Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"Well, I'm back—and I had a midnight snack," Elora said, glancing at her mother's expression. She could tell right away-her mother had seen her and Tatum hugging.

After a brief silence, she decided to speak first.

"Mom."

"Elora."

They spoke at the same time, then fell silent again.

"You go first, Mom." Elora stepped closer. "You're clearly not sleepy yet. Come to my room- we can have a mother-daughter chat."

That way, they wouldn't disturb her father and brother.

Mrs. Ormond followed her daughter into the bedroom.

She rarely entered Elora's space. Ever since Elora started junior high, she had made it a point not to go into her daughter's room without permission.

As her children grew, they needed their own privacy, and she respected that.

want some water?" Elora asked, noticing her mother's hesitation. She motioned for her to

you just got back from a business

little time to process

a wonderful man, and his cooking was exceptional-so exceptional that Elora hadn't gotten tired of it after

had assumed her daughter's private chef arrangement would only last for a short period, thinking that Tatum was simply doing his job to

attentive Tatum was to Elora, but she hadn't thought too

hadn't concerned her either. After all, Tatum wasn't just any chef-he was the sixth young master of

admired capable, successful individuals. It was only natural that her attitude

Mrs. Ormond hadn't expected

introductions to outstanding young men in the city. But none of those meetings ever led

had no idea what kind of man her daughter

Her priority was managing the company and training

circumstances, and the fact that Elora

Mrs. Ormond hadn't

was, however, particular about her future

a target. If Elora married the wrong man— someone ambitious with ulterior motives-it could

her daughter suffer in an unhappy marriage, but she could

business, the risk of outsiders gaining control was a