Chapter 204: Vibrant Flavors
Ric was practically buzzing with excitement as he took over Monica’s kitchen, determined to impress—and nourish—her family. His culinary expertise exploded into a spread that looked like it belonged in a five-star restaurant, just like the empire he had made for himself.
Some perfectly roasted salmon with delicately poached eggs perched on top, a vibrant stir-fry of broccoli and asparagus that sizzled with flavor, a hearty lentil soup simmering with earthy spices, and a crisp avocado and spinach salad drizzled with a rich, ruby-hued mixed berry vinaigrette.
As a finishing touch, he blended a creamy avocado yogurt smoothie that was both decadent and nutrient-packed. Dylan had already declared it his favorite, downing it like it was dessert.
Cammy’s eyes widened as she rolled Peter’s wheelchair toward the table, momentarily stunned by the sheer amount of food. The scent alone was enough to make her knees wobble.
"My God, Ric," she gasped, taking it all in. "This isn’t dinner. This is a full-on feast. Are we celebrating something I don’t know about?"
Ric’s face lit up with pride, a boyish grin tugging at his lips as he leaned on the counter, watching her reaction like it was the only validation he needed.
"This?" he said with a playful wink. "This is just dinner. Low carb, high protein, loaded with every vitamin and mineral Peter and Dylan need to recover. No shortcuts, no compromises."
"I told you, Uncle Ric’s the best!" Dylan chimed in enthusiastically from the other end of the table, his eyes gleaming. He had shadowed Ric the entire afternoon, eager and curious, helping chop, stir, and even plate the dishes with an adorably serious expression.
But Cammy’s focus shifted when she noticed her son greedily sipping the smoothie, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.
"Dylan," she warned with mock sternness, her hands on her hips. "Stop chugging that! You’ll fill yourself up before you even touch your plate!"
He paused mid-sip, grinning sheepishly.