When I stepped out of the house, Nora lowered her sunglasses and said, “Your dressing today makes you look like a virtuous woman. It’s basically the ideal outfit to wear to meet your partner’s family for the first time. When I have to meet Mr. Murphy in the future, I’ll use your dress as a reference.”
When I got into the car, I could not help but laugh. “I just tied up my hair, put on a dress, and did some light makeup. How does it make me look virtuous?”
She started the car as she said, “You don’t understand. Many elderly folks like girls like you, who look neat, gentle, and quiet because they look like good wives.”
Noticing the antique tea set and premium tea in the back, she said, “You already know what Grandpa likes after only meeting him once. No wonder the old Mr. Fuller picked you to marry his grandson!”
I smiled. “If I told you that I was just lucky, would you believe me?”
She nodded, then bobbed her head to the rhythm of the music that was playing. She replied loudly, “Of course, I believe you!”
All along the way, the music was upbeat. I had already been in a good mood, and listening to rock music only made me feel even better.
It was evening by the time we reached Lavelian Village. Nora drove the car into the village and parked outside an antique-looking villa.
Channing stood with his walking stick at the gates of the villa, seemingly having waited for a long time.
When he saw Nora’s car approach, he could not hide his happiness as he walked down the stairs to welcome her.
As soon as she parked the car, Nora got off and ran toward Channing to hug him. She said playfully, “Grandpa, didn’t I say that you should just wait at home? I know how to drive in. It’s cold at night. What if you catch a cold?”
Channing grinned from ear to ear as he replied, “This girl. Didn’t you say you would arrive in the morning? Look what time it is.”
Nora pouted. “I was asleep in the morning! By the way, I brought a friend with me.”
As she spoke, Nora pulled me forward. “Grandpa, this is my friend, Scarlett.”
Channing smiled as he looked at me. “I know her. We met in the village’s hotel. You’re working at Murphy Corporation, right?”
I nodded and smiled lightly. “Hello, Mr. Oberick!”
He nodded in reply. “Hello!”
When we were done with our introductions, Channing instructed his workers to prepare the food, then brought us into his house. There were only a few people in the villa, with only two caregivers and one housekeeper.
The kitchen seemed to have prepared the food a long time ago and had already set them on the table. As we entered, the caregiver smiled and said, “They’ve all been heated up!”
Channing nodded and said, “Get a glass of beet juice for Nora.”
Then, he turned to me and asked, “What would you like to drink, Ms. Stovall?”
I smiled politely and replied, “I’m fine with anything, Mr. Oberick. I’m not picky.”
He laughed. “Why don’t you try Nora’s favourite beet juice as well then?”
I nodded. “Sure, thank you!”
Just then, the sound of an engine came from outside. It sounded like a car had just parked by the door.
Nora had only just picked up her chopsticks and had not even taken a bite. She turned to Channing and asked, “Grandpa, did you invite someone else?”
He was taken aback for a moment, then he shook his head and replied, “No. Who would come and visit an old man like me in the middle of the night?”
The housekeeper then entered the room and said, “Mr. Oberick, a Mr. Fuller wish to see you.”
Nora tutted and looked at me. “Ashton?”
Confused, I shook my head and replied, “He should be busy now. I don’t think he’ll come here.”
However, I was not very certain of my words. Since Joe and Rebecca are in A City, he should be taking them around to view the city. I don’t think he’d come here to accompany me for dinner, right?
Channing smiled and turned to the housekeeper. “What a good timing. We’ve only just sat down. Invite him in quickly!”
The housekeeper nodded and left, then soon came back.
Behind the housekeeper followed a slender, handsome man with an outstanding appearance. It was Ashton.
Nora could not help but laugh. “Mr. Fuller, are you afraid that I’d abduct your wife? I don’t think you’d be so petty as to not even let me take her out to play for a while, right?”
After Ashton greeted Channing, he turned to Nora and replied, “Scarlett doesn’t sleep very well and gets insomnia easily. You two can go ahead and chat. I won’t interfere!”
“Please take a seat!” said Channing as he pulled out the chair beside him. He then turned to Nora and scolded, “Nora, where are your manners?”
Ashton laughed. “I was the one who came here uninvited. Sorry to disturb you.”
Recalling what Nora had just said, Channing then looked at Ashton and asked, “Nora said that you were here to see your wife. Isn’t your wife Ms. Zimmer? Why…”
“Grandpa, you’re confused!” said Nora, “What do you mean by Ms. Zimmer? She’s just a fake. The granddaughter-in-law who was chosen by the old Mr. Fuller is here!”
She pointed at me and smiled. “You gave Grandma’s bracelet to the wrong person. She’s going to be angry!”
