Alice stood in the garden, her small hand absentmindedly rubbing her tummy as she looked around with a slightly puzzled expression.
The once chaotic scene had cald, leaving her surrounded by the remnants of the icy landscape. Bits of frost still clung to the leaves and grass, but the biting cold had begun to recede, replaced by a crisp, cool breeze that rustled through the trees.
Seeing Alice Rub her tummy, Sophia's brow furrowed with worry as she quickly scanned Alice with her magic.
"Alice, are you hurt? Is sothing wrong?" Her voice carried both concern and the soft warmth of maternal love.
Pooella also echoed the concern, her eyes darted over Alice, searching for any signs of injury. "Little Lady, do you feel any pain? Any discomfort?"
Alice blinked, her confusion lting away as she looked up at the two won with a bright smile.
"No, Alice is not hurt. Alice is just... hungry!" Her innocent declaration hung in the air for a mont, the words almost out of place in the aftermath of the tribulation.
For a brief mont, the tension in the garden held, as if ti itself had paused. Then, Spark, who had been silently watching with his usual aloof expression, let out a low chuckle, the sound breaking the spell and easing the atmosphere. His lips curved into a rare smile, though his eyes still held their usual detachnt.
Spark knelt beside her, his tone gentle yet pleased. "That's because Alice has grown stronger, and her tummy has grown bigger."
Alice's eyes lit up with excitent. "Really? Can Alice beat bullies now?"
"Yes," Spark nodded. "Alice can."
Sophia sighed, her shoulders relaxing as relief washed over her. She reached out and gently patted Alice on the head, her fingers brushing through Alice's soft hair. "Hungry, huh? You scared us, little one."
"Well, then," Spark said, clapping his hands together as he stepped forward, "it seems we need to celebrate this special occasion. And what better way to do it than with a special dinner?"
Sophia raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his sudden enthusiasm.
"A special dinner? What do you have in mind?" Sophia's tone was curious, yet she couldn't shake the underlying worry from the recent events.
"Alice and I will go out to a restaurant in the city," Spark suggested, his usual nonchalance masking the playful gleam in his eyes.
"Rejected." Sophia's response was imdiate. There was no room for negotiation in her tone. "I won't let you take her out, and you're also not going anywhere."
Spark's shoulders slumped slightly, though his eyes still held that playful spark.
"But Mother, it's her special day." He tried to appear pitiful, though the effect was lost on Sophia.
"No ans no," Sophia replied, her tone final. "Our head chefs will prepare the best of everything to her liking."
Spark sighed, giving in to his mother's decision, though not without a touch of theatrics.
"Forget it." He then turned to Zhao Shi, who had been standing silently nearby, and added with a casual wave of his hand, "Butler Zhao here will take on the role of the chef tonight."
Sophia turned to Zhao Shi, her eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "Butler Zhao? Can he cook?"
Since arriving at the Dwight estate, Zhao Shi had not been involved in cooking, as Spark usually dined with his parents. This sudden revelation was quite unexpected.
Spark leaned in slightly, his voice filled with a knowing tone as he addressed his mother. "Let him cook, Mother. You'll be surprised."
Sophia's curiosity deepened, "Zhao Shi, cooking? Now this I have to see."
Sophia motioned for everyone to head back inside. "Co on, let's go back to the mansion. It's a special day for Alice, and even though we couldn't have a big banquet, we'll still celebrate properly."
As they made their way back to the mansion, the tension from earlier slowly dissipated. Sophia took Alice by the hand, her face glowing with pride and joy as she led her granddaughter toward the mansion.
"Co, Alice," she said warmly, her voice filled with affection. "Let's get you dressed up for this special occasion. Tonight, we celebrate your achievent in style."
Alice nodded eagerly, her small hand clutching Sophia's as they walked.
"Will Grandma make Alice cute?" Her innocent question was accompanied by a hopeful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitent.
Sophia chuckled softly, her heart swelling with affection for the little girl. "You'll be the cutest girl in the world, my dear."
As they reached Alice's room, Sophia began selecting a dress worthy of the mont. The room was filled with the soft rustle of fabric as she carefully chose an elegant gown—a delicate shade of lavender that complented Alice's vibrant personality.
anwhile, back in the mansion's grand kitchen, Zhao Shi had taken full command. The usual hustle and bustle of the kitchen had slowed to a near standstill as the staff watched in awe. Zhao Shi moved through the kitchen with an almost supernatural efficiency, his hands a blur as he prepared the al.
Every slice, every stir, every dash of spice was executed with the precision of a master craftsman.
The large kitchen, usually a bustling hub of activity, fell into a reverent silence as the staff watched Zhao Shi at work, their eyes wide with admiration.
The head chef, a veteran with decades of experience, couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and envy as he observed Zhao Shi.
"I've never seen anyone handle cooking ingredients like that," he muttered to himself, his eyes following Zhao Shi's every move.
Zhao Shi, fully imrsed in his cooking, paid no mind to the awestruck gazes around him. His focus was entirely on the al he was preparing, knowing that tonight's dinner was not just a al but a celebration of Alice's breakthrough—a montous occasion deserving of nothing less than perfection.
The head chef, still in awe, comnted with deep respect, "You truly are a master, Butler Zhao. It's as if the ingredients themselves bow to your will."
As the aromas of rich broths, savory ats, and freshly prepared side dishes began to fill the kitchen, the mansion buzzed with quiet excitent. Servants moved briskly, setting the table with gleaming silverware and polished glassware. Candles flickered to life, casting a warm glow that danced across the room, adding to the growing excitent
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