The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 659

Catherine has lived her entire life driven by stubborn pride.

Unless her daughter-in-law or grandson practically begs her to taste the food, she absolutely refuses to lower herself by asking for a bite.

"Mom, what's wrong? Are you already full?" Katie asks, noticing her mother-in-law's plate.

"I'm fine. I told you, I skipped lunch."

"Then why aren't you eating? Is the chef's food not to your liking?"

Katie eyes the untouched five-star gourmet meal, genuinely suspecting Catherine secretly ate a massive meal at her own estate before coming over. After all, Catherine is usually religious about her noon dining schedule.

If she isn't hungry, just say so. Why does everything have to be a guessing game? It's exhausting.

"No, it's not that," Catherine mutters, her posture stiff. "I'm just tired of all these rich, heavy truffles and caviar. I'm craving something... different today."

As she speaks, her eyes dart subtly toward the plates arranged in front of Tara—the dishes her grandson cooked.

She wants that food!

But she would rather swallow glass than ask for it directly.

"Oh, I completely understand!" Katie's face lights up with sudden realization.

A spark of hope ignites in Catherine's chest. Finally, she gets it!

But then—

"At your age, a lighter diet is definitely better for digestion," Katie says brightly. "Let me have the kitchen quickly steam you some plain vegetables and a light broth."

Katie turns, fully prepared to summon the butler.

Catherine nearly chokes on her own rage.

What is wrong with this woman's brain? When did she say she wanted steamed vegetables?

Was her longing stare at Danny's food not obvious enough?

She wants her grandson's cooking!

"Quiet! Did I say I was being forced?" Catherine snaps defensively.

Terrified that Katie might actually take the plate away, Catherine practically shoves the glazed sea bass into her mouth.

Her eyes widen instantly.

"It's... decent," Catherine says, though her tone betrays her awe. In reality, it is incredible. The depth of flavor absolutely obliterates the five-star gourmet spread in front of her.

She shoots a covert, complicated look at Tara.

She knows damn well that if Tara hadn't handed her an out, she wouldn't have tasted a single bite of her grandson's cooking today. She will never admit it out loud—that would be far too humiliating—but the gratitude is there, buried under layers of ego.

It is so good. She desperately wants another piece.

Finally catching onto the dynamic, Katie blinks.

Oh. So that's how it is.

"Well, if it's decent, eat up! It's a miracle Danny even touched a spatula today. We're all just riding on Tara's coattails!" Katie chirps, deliberately reinforcing Tara's undeniable importance in the household hierarchy.