The Ninth Bride (Samantha and Finley)

Chapter 267 Utterly Hopeless

The tantalizing aroma wafting from the bowl caught Samantha's attention, stirring her curiosity. She turned to Finley and asked, "What's in this? It smells divine."

"Have a guess," he said with a playful smile.

Guess? How was she supposed to do that?

"I'll find out once I taste it," she replied.

Finley deftly ladled the steaming dumplings into a bowl, scattering a generous handful of freshly chopped green onions over the top. He picked up the bowl and began to carry it out of the kitchen. Samantha reached out to help, but Finley gently stopped her. "It's too hot. Sit down and enjoy your meal. I'll bring it to you."

"Alright," she said, settling gracefully at the dining table. The colorful, artfully presented dumplings filled the air with their rich fragrance, making her mouth water in anticipation. She picked up her utensils with eager hands, delicately lifted a dumpling, and took a bite. The taste was nothing short of extraordinary, each flavor melding together perfectly and leaving a delightful aftertaste.

"This is incredible," she said between bites, her voice brimming with astonishment and joy. "I've never had dumplings this delicious in my life."

As Samantha continued to savor each mouthful, Elias stood nearby, his stomach growling audibly. He was famished.

After a few careless remarks the previous day, Daphne and Finley had decided to forgo making breakfast for him.

When Elias saw Finley bringing out another bowl of dumplings, he made a move to approach, but Finley walked past him, heading directly toward Samantha. "How is it? Is it as good as you hoped?" he asked, his eyes radiating warmth.

Samantha nodded vigorously. "It's fantastic. Truly fantastic. These are the best dumplings I've ever had. Finley, you were right-seasoning is a form of art."

"If you like them, I'll make them for you more often," he promised.

Samantha beamed with pleasure, her happiness evident as she continued to eat. Meanwhile, Elias, observing them, felt a pang of despair. This... This sensation is utterly disheartening. "Elias."

Emily's voice rang out from the doorway, cutting through the room.

He approached her, concern etched on his face. "What brings you here?"

"I'm hungry," she replied. "You said you'd bring me something to eat. How long has it been? Why hasn't anything been brought back yet?"

The truth was, there was nothing for him to bring, making the situation awkward.

Taking a deep breath, Elias

explained, "Ms. Stuart went out to buy groceries, and no one's in the kitchen to cook. Before she left, she said if we wanted food, we'd have to make it ourselves. But Emily, I'm not very skilled at cooking. How about I

prepare some dumplinow about I

for you?"

"As long as it's edible, I'm not picky," Emily said with a cheerful tone.

Elias nodded, relieved. "Alright then, wait in your room. I'll bring the dumplings to you once they're ready."

Emily glanced over at Samantha and Finley, who were still enjoying their breakfast. She hesitated, after which she spoke softly, "Elias, can't I wait inside while you cook? Or maybed could help you. I used to cook a lot at the orphanage, so my dumplings might turn out better than yours. How about we cook together in the kitchen? I promise not to come out, and I won't let Mr. Dean see me. Would that be alright?"

Elias considered her request, noting her earnestness. After a moment, he relented. "Alright. If you're so determined to go inside, then you

may. Just make sure Finley doesn't see you, and it should be fine."

Emily's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Thank you, Elias."

With that, Elias led her into the living room.

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