Perfect Match: Irresistible Desire For You
Chapter 61

While Ashley was busy in the kitchen, Leonard called Joseph and said quickly and directly, “Avail yourself and make sure you are home for lunch at midday. We have an important guest visiting today.”

Joseph had an important meeting scheduled for that day and was on his way to the meeting room. Joseph couldn’t help but feel confused at his grandfather’s order. He couldn’t imagine who was visiting that had his grandfather so excitable. This person must be of great stature. “Who is it?” he asked.

“You will know when you meet us for lunch.” Leonard did not want to give any more details away to Joseph. Fearing that Joseph may not accede to his request, Leonard threatened, “If you are not here on time, I will run away from our home!”

Joseph felt helpless at this threat. ‘He throws tantrums, like a child. My grandfather is becoming more juvenile in his old age,’ he thought. Joseph realized it would be too much of an effort to extract the information from his grandfather. Plus, this seemed important to the old man as he was so insistent, so he agreed. “Alright. I’ll be home on the dot,” he assured Leonard.

Leonard felt a sense of relief wash over him when Joseph made this promise. He ended the call, having achieved his goal.

‘Why did he cut the call so abruptly?’ wondered Joseph. Leonard’s behavior had been rather peculiar. He was usually a talkative person, so Joseph was left feeling puzzled.

‘From what I’ve noticed of late, Leonard has been displaying this odd behavior since yesterday. Sometimes, he even flashed a mischievous look, fraught with excitement. What’s even more bizarre is Leonard’s appearance today. What has happened? Who could be so distinguished to have such an effect on Leonard?’ Joseph pondered about this as he walked.

Joseph abruptly stopped in his tracks. He turned around, and addressed Zachary, “Zachary, do you have any idea about what my grandfather has been getting up to these past two days?”

Zachary had always enjoyed a good relationship with Leonard. He was fond of the dignified yet endearing old man. He especially enjoyed outing Joseph’s secrets to him. Since Zachary and Joseph were such great friends, and Leonard also adored the former’s jovial and optimistic personality, Leonard treated the two equally. He even went as far as treating Zachary like his own grandson.

Zachary was startled by Joseph’s sudden questioning. His mind went blank and he was unsure what to say. He wondered whether Leonard had ratted him out to Joseph, but he could not be sure. He calmly and composedly responded, “I don’t know. Is something wrong?”

Joseph looked straight into Zachary’s eyes, sizing his response up. Joseph detected a hint of guilt. Knowing he would replace his answer when he reached home anyway, he decided not to press Zachary any further. He turned on his foot, and continued to walk toward the meeting room.

The agenda for meeting today was only to replace a strategy on how to deal with the Synder Group. Joseph had intended that this matter be discussed in great detail. However, due to Leonard’s demand that he be home by midday, Joseph had no choice but to have the meeting postponed to that afternoon. Joseph had almost reached the meeting room when he decided on what he would say to the group that was to meet. He decided he would advise them of the time change, and request that they put their thoughts together before that time, so that the meeting can be more efficient when it was reconvened in the afternoon.

After ordering his grandson to return for lunch, Leonard felt cheerful. He relaxed in the living room for a while, before boredom overcame him. He wanted to check up on Ashley, and see how things were going in the kitchen. John, the old butler who was with him, could not help but chuckle at the uncharacteristic look of anxiousness on Leonard’s face.

“What are you laughing at?” Leonard asked the butler.

“Master, I didn’t mean to laugh. But you seem to be so anxious.”

John Lee was the longstanding butler of the Marshall family. He was capable, loyal and trustworthy. He was perhaps just a decade younger than Leonard, and the two often chatted when Leonard was overcome by boredom. Therefore, John and Leonard had a good relationship. He could freely express his opinions when questioned by Leonard.

Leonard did not have a sense of superiority and treated John as a companion. After a moment of silence, Leonard queried, “Is my anxiety that apparent?”

‘I am eager to see Joseph’s reaction when he is met by delicious meals and a gorgeous woman when he comes home for lunch. I am just a bit impatient with excitement. Could it be so obvious?’ Leonard wondered about this to himself, awaiting John’s answer with anticipation glowing in his eyes.

John nodded honestly, and gave him a reassuring smile. “Relax. This Miss Guzman is really something special! The younger master will like her,” he said.

Hearing his response, Leonard wondered to himself about he should ask, ‘Is it so plainly clear that I want Ashley to be my grandson’s wife? Why didn’t Ashley take any notice of how obviously I am behaving?’ Being satisfied with John’s high praises of Ashley, he decided not to voice his question. Instead, he confidently said, “Of course! If he dares not like her, I will flog him!”

Upon hearing this, John pursed his lips, thinking, ‘Are you sure you will flog Joseph?’ However, he would never utter such words to Leonard. Admiring the joyful expression on Leonard’s face, he said, “Master, you have great taste!”

John’s words were not mere puffery, but sincere compliments. He had met a lot of people, but Ashley was something special. Notwithstanding Leonard’s satisfaction with Ashley, Ashley had many good traits. John felt that, apart from being exceptionally beautiful, Ashley was also charming while still being down to earth. She had the grace and nobility of a wealthy lady, yet she did not have the unattractive quality of arrogance that sometimes accompanied such wealth. One could easily see how Ashley and Joseph would make a perfect couple. It was quite clear that Leonard most definitely had a discerning eye.

As John and Leonard continued their chat, Ashley brought out the first dish that she had prepared. Seeing this, Leonard rushed forward to meet her. Ashley asked him to take a seat, before beginning to serve several other dishes that she had prepared.

Leonard desired that he would be able to have the opportunity to spend quality time, just with Joseph and Ashley. When Ashley had almost finished setting out the dishes, and they were ready to begin eating, Leonard sent the servants out of the main house, who quickly left in succession.

Five dishes and a soup had been laid on the table and Leonard couldn’t help but notice that Joseph had not yet arrived. He requested Ashley to take a seat and begin eating. Leonard then expressed his sincere appreciation for her trouble, and asked “Ashley, aren’t you tired? That son of mine will be back here soon. Let’s begin eating without him. I can tell just from the smell and look of these dishes that they are very tasty. It’s uncommon to replace girls like you, who have good careers but are still great in the kitchen.”

Ashley had carefully selected her ingredients from the wide range of options available in the Marshall family’s pantry. She made delectable dishes, including wine-marinated shrimp, braised fish in a rich brown sauce, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and a hearty chicken soup with wild mushrooms. The dishes were plated beautifully and brightly colored, arousing one’s appetite.

“Leonard, you flatter me. It’s easy to make these home-made dishes.” After taking her seat, Ashley added, considerately, “Leonard, please start eating if you are hungry. I can manage waiting a little longer.”

‘See? Where would he be able to replace another girl of such a good nature? How dare he be late?’ Leonard thought, unhappy with Joseph.

Speak of the devil — Joseph finally arrived. The towering, stately figure of Joseph appeared in the doorway.

“Grandpa, I’ve returned.” After hanging up his coat in the living room, Joseph went to the dining room and greeted Leonard, as usual.