Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 860

Claudia stared at the array of pumpkin pies spread across the table.

Harold snapped off a portion of the spicy beef pie and handed half to her. “Here, try this. Harvey made it.”

Harvey made it every year–he just never shared it with anyone.

Claudia had never been home for Thanksgiving before. Graham always took her away around that tim

She took a small bite. It was delicious–not too spicy, with a rich, savory beef flavor that came through perfectly. Exactly the kind she liked.

Harvey had made it…

“This tastes a lot like the one my dad used to make,” Claudia said suddenly, smiling. “I remember he tried making it once, a long time ago.”

Damian glanced quickly at her, then over at Harold.

Harold paused briefly, watching her.

“That oak tree outside… I think we had one in our old backyard, too,” Claudia added, taking another bite.

“Well, now you’re eating pie made by your other dad–me,” Damian chuckled. “I baked a few of these myself. I make them every year. We’ve got just about every flavor you could want.”

Claudia looked at Damian. “Did you ever come to see me? Before, I mean.”

She had a faint, distant memory of him–or at least she thought she did.

Damian stood holding the baking sheet, quiet for a moment. “Yeah, I did. Met your grandfather, too. But that was years ago. No need to dwell on it–everything’s good now!”

Claudia smiled and nodded.

Damian walked out toward the kitchen.

Harold finished his half of the pie and eyed her. “So I’m guessing you know how to make these, then. How about baking some for me one of these days?”

“That’ll cost you.”

“Look at you, getting all proud. You already have my entire paycheck,” Harold said, wrapping an arm around her as they moved toward the backyard.

“That’s your paycheck?” Claudia raised an eyebrow.

“What else? Isn’t the husband supposed to hand over his earnings?”

“Then what do you use for spending money?”

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Chapter 860 Familiar Flavors

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Harold had never asked her for an allowance.

He put on a pitiful face. “If I have cash, I spend it. If I don’t, I go without.”

Claudia studied his expression. “Sounds like you’ve been stashing some away on the side.”

“Scout’s honor, I haven’t,” Harold said, laughing.

Back and forth they bantered as they stepped outside.

After washing up, they joined Harvey near the prep table, pulling on gloves to help with the pies.

“Do you two even know what you’re doing?” Harvey asked.

“Nope,” they answered in unison.

Harold was rarely home for the holidays, and Claudia had mostly tucked those kinds of memories away. She didn’t really recall ever making pumpkin pie from scratch.

Harvey walked them through it.

“Roll out the crust, spoon in the filling, fold it over, then press it into the pan. Make sure it’s snug–that’s all there is to it.”

The steps were straightforward. With the dough and fillings already prepared, it wasn’t too difficult.

Harold and Claudia followed along, doing their best to keep up.

“Harvey, shouldn’t you take Amanda her pie now?” Isabelle reminded him. “It might be awkward if you wait until dinner.” D

“Alright,” Harvey replied.

Henrietta quickly pulled off her gloves. “I’ll come too!”

Harvey didn’t object. Having Henrietta along might actually make things easier.

Isabelle boxed up the pies, placed them into a handled bag, and passed it to Harvey.

“The mild ones are for Amanda,” she repeated, worried he might mix them up. “And this bag is the spicy ones–Dolores likes those.”

Harvey gave them a glance. “Got it.”

“Remember, Dolores works for you. Don’t make things difficult for her. Everyone’s on break these next few days. And try not to act so… detached all the time.”

Harvey frowned. “Mom, since when did you turn into such a nag?”

Isabelle only smiled and shook her head. “Go on, then.”

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Chapter 860 Familiar Flavors

“We’re heading out.”

Harvey and Henrietta left through the yard gate.

+35 Free Cons

Cons

Dolores had rubbed Harvey the wrong way these past couple of days, and Henrietta had filled Isabelle in on the little tensions.

To Isabelle, it all felt oddly familiar–like watching kids squabble and then make up, the way they used to when they were younger.

Having all her children under one roof now filled her with a quiet, steady warmth.

After they’d gone, Damian brought over the newly assembled pies on baking sheets, ready for the oven.

Isabelle helped arrange them, then followed him into the kitchen.

Claudia watched them go, then turned to Harold. “You know… this place feels really familiar to me.”

Harold looked up from the dough, his hands pausing.

“Is your head hurting?” he asked.

Claudia shook her head. “No.”

“This used to be your home.”

She knew that.

The first time Harvey brought her here, she’d felt that strange sense of recognition–the red brick front steps, the oak tree in the yard, the wooden patio and little koi pond out back, even the dog still circling her affectionately.

This had been her home.

And now, after all these years, she was back.

Seeing her drift into thought, Harold spoke gently. “Don’t push yourself to remember if it’s not coming naturally.”

Claudia met his eyes. “Tell me about the past. How we met. How all of you ended up living here.”

“If I tell you now and you end up with a headache or something, Dad will have my hide tonight,” Harold said, only half–joking. “I don’t want to spend Thanksgiving in the ER.”

Claudia let out a soft laugh.

Harold’s tone softened. “Once we’re married, we’ll take our time. I’ll tell you everything–the whole story. bit by bit.

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