Chapter 172: Chapter 172- push
No one else present could understand the depth of his feelings as a father. The Mos family had two sons, so Mr. Mos had never experienced this inexplicable pang of emotion.
They would be overjoyed—after all, they were the groom’s side, the ones marrying off a daughter.
But Daniel? No matter what, he couldn’t bring himself to feel happy. There was so much he was reluctant to accept: his daughter was only twenty-four, and he wanted a few more years with her; Morrison—was he really the ideal son-in-law? His flirtatious past, the messy breakups... all gnawed at him.
Yet no amount of resistance could outweigh his daughter’s happiness.
That was why he was sitting here today. As a parent, in the end, he had no choice but to respect his child’s decision.
In the kitchen.
Lilian stepped in and exclaimed,
"Why did you make so much food?"
Morrison’s kitchen was huge and spacious, yet every counter and table was packed. Ingredients were prepped, dishes already made.
Morrison paused his work at her voice, walked over, and wrapped her in his arms, holding her close. His dark eyes glittered like stars.
"Because we’re hosting your parents, everything has to be proper... and grand."
Lilian, pressed against him, whispered softly,
"Even so... this is way too much. It’s wasteful if we can’t finish it all."
He smiled.
"With my current resources, you don’t have to worry about being frugal for me."
Her cheeks warmed.
"Who’s being frugal? I just think it’s unnecessary."
Morrison chuckled lowly.
"Your brother and Laurent will be coming too."
Lilian’s eyes widened. He’s inviting everyone? Why make it so formal?
"And Bert... we’ll invite him separately when he’s back in the country," Morrison added, a slight frown appearing as he mentioned Bert—the future elder brother-in-law who caused him constant headaches.
He hadn’t invited Bert this time out of consideration for Tiffany, and because Bert hadn’t returned with Lilian—he was still in the U.S. handling his own affairs. That worked out perfectly.
But no matter how much of a headache Bert was, he was still Lilian’s brother. Morrison had to treat him fairly.
Choosing Lilian as his life partner meant he’d always have to deal with the fact that Bert was a step ahead in certain ways.
So, to show his respect and affection for Lilian, Bert would be invited eventually.
Lilian noticed the slight tension Morrison felt toward Bert, and she hugged his waist with a smile.
"Bert isn’t so bad, really."
Morrison snorted coldly.
"He’s good to you, yes. But to others... especially those who’ve crossed him? Not so much."
He thought of the past year—the way Bert had made things difficult, his refusal to let Dave collaborate with theS families—all proof that Bert was a man who never forgave easily. In simple terms, anyone who provoked Bert... ended up in trouble.
Lilian laughed softly in his arms for a moment, then said,
"Let me help you."
"No."
Morrison rejected her instantly. Lilian huffed.
"What? You think I’m too clumsy?"
A charming smile spread across his face. He lifted her soft hands in his large, warm palms and pressed them gently to his lips. His voice was low and tender.
"I just... can’t bear to let go."
"How could I ever let you do all this?"
His rough fingertips brushed over the backs of her hands.
"You just need to focus on eating."
Lilian’s heart melted. Her eyes softened, glistening as she looked at him. Morrison felt a stirring deep inside. He leaned closer, lowering his head to kiss her soft lips. The kiss deepened, slow and intoxicating, until they were both breathless.
Finally, Morrison released her.
"You should go out and greet everyone. Otherwise, I’m afraid we won’t make it through this dinner tonight."
Blushing, Lilian darted out.
As she stepped out, Dave and Laurent had just arrived, bringing along their young children. The atmosphere immediately brightened with the arrival of the little ones. Linda, cradling Laurent and Dave’s few-month-old son, couldn’t help but gush over them with envy and delight.
Yet all she could do was admire and sigh. Her own son and Lilian weren’t even married yet, so she couldn’t pressure them about children just now. She thought perhaps she could first push them to marry...
But then, Lilian was only twenty-four. Who would rush into marriage at that age? Most girls wanted a few more years to enjoy freedom and leisure. Even if they agreed to marry now, having children would likely not be on the immediate agenda. Thinking that Lilian might wait until twenty-eight or twenty-nine before having a family, compared to Dave with both a son and daughter, Linda felt a pang of existential despair.
When the dinner officially began, everyone took their seats at the long, exquisitely set dining table. As Morrison’s dishes were brought out, even Laurent and Tiffany—both skilled in the culinary arts—were visibly impressed.
Tiffany couldn’t help sneaking another glance at Morrison. Somehow... he seemed more attractive than before.
Linda called everyone to start, and as they sampled the dishes, Laurent couldn’t contain his praise.
"Morrison, your cooking skills could make you a professional chef!"
Tiffany smiled and agreed. Morrison finally felt a small weight lift off his shoulders.
Daniel, having tasted the food, also acknowledged it was good. Yet his words were measured,
"Anyone could make a meal like this once or twice. Who’s to say he won’t make Lilian eat out all the time in the future... or worse, make her do all the cooking?"
Daniel’s words, between the lines, clearly implied that Morrison was just putting on a show.
Yet Morrison remained calm. He picked up a napkin and elegantly wiped his mouth, then spoke with steady sincerity.
"Daniel, you know the nature of my work. But I can promise you—whenever I’m not busy, I will cook for Lilian."
As the head of a company, he couldn’t live like an ordinary nine-to-five man, shuttling between home and office. Most nights were taken up by business dinners and social obligations. But he could ensure that from now on, he would reduce those engagements whenever possible. After marriage, he would dedicate even more time to nurturing family, love, and their marriage.
Feeling the moment was right, Morrison reached into his briefcase and brought out a legal agreement prepared by his lawyer. He placed it in front of Tiffany and Daniel.
"Daniel, Tiffany, since we’re all gathered here tonight, I want to show my sincerity in front of everyone," he said. "This is the agreement to transfer my shares in MOS Corp. to Lilian. Consider it my formal betrothal gift."
The room went silent. Except for Mr. Mos and Linda, everyone at the Burg Eltz side was stunned—they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
Daniel, who had been sipping soup, choked on it, coughing violently. Tiffany quickly patted his back to help him recover.
"You’re insane!" he exclaimed, still trying to catch his breath.