, quickly wiping her tears away. She dared not make another sound, merely standing aside, watching in silence. "Brother-in-law, if there’s anything you need me to do, just say the word." Heidi’s face was tense, but she remained composed compared to Fiona. Although old Mr. Cooper had coughed up a significant amount of blood, Heidi firmly believed that Joseph would have a way to handle it. "Find a fan—one that can be used manually. The old man needs air." Joseph issued his instructions with precision. "Got it." Without hesitation, Heidi hurried off to complete the task. "Dr. Wilson, old Mr. Cooper’s condition seems to be caused by an acute surge of blood pressure due to emotional distress. Is there anything we can do to assist?" Philip Anderson stepped f
Chapter 250
But she quickly pushed aside her thoughts, shifting her full attention back to her grandfather.Under Joseph's careful guidance, the old man obediently swished the water in his mouth and spat it out. He repeated this process over a dozen times until all traces of the dark blood had been cleansed from his lips."Heidi, give him some water to drink," Joseph instructed.Seeing the old man’s condition gradually improving, Heidi carefully followed Joseph's directions, helping him sip the warm water.The old man drank slowly at first, his movements deliberate. But eventually, he finished the entire bowl.A subtle change took place.His once-dull eyes grew clearer, sharper—even tinged with something akin to authority."Cough… cough… Life is but a fleeting moment, like a white horse passing through a gap. Three years… It feels like I’ve just awoken from a long dream."His voice, though weak, carried a profound depth. He turned his gaze to Joseph, his expression warm with gratitude."My grands
