Page 141 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

“Now that you’ve made your final decision not to join the family business,” Dennis continued. “We thought it only fair that we give you a little financial boost, as we did for your sister. We transferred some money into your account.”

Anna’s eyes bulged. Was that their idea of an apology?

She tensed, waiting for Warren to react.

“Thanks,” he said curtly. “I might just grab myself a drink from the bar.”

He hadn’t gone far before his mum called out to him. “Why not get a bottle of champagne and we’ll toast the new year?”

He nodded once and continued through the lounge.

“Maybe I’ll see if he needs any help,” Anna mumbled and rushed after him.

When she caught up with him, he was asking Ivy to get them a bottle of champagne and four glasses, and charge it to his parents’ bill.

“Are you okay?” Anna asked, standing beside him while he scrolled on his phone.

“Yep.”

“Really? You’re not angry?”

“No. Why?”

“Because they’re so dismissive! I don’t know why they won’t say they’re proud of you and tell you that you’ve done well for yourself.” Her voice increased in volume, and she made a conscious effort to keep her irritation under control while Warren continued to look at his phone. “They said nice things about you before. Your dad said he thought it was good that you followed your passion and that he admired you for following your own path.”

She shook her head, wishing she’d paid more attention. “It was something like that. I don’t understand why they won’t say nice things to your face.”

“I suppose the question is whether I’d prefer them to praise me and tell me they’re proud of me…” There was a gleeful glint in his eyes as he angled his phone towards her and lowered his voice. “Or whether I’d prefer a hundred thousand pounds.”

“No,” Anna muttered, before snatching the phone. “They didnot!” Her eyes bounced from his banking app to his face. “A hundred thousand,” she whispered. “One hundred thousand.”

“Call me shallow. But I’m okay with that. They’ve never been affectionate or encouraging parents, so it would probably feel weird if they started now.”

“So you’ll keep the money?” she asked, eyes fixed on the phone screen.

“What else would I do? Do you think I should refuse to accept it on principle?”

“Maybe.” She shook her head. “No. Keep it. Do something crazy with it.”

“I’ll save it. Maybe it’ll come in handy one day.” He shoved his phone into his pocket. “Or you can have it for your shop.”

She laughed. “You can’t just casually offer me a hundred grand!”

“I just did.”

Her heart swelled, knowing he genuinely would give it to her. “I’m not going to open a shop.”

“Why not?” His eyebrows twitched together. “Is that what you were upset about before?”

“I wasn’t upset, but I was speaking to your parents about it. Making my business plan – and then chatting it through with them – made me realise it’s not what I want. I’m happy as I am.” She reached for his hand. “You also inspired me to make sure the career path I’m on is the one I really want to be on. I’m going to stick with what I love for now. If I ever feel I want to explore other options, I can reassess.”

He nodded approvingly, then plucked the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket on the bar and popped the cork.

“We’re supposed to drink that with your parents,” Anna said, chuckling as he drizzled the fizzy liquid into two glasses.

“You know I don’t like to be completely sober when hanging out with them.” His eyes sparkled with mirth. “We’ll have one glass here and then join them.”

“Go on then,” she agreed, taking a glass and touching the rim to his. The gentle ting rang in her ears as she took a sip and grinned madly.