Chapter 316: Chapter 316

Chapter 316 What A Mess It was already seven in the morning by the time Rayna woke up.

The snowfall had stopped.

Thankfully, the staff had cleared the piles of snow blocking the roads, and their driver was ready to go. It took them only thirty minutes to reach the hotel, as their route was free of traffic.

Rayna caught sight of Jasmine and Theodore the moment she stepped into the hotel lobby.

Jasmine made her way to Rayna and held her hand. “Didn’t you sleep well? Your dark circles are so obvious.”

“It’s nothing to worry about.”

They took the elevator to the topmost floor once everyone had convened.

Theodore arranged for pickup by a private plane to save them the hassle of waiting at the airport after obtaining permission from the air traffic controllers.

The private plane swiftly departed from the hotel.

Rayna lay cocooned in Curtis’ embrace. She rested her head on his broad shoulder and gazed at the receding structure of the hotel as she muttered, “Will Wyatt be fine?”

“It’s nothing he can’t get over,” Curtis comforted. “Don’t worry. Try to get some sleep.”

“Okay...”

Rayna couldn’t help sighing at the relationship between Jessica and Wyatt and the vendetta between their families.

What a pair of star-crossed lovers!

The private plane touched down at Norwal City Airport at eleven in the morning.

Curtis received a text message from Wyatt informing him that Gerald’s body was ready for burial the following morning. They would only have to attend the funeral then and should rest for the day after their long trip.

“He doesn’t want us to disturb him for now.” Curtis read out Wyatt’s text message to the others present. “Theodore, Rayna and I will be heading to the company to deal with some matters. Let’s head to the cemetery together tomorrow morning.”

“That’s fine by me.” Both Theodore and Jasmine left promptly.

Rayna’s request to accompany Curtis to work was turned down. He sent her back to the condominium, deeming it necessary that she got some rest.

Rather than spending her time idle at home, she decided to visit Linda’s shop.

Linda’s reputation for preparing delicious food and the sweetest homemade brew spread like wildfire in a matter of days, so much so that there were long queues at her shop daily.

Linda was wrapping up for the day when Rayna arrived. She’d hired an assistant close to her age to help her out because of her booming business.

“Are you and Curtis back from your travels?” Linda was startled at her appearance.

“Mom, what’s with the sudden change in attitude?” Rayna poured herself some water to drink. “I recall you acting all indifferent the last time he visited you.”

“Well, I can’t possibly tear you lovebirds apart since you’re so fond of him. Besides, he’s quite a brilliant fellow. I did as he told and my business has improved vastly. These few days must have been the most I’ve earned in a while.”

Rayna chuckled.

She hadn’t realized how fickle her mother’s mood could be until then.

Linda finished cleaning up and dismissed her assistant early as she planned to get some ingredients to prepare Rayna’s dinner.

They were about to leave when they caught sight of a woman walking toward them.

Rayna was the first to recognize the woman, and her expression fell. She immediately shielded Linda behind her and said coldly, “Ma’am, why are you here?”

Sandy’s eyes welled with tears when she saw Rayna. “I came here to buy some stuff.”

“Everything’s sold out!” Rayna replied curtly as she tugged Linda along lest she feel sympathy for Sandy again.

Linda planted her feet on the ground. “She’s my customer. In fact, I reserved some wine for her.”

She went back into her shop to retrieve the goods.

Rayna was dumbfounded as she followed closely behind Linda and whispered in her ear, “Mom, do you have any idea who she is?”

“Of course. I mean, she’s a regular of mine. You shouldn’t have behaved so rudely toward an elder.” Linda almost let slip her knowledge of Sandy’s identity.

Rayna took a deep breath. “Remember the woman Elijah remarried? The one who’s the daughter of an executive in Jetroina?

She’s the younger sister of that executive.”

“What?”

Linda was so shaken by the revelation that the wine bottle in her hand almost slipped from her grasp.

Rayna swiftly secured the wine bottle before continuing, “She visited me once after Elijah’s incarceration to request that I withdraw the charges against him. Of course, I refused. I doubt she’s here to patronize your business. With how pliable you are, she probably hopes to rub shoulders with you so that you’d eventually convince me to withdraw the charges against Elijah.”

Linda was stunned.

She’d known Sandy as Curtis’ estranged mother, yet Rayna claimed that she was the sister of her ex-husband’s current partner.

“Oh dear, my head hurts.” Linda supported her head with one hand as she struggled to process the overwhelming information. “I thought she was—what a mess!”

“Mom, it’s not that complicated. All you have to know is that she’s Elijah’s sister-in-law.”

Linda pointed at Sandy, who was standing outside the shop. “S-She’s rather kind.” She’d intended to point out that Sandy was Curtis’ mother but had no idea where to begin.

“And you say that after only being acquainted with her for several days?” Rayna was exasperated.

She handed the wine to Sandy and declared firmly, “Ma’am, I won’t withdraw the charges against Elijah. Please don’t harass my mother ever again, or I won’t be showing any mercy.”

Sandy gave her a meaningful look and inclined her head. “You must be mistaken. I genuinely appreciate the taste of the home-

brew wine here. That’s why I come here often to buy it.”

Her stare made Rayna feel uneasy.

Why is she regarding me like her own daughter? Could she be trying her luck on me now?

Sandy was not in a hurry to leave as she inquired mildly, “I heard you’re dating Mr. Faymon of Faymon Group. Do both of you have any plans on getting married?”

“That’s a private matter that should not concern the likes of you.”

The light in Sandy’s eyes went out, and she seemed lonesome. However, she straightened herself and plastered a smile once more as she reached for a red talisman in her bag and gave it to Rayna.

“Please accept this if you don’t mind,” Sandy implored. “I got this from a shrine in Jetroina. It’s believed to give you protection, good luck, and health. I apologize for what happened before.”

Rayna replied impassively, “Elijah should be the one to do so, not you.”

The talisman in Sandy’s hand and her meekness compelled Rayna to accept the token despite her hardened resolve.

Sandy’s gentle smile widened as she placed both of her palms against the other and bowed slightly. “Thank you. You’re a perfect match for Curtis with your beauty and intelligence. I wish you both an everlasting and blessed relationship.”

Rayna pursed her lips. “Thank you.”

“I would like to treat both of you to a—” Sandy was cut off by the ringing of her phone. She took a glance at her phone, and her expression dimmed. “Please excuse me. I have some matters to attend to. By the way, your mother’s wine is truly amazing.”

With that, she departed hastily.

Rayna stared at her back, then looked down at the talisman in her own hand and contemplated her strange behavior.

Linda advanced toward her. “What were both of you talking about?”

“It’s nothing. She said Mr. Faymon and I were made for each other and wished us well.” Rayna brought attention to the talisman.

“She also gave me this. It’s from a shrine in Jetroina.”