Chapter 400
Gordon Klime was a senior employee of 20 years at the Morgan Group. What would happen if they fired him? Cole could only wonder.
In the afternoon, Kieran left the office early and went straight to the Morgan residence. Frances and Amelie were not home yet. Ruby hung around, and Noah was home.
Nicole watched the three younger members having fun at home. Holding a poker card, Noah flinched from Nicole’s gaze. He warned her, “Stop peeking at my hand! You’re gonna help your daughter win the game, aren’t you? It’s like she’s your kid, and I’m not!”
Nicole was annoyed at Noah’s snarkiness. “Since Ruby’s here today, don’t play dirty. Lila has never cheated, by the way.”
Ruby warmly suggested, “Why don’t we play Bridge so Nicole can play too?”
Noah glanced at her. “Lila doesn’t know how to play Bridge. Are you trying to give her a hard time?”
“Stop the nonsense, Noah. I’m sure Ms. Clemence didn’t mean it that way.” Lila jumped at Noah’s unnecessary hostility. She knew Noah was on her side, but at the same time, Ruby meant no harm.
Her experience with Shannon made her wary, but she had no good reason to hurt Ruby if Ruby did not plan to hurt her.
Nicole smacked her son on the back of his head. “You little rascal! Watch your mouth!”
Ruby had a confused and blank look, the first time Lila had seen such an expression on her face.
In all the times she met Ruby, Ruby always carried herself with grace and poise to a fault. She was never able to tell apart Ruby’s emotions from her expression.
“Ms. Clemence, don’t take that nonsense to heart. We’re used to joking around. That’s why you hear a lot of nonsense when we’re at home. Please don’t take it too personally.”
Lila turned around and saw Kieran entering the house. Sensing the awkward air, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
Nicole patiently explained, “Noah is spoiled rotten by me. He speaks without thinking. Ruby, just ignore him. I’ll teach him a good lesson.”
Lila observed Kieran’s expression. She placed her cards on the table.
She had once imagined the scene of Kieran defending Ruby, but it felt odd when she saw it in real life.
“Why are you guys so worked up for?” Ruby had regained her composure. “I know Noah very well after all these years. Why’s everyone apologizing to me over a joke? You’ll only scare me away!”
Noah stole a look at Ruby before turning to Kieran. “My fault. Sorry about that.
Uncle Kieran, since you’re here, care to join us?”
Ruby chimed in to brighten the
mood, “Yeah! It’s still early in the day.
You can play with us for a bit. Lila
doesn’t know how to play Bridge, so we’ll play Poker.
“Now that we have a big group, Kieran and Lila will be a team, and I’m teaming up with Nicole. Noah, good luck. You might lose badly to us.”
Lila had to credit Ruby for staying graceful and resolving the awkward situation.
Kieran walked up to Lila, grabbed a throw, and draped it over her shoulders.
She stole a glance at Ruby, who happened to be looking at her. Ruby’s eyes were twinkling. At the same time, Noah had grabbed another throw and stuffed it into Ruby’s arms.
Lila saw Ruby holding onto the throw softly. Ruby said to Noah softly, “Thanks.”
Lila finally looked away, weighed down by the guilt that she had somehow robbed Ruby of her happiness.
Knowing Lila wasn’t in a good mood, Kieran placed an arm around her shoulder and took his seat. “Did Noah bully you today?”
Inching closer, he whispered into her ear, “Do I get a reward if I win the game for you, Mrs. Morgan?”