Chapter 836

John gazed at the shimmering tears in Riley's eyes, his usually impassive face now betraying a flicker of delight. With a tone feigning composure yet laced with barely concealed pride, he said, "Well, Riley? My fried chicken cutlets might not win any beauty contests, but the taste is pretty decent, wouldn't you agree?" Riley took another bite through his tears, nodding with difficulty. "Mmm, it's... quite good. Mr. Wallace, why don't you try some yourself?" John glanced at the plate pushed toward him, laden with lumpy, charred masses. Truth be told, he had a pretty clear idea of his culinary skills—or lack thereof—and had never intended to sample his own handiwork. With an utterly straight face, he claimed he'd already eaten earlier. After giving a few instructions to Jane and the other kids, he straightened his posture and strode out the door to head to the clinic. Thus, breakfast concluded with no casualties except for Riley, who spent the entire day unable to rid his mouth of the bi