Independence

Chapter 0144

+25 BONUS

Jenny stifled a chuckle as her eyes fell on the basket of fruit Lionel had brought. “Mindy, did you get cherries too? They seem a lot smaller than the ones Rena bought.”

Mindy’s smile faltered slightly. “Well, our family can’t compare to Leonard’s.”

Jenny chuckled, “Exactly! Leonard’s family is unmatched.”

Miranda smirked and casually asked, “Aunt Jenny, what fruits did you bring?”

Jenny’s smile stiffened.

Miranda pretended not to notice Jenny’s awkwardness and reached for the bag by her feet. “Let’s see…. apples, pears, oranges…”

None of them were seasonal or expensive fruits.

“You really picked well, Aunt Jenny. These are the kind of fruits everyone regularly eats,” Miranda said.

Jenny found the remark harch but couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong with it. “Yes, yes. I wanted to buy things everyone likes…”

Jenny came from a privileged background. Her parents worked at the power plant and held minor official positions. As their only child, she grew up without financial worries. Despite this, she was quite stingy with her family.

Miranda added, “Aunt Jenny, that’s very thoughtful of you.”

Jenny could only manage a forced smile.

Rena cleared her throat. “That’s enough. Let’s eat the fruit.”

“Thanks, Aunt Rena,” Miranda said, popping a cherry into her mouth. “It’s really sweet.”

However, Jenny found the fruit bland and unappealing. Feeling awkward, she looked to her husband for some comfort, but Harold didn’t even glance at her.

“Mom, eat a couple more. They’re crunchy and sweet!” Quincey urged her to hurry before they were gone.

Jenny sighed. “All you two do is eat. You’re just here to torment me!”

Quincey and Harold couldn’t figure out what was wrong and exchanged puzzled looks.

Soon, it was noon. The housekeeper had come out from the kitchen several times, asking when they could set the table.

Let’s wait a bit longer. Leonard isn’t finished yet,” Rena said.

Anna immediately agreed, “Let’s wait until everyone is here before setting the table.”

Another hour passed, and Rena started glancing toward the upstairs study. “Mom and Dad, should we

start eating? It’s Christmas, and we can’t keep everyone waiting.” Rena said.

“It’s fine, I’m not hungry. How about you, George?” Anna turned to George and asked.

“I’m not hungry, George replied.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0144

“Is anyone hungry?” Anna then turned to the others and asked.

The room fell silent.

“Alright then, we’ll wait a bit longer,” Anna decided.

Suddenly, a voice came from the entrance, “What are we waiting for? Are you all waiting for me?”

A woman walked in and took off her down coat. Underneath, she wore a black suit, and her hair was neatly pinned up at the back of her head.

“Cynthia?” Anna stood up from the sofa and looked at Cynthia. “Weren’t you supposed to be on duty and not coming?”

Cynthia Sutton was the manager of Merlin Bank. She had told Anna earlier that she wouldn’t be able to come due to work commitments.

“I had someone cover for me. I just left for a short while to have a meal. It’s not a big deal,” Cynthia explained as she changed her shoes.

“Rena, Jenny, Harold, Lionel; Mindy…” Cynthia greeted everyone in turn. Her gaze landed on Miranda next. “Mimi, you’re back?”

“Aunt Cynthia,” Miranda greeted her.

“You’ve grown up and become quite beautiful. It’s just… Cynthia’s gaze lingered on Miranda’s face, then shifted to the bag next to her, causing her to frown slightly.

“Cynthia, come and have some fruit.” Rena warmly invited her.

Cynthia smiled and handed over a small box. “A Christmas gift. Rena, you’ve worked hard for the family this year.”

Rena was surprised. “For me?”