Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 282

"I'll listen to you, Master," Mira replied, looking every bit the obedient student, earning a look of disdain from Owen.

Ever since she arrived, their master hardly paid him any attention.

Mira hadn't brought anything extravagant to the master's place—just some premium health supplements, a pot of hearty chicken stew Rachel had made, and some homemade baked goods. Besides, the master had plenty of good things; he wouldn't care for ordinary gifts.

While they spoke, Master Ellis brought out the dough and fillings.

"Come on, since we're free, let's start prepping."

"We don't know how to cook," Silas remarked with a glance.

The master ignored them. The three of them, along with the Iron Wolves, began preparing the food.

Mira had wanted to take over rolling the dough, but the master insisted on doing it himself. To her surprise, he held a small rolling pin in each hand, rolling out two pieces of dough simultaneously.

The crusts were perfectly round and even.

Rachel was usually fast at prepping dough, but the master's speed was several times faster.

"Master, I had no idea you had this skill. You're a culinary god! I need to learn this."

If she mastered this move, it would definitely turn heads.

"Just practice with dough when you have free time, and you'll get the hang of it."

Mira tried to mimic his technique a few times but failed miserably. "Never mind, I'll learn it when I have more time."

She started filling the pies instead. Master Ellis had prepared three types of fillings: beef and mushroom, roasted lamb with herbs, and pulled pork with caramelized onions.

"Master, why don't you and Owen come over to my place for the holidays?" Mira ventured.

She didn't want to pry into whether Master Ellis had family or why Owen hadn't gone home for the holidays. Everyone had their secrets, and she respected them.

"To ask for information, and to pick up some supplies from me while they were at it."

People in their line of work often took on jobs handling matters that couldn't see the light of day. But at the same time, they were feared and sometimes hunted by other shadowy factions.

"Secure them now while they don't have any pending jobs."

"I still want the Iron Wolves as my bodyguards. Owen, can't you let me have them?" Mira looked at Owen, her gaze carrying a hint of pleading.

"They're my brothers who grew up with me. I can lend them to you, but I'll never give them away."

Master Ellis chimed in, "See? The Iron Wolves won't be with you forever. You're worth millions of dollars now, right? A young woman like you can't afford to be without protection. Your rival, Porter Entertainment, has a whole crew of thugs on their payroll. The Lennox Brothers were ambushed three times last month. Luckily, we were prepared, and they couldn't get close."

The Lennox Brothers could no longer leave Master Ellis's protection. They were willing to give up a five percent stake in their business just to secure his continuous shelter.

Mira took a deep breath. "Alright, Master, please secure them for me. Where do they rank in the underground scene?"