Chapter 557

When Frederick stepped out carrying the clay pot, he was greeted by this comical yet oddly harmonious scene. His gaze swept over Riley, who immediately sprang to his feet and darted into the kitchen like a startled rabbit. Frederick set the pot down on the rough-hewn wooden table in the courtyard, ladled a small bowl to let it cool, then scooped Jane into his arms. The little girl had just been about to call the three mischievous old men for dinner when Frederick stopped her. "Leave them be. Let's eat without them." "But..." Jane hesitated, her conscience pricking at her. Earlier, when Grandpa Benedict had carried her into the kitchen, she'd heard him swallowing hard with anticipation. Wouldn't it be too cruel to eat without them now that Frederick had gone to all this trouble? Before she could finish her protest, Frederick was already coaxing her to open her mouth. Obediently parting her lips, she was rewarded with a spoonful of perfectly warm, fragrant chicken congee. The rich, savor