The food was still steaming hot when Phoebe lifted the lid, and the aroma wafted up to her nose. Having only had a small bite to eat earlier, she now felt famished. “Let’s eat; I’m starving,” she said.

Theodore took the food she offered. This time he didn’t make trouble for her, and they both quietly finished their dinner. Afterward, Phoebe cleaned up the kitchen and took out the trash.

When she returned to the bedroom, Theodore was already lying on the bed playing Minesweeper.

Phoebe saw his finger tap once and then heard a “boom” as a mine exploded. The sound was surprisingly stress-relieving. She didn’t speak to him but went to the bathroom to wash up.

*

The weekend came in a blink, and Phoebe was called back to the Reynolds Mansion by Old Lady Reynolds’ phone call.

When she arrived, Vanessa had just got there too.

This time Vanessa didn’t come alone; she was accompanied by Sophia and Evelyn Craft who was Sophia’s sister.

The mansion was a hive of lively conversation until the room fell quiet at the sight of Phoebe entering, whose gaze swept over them one by one.

Old Lady Reynolds was dressed in the kind of skirt that old ladies favor these days, making her look elegant and dignified. Mrs. Reynolds sat beside her. On the other side sat Vanessa along with Sophia and Evelyn.

Prof. Fitzroy, who wore glasses and a simple white shirt with chestnut trousers, exuding an intellectual aura.

She seemed pale, probably having just undergone surgery.

Evelyn Craft, meanwhile, was wearing a crescent-white dress, sitting daintily with a flirtatious presence that even outshone Vanessa.

Their family all had stunning appearances, which brightened the whole living room.

Seeing Phoebe enter, Old Lady Reynolds waved her over, “Phoebe, come here; we have guests today that you haven’t met yet. This is Evelyn Craft, a master designer.” Phoebe quickly walked over to Old Lady Reynolds, who pulled her to sit down on the sofa. She nodded to the three across from her, “Evelyn Craft, Prof. Fitzroy, Miss Fitzroy.” Evelyn Craft chuckled lightly, “Theodore’s wife is quite beautiful. Ah, our Vanessa must have been born under an unlucky star. It was unfortunate that she couldn’t end up with Theodore.” Her comment brought another hush over the living room.

Mrs. Reynolds interjected, “Marriage is all about fate. With Vanessa being so outstanding, who knows which lucky fellow will end up with her in the future.”

“It’s a pity our Vanessa is stubborn about…” Evelyn replied.

Sophia subtly squeezed Evelyn Craft’s wrist to stop her from continuing, “Vanessa’s destined one hasn’t arrived yet. When the day comes, I will surely invite you all to the wedding.” Old Lady Reynolds added, “Of course, I’ll definitely attend. Speaking of which, does Vanessa have someone she likes? If not, we can help keep an eye out for a suitable young man to meet.” Afraid that Old Lady Reynolds might actually arrange a blind date for her, Vanessa quickly said, “Grandma, I’m currently focused on my career and not in a hurry to get married.” Phoebe snorted inwardly. Focused on her career? Wasn’t that just lip service?

Old Lady Reynolds continued, “A woman should marry when it’s time. Don’t let your career delay marriage. Our Phoebe got married at 22, ‘first establish a family, then build a career,’ as they say.” The old lady’s words hit Vanessa’s sore spot, and she glared at Phoebe, wishing she could tear her to pieces.

Phoebe was married, sure, but she had stolen her man!

Evelyn Craft seemed to be irritated by Old Lady Reynolds’ remarks too, adding, “If our Vanessa had Miss Ziegler’s tactics, she wouldn’t just be married by 22; she might have already had kids running around.” After noticing the displeasure on everyone’s faces, she deliberately covered her mouth, feigning apology, “Oh dear, look at me speaking my mind without thinking. I hope I haven’t offended you, Miss Ziegler?”

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