"Claire, I could probably never compare to everything Mary has done for you."
"You don't need to worry about my feelings. Treat her with the exact same respect and love you always have."
Pandora was much too mature to feel jealous over something like that.
Claire nodded in understanding.
Right as it was time for lunch, Edison arrived at the Estate with Jenny and his grandmother.
Patti was cooking up a storm in the kitchen while Pearce tended the fire.
Dewitt had taken a quick trip back to his own house and returned carrying several bottles of liquor.
"This is some top-tier stuff I brought back. Since Edison is home, let's all share a drink."
Dewitt placed the bottles on the large dining table.
Then, he headed into the kitchen to help serve the food.
He blended right back into village life, completely shedding the terrifying aura of the Kaston underworld boss.
Claire also stood up, intending to help out in the kitchen.
But the moment she stepped inside, Dewitt gently pushed her back out.
"Out, out. It's too smoky in here. Just go set the plates and silverware." Dewitt smoothly shoved a stack of plates into Claire's hands.
Fine. Claire accepted her assignment and went to set the table.
Patti worked incredibly fast; the steaming dishes were already hitting the table.
There was a rich chicken soup, smoked bacon, mouthwatering BBQ ribs, two lighter meat dishes, and a fiery plate of spicy chicken.
The spread catered perfectly to the elderly, the pregnant, and Claire's specific cravings.
Sipping the savory chicken soup and eating the spicy chicken seemed to melt the winter chill right out of her bones.
Claire looked blissfully satisfied, and the rest of the table clearly felt the same.
Dewitt, Edison, and Pearce all shared a few drinks.
Pandora even opened a bottle of sweet, fruity wine.
It had a low alcohol content and a pleasant aftertaste. She poured a small glass for herself and offered another to Patti.
Jenny couldn't drink a drop.
On the other hand, Edison's grandmother was an absolute heavyweight.
Calling her a drinking champion was an understatement.
This little old lady was fierce; she could knock back shots without blinking.
Jenny was worried that drinking so much at her age wasn't healthy.
But Edison didn't try to stop his grandmother at all.
He gently reassured Jenny, "Don't worry, she's always loved her drinks."
"She can drink anyone under the table."
That was a slight exaggeration!
But it was true that no one in the village had ever really seen the old woman drunk.
The only time she had ever been completely wasted was when her son died.
A mother burying her child—how could she not be shattered?
She had gotten blindingly drunk that night, sobbing until the heavens shook.
Claire only had one glass. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she didn't dare drink anymore.
She ate until she thought her
stomach would but walkaronet
standing up to takera
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FindNovel.net
The heavy drinkers were still at it. Jenny, who had also overeaten, joined Claire for a stroll.
With both her parents gone, Jenny had found a deep sense of belonging in the James Village.
Even she found it miraculous that
she had fallen in love at first sighe
driven purely by physical attraction! Gontent
And now she was carrying the ultimate proof of their love!
"Claire, I'm not trying to pressure you, but you seriously need to
back
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after the holidays.
FindNovel.net
Jenny trailed after Claire, nagging the whole way.
Claire couldn't even be bothered to respond.
She said she wasn't rushing her, but immediately demanded she work after the break.
Couldn't a girl just enjoy a peaceful holiday?
Claire muttered under her breath, suddenly losing the desire to walk with Jenny.
She scooped up the cat and hurried over to a quiet corner of the courtyard.
Just as she was about to pull out her phone, Dane called.
A wave of guilt instantly washed over her.
She had been back for days and only sent him a single text to say she arrived safely.
She genuinely hadn't even thought about calling him since.
Dane was incredibly busy as an executive, but what was her excuse?
Was she running a global empire too?