Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Tatum's passion for cooking was evident in everything he did, from the precision of his dishes to the calm confidence he exuded. Of course, it didn't hurt that he was undeniably handsome.

Sevyn Ormond, ever the lighthearted one, grinned as she watched him. "Honestly, even if the food wasn't delicious, I'd probably still feel like I'm dining on delicacies just looking at him," she quipped. Sevyn was notorious for being swayed by a good-looking face, and she owned it

unapologetically.

Elora chuckled, shaking her head at her sister's comment. "Let's get one thing straight-whatever you're tasting is because of Tatum's skills, not me. He's the one who makes it happen."

Tatum, standing nearby, smiled modestly. "I'm the chef for Miss Elora. I follow her lead," he said in his usual calm, steady tone.

The underlying message was clear: if Elora didn't agree to something, no one else could dream of having it. This earned a round of laughter from the other Ormond sisters, who couldn't help but admire his loyalty.

was unwavering, almost as if she were the center of

gave him a knowing smile. "You should get some rest, Tatum. My sisters and I are just going to relax here for a

Tatum left the gazebo. On his way back, he stopped briefly to engage in the snowball fight with the younger brothers, eliciting delighted shrieks of laughter from them

Sevyn leaned closer to Elora, her tone half-serious, halfteasing. "Sister, Tatum is too perfect. He's

didn't flinch. "You think I haven't checked? Twice? His background is spotless. He's from Wiltspoon, a thousand miles away. No connections

adding her own playful commentary. "Still, if Tatum has any ulterior motives, I'd say they've developed after meeting you. He's so attentive to you it's hard not to think he's

an exasperated look. "Tinsley, are you just trying to get

had often teased her about how much she admired Tatum's good looks and talent. "Maybe," she admitted, grinning. "But I'm not wrong,

siblings. Yet, she couldn't detect even a hint of romantic interest from him. He seemed to embody pure professionalism

good at what he does," Elora said firmly, though a small smile