Chapter 274

S31 17. Troublemaker

After a brief silence, Frank caught the sound of footsteps. “You’re back? Why so fast?”

He turned around with a ‘smile. But a second later, his face turned

cold.

“Hi,” Sophia approached with awkward movements. “Where are the others?”

Frank’s jaw shifted slightly, making an unfriendly impression. He was starting to get sick of that question, even though he had only heard it twice from Sophia.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, sounded annoyed.

“I want to help.” Sophia shrugged.

Frank snorted. “If you’re just seeking for attention, you’re better not to.

Sophia smiled wryly. “Are you angry with me?”

Frank didn’t answer. He returned his focus on the potato in his hand.

“I heard Kara has a fever. Is she better?”

Frank let out a light laugh. “Why ask something that’s certain? She hasn’t had time to rest yet. How could it be that she’s getting better?”

“Sorry. I actually wanted to help Kara earlier, but Grandma told me not to.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Frank replied lazily, “you feel bad seeing Kara working hard all by herself, right?”

Sophia touched Frank’s arm. “Please, Frank. I’m really sorry. I’m also

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sad to see Kara have a fever.”

Frank suddenly grabbed her arm. His gaze grew cynical. “Don’t you dare touch me. You are not my wife,

Sophia pursed her mouth and withdrew her hand quickly. “Sorry. But I’m not lying, Frank. I care about Kara.”

Frank put the knife on the table. Then, the look in his eyes dug deeper into Sophia. “Then prove it. Don’t just talk.”

“I’ve tried to prove it. You were the one who refused, remember? Or have you changed your mind? Do you want me to set up a time for you and Grandma?”

Frank shook his head faintly. “I don’t need your help.”

“Trust me, Frank. I just want you and Grandma to make peace. I can persuade her in that way.”

Suddenly, someone replied, “Really? How confident are you that you can influence Diana Johnson?”

Frank and Sophia turned towards the door. Jeremy was already standing with his legs crossed, leaning against the wall. Sophia almost snorted.

“It’s this guy again. Why does he like to mess around so much?” she cursed in her heart. However, after one blink, her expression turned

sad.

“Jeremy, you doubt me too?” Her tone was like someone who was

hurt.

“Diana Johnson has just known you and you are not even her relative. What reason does she have to let you influence her?”

“Because we are close. I can feel a strong inner bond with her.”

“Is that so?” Jeremy raised his eyebrows slightly. After pressing his

chin to his lips, he nodded. “You two do look familiar. But in my opinión, there is someone else who is more suitable to mediate between Frank with his grandmother.”

Sophia did her best to keep her facial expression from changing.” Who?”

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“Philip. He’s from Diana Johnson’s orphanage. The bond between them is definitely stronger.”

The corner of Sophia’s lips lifted mysteriously. “Philip? Are you sure he can persuade Grandma to make peace with Frank?” She sounded dismissive.

Jeremy straightened up from the wall. “Why? Are you jealous? You sound unhappy that someone else is closer to Grandma than you.”

The curve of Sophia’s lips turned stiff. “No. Why are you accusing me of being jealous?”

“I’m not accusing, just judging from your movements and tone.”

Sophia let out a faint sigh. “I’m not a child, Mister Jeremy. I’m actually happy that many people are close to Grandma. That means I’m not the only one who can be a place for her to talk and complain.”

“So, you admit that you are the only special person for Diana Johnson?”

“Jeremy,” Frank interrupted. He was already busy peeling potatoes again. “If you two want to argue, please continue somewhere else. Or just book a table at the nearest restaurant. You will definitely be mistaken for two lovers.”

“Lovers?” Sophia was clearly not happy.

“Don’t lovers sometimes fight? Kara and I also had conflicts before we got married.” Frank shrugged, seeming nonchalant.

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Jeremy laughed cynically. “Sorry, Frank. I know you hope to get a

nephew from me soon. But I still have to maintain my standards. This woman is not my taste.”

Sophia could not help but frown. “Did you just insult me?”

“No. I’m just saying that you don’t meet my standards. It doesn’t mean you’re ugly or below standard. Just not up to par.”

Sophia grimaced. Annoyance almost wiped her elegance clean. However, when she was about to argue politely, Philip came again. This time, his expression was confused.

“Sorry, did I interrupt?”

Frank shook his head. “What is it?”

“Did you guys see Abigail? I need a ladder. Barbara could go up, but she can’t get down from the tree.”

Holding their amusement, Frank and Jeremy moved from their

positions. Meanwhile, at the outside of the inn, the twins were taking care of Barbara.

“Auntie, hang in there! Philip will be here soon.”

“Watch out, Auntie! Don’t touch that branch! Frozen trees are more fragile!”

Barbara’s face grew creased. “Don’t scare me, Louis! Can’t you calm me down like Emily?”

“I’m telling the truth. I heard that trees are more fragile in winter. Some trees even break because they can’t stand the weight of the

snow.”

While Barbara grimaced, Kara pinched her son’s cheek lightly. “Don’t be naughty, Louis. Poor your auntie. She was scared enough up there.”

“What is she afraid of? The tree is not very tall. Even if she falls, she will land in a pile of snow.”

Emily placed one hand next to her mouth. “But the snow is thin, Louis. If she falls, it will still hurt.”

Emily’s whisper added to Barbara’s worries. “Kids, instead of staying there, you’d better help Philip find the ladder. I’m already waiting for too long.”

“It’s not even five minutes. Please be patient, Auntie.” Louis smiled amusedly..

Emily clamped her neck with her shoulders. “Auntie, you should have just jumped earlier. I’m sure Philip is strong enough to catch you.”

The frown on Barbara’s face deepened. “Sister-in-Law, please advise your children. They should not revel in other people’s suffering.”

Kara laughed amusedly. “Okay. I can take care of that later. Now calm down. Don’t move too much. It won’t be funny if you slip while you’re ranting.”

Barbara immediately froze. She realized that she had let anxiety take over her body for a long time.

“Look! Philip has found a ladder!”

Everyone turned in one direction. Philip and Frank were running while carrying the ladder. Jeremy was walking leisurely behind them.

In an instant, Barbara’s eyes lit up. With shaking knees and Philip’s help, she finally stepped back onto the ground.

“Oh, thanks, God. As long as I live, I promise I will never climb a tree again,” she whispered.

Meanwhile, Emily jumped up and down happily. “Yeah! Auntie can go down without falling.”

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“Woohoo! Our mission is successful.” Louis raised both hands high. After that, the two toddlers ran around Barbara and Philip. The others laughed at their excitement. Barbara’s fear even disappeared. Unfortunately, an old woman was disturbed by the cheerful sound.

“What are you guys doing out here?”

Diana walked quickly before finally pointing her index finger at Kara.

“And you! Didn’t I ask you to cook? Why are you playing around? Aren’t you embarrassed by Sophia?”