Chapter 1501 A Substitute
The hours flew by quickly, and before they knew it, it was Asel's second birthday. Timothy didn't go to work that day. Instead, he
and Johanna took a few kids to the amusement park for a day of fun.
When they returned home after four in the afternoon, the people Timothy had hired had already decorated the mansion with
furnishings for a fairy-tale-themed birthday party.
Armand wasn't busy in the afternoon, so he knocked off work two hours early. He came to the mansion to personally cook a
birthday feast for Asel. With him and Cooper around, there was no need to hire a kitchen helper.
Timothy also came into the kitchen to help. “I'll take care of the pork loin dish,” he said.
“Can you handle it?” Cooper gave him a glance, “I heard from Genev that the spaghetti bolognese you made a few days ago left
her traumatized. She's scared to spaghetti bolognese now.”
“That's a bit of an exaggeration,” Timothy said, scratching his brow. “I've been working overtime with a teacher these past few
nights to improve my cooking skills. I guarantee there's been progress.”
Armand said, “Just make it first and let us taste it. If it's not delicious, we won't serve it. We don't want to spoil the mood.”
While Timothy was working, he started chatting with Armand about the events that had occurred in the small county town over
the past few days.
He vividly recounted how he dismantled a den of underworld figures, showcasing his charisma in front of Johanna. Johanna
admired him so much that she wanted to sleep in his arms every night.
Cooper didn't expose his lie. Instead, he said, “Not bad at all. Keep up the good work.”
“Armand, how is Jerry doing?” Timothy turned to look at the busy Armand. “Yesterday, Jessica came to my office and enquired
about news pertaining to Lottie.”
Unlike Armand, who was involved in politics, Timothy had limited access to information.
The Jensen family and the Benson family had a good relationship, so Armand was afraid to tell Timothy anything lest the latter
chose to spill the beans to Jessica. “If she asks you again, just say that Charlotte and her boyfriend have settled abroad.”
Timothy glanced at Armand again, suspecting that things had taken a turn for the worse. He wanted to ask something, but in the
end, he didn't.
Apart from washing vegetables and peeling garlic, Timothy's other kitchen task was making the roasted pork loin. Using a normal
pan, the dish could be ready in just twenty minutes.
He took the pork loin out of the oven and handed a fork to Armand. “Give it a try.”
Armand looked at the beautifully plated pork loin, but it reminded him of Timothy's spaghetti bolognese. Just as he was about to
ask Cooper to come over, Cooper quickly emerged from the kitchen carrying two plates of food.
Armand had no choice but to brace himself and take a bite of the roasted pork loin. Surprisingly, it tasted quite good.
“It seems your nights haven't been wasted.”
Upon hearing Armand's words, Timothy understood. He also picked up a piece to taste, then raised his eyebrows high. “I knew it!
How could someone as smart as me not learn how to cook!”
Once everyone arrived at the dining room to eat, Timothy deliberately placed the plate of roasted pork loin near Johanna. He
picked up a piece for Asel.
Asel had grown teeth, and the pork loin was so tender that it could melt in one's mouth.
“Sweetheart, this is a special birthday meal that Dad cooked just for you. Is it tasty?”
Asel was very polite, her voice soft and childlike as she said, “It's delicious! You're the best, Daddy!”
Timothy kissed his beloved daughter twice, then served Johanna a piece of pork loin. “Jojo, you should also taste my cooking.”
Genevieve playfully asked, “Mr. Jensen, can we eat this pork loin? Also, seeing how affectionate you two are as a couple, it
seems like we're intruding. Should we leave?”
Timothy ignored her teasing, picked up the plate of roasted pork loin, and passed it over. “Here you go, Mrs. Faulkner. Please
enjoy.”
It was only then that Genevieve picked up a fork to try a piece of pork.
After swallowing that morsel, she realized that Asel wasn't just flattering Timothy—the food actually tasted quite good. She
quietly asked Armand, “Did he just serve us ready-made dishes?”
That ghastly spaghetti bolognese Timothy made the last time was barely edible, yet his culinary skills improved dramatically in
such a short time.
“I've been watching him in the kitchen. It really is his handiwork.” Armand plated some salad into her small plate. “Men have a
special kind of determination. As long as it's something that pleases their wives, no matter how difficult it is, they can learn it.”
Genevieve pouted. “Isn't my cooking also a way to win your heart? I have determination too, so why is it not okay when I cook?”
Armand chuckled lightly. “This just proves that you were born to enjoy life. You're not cut out for this kind of rough work.”
In an instant, Genevieve was utterly charmed by him, her heart blooming with joy.