Chapter 354

S31 97. Little Spies

Jeremy raised his eyebrows. “Even though what Eva said is true- about you like to save money and don’t like parties-you don’t need to be embarrassed. That’s a normal attitude. I used to be like that too.”

“Then, is it because of the things she brought?” Ava glanced at the shopping bags on the chair. “Are you embarrassed if you accept pre- loved clothes in front of people?”

Jeremy shook his head. “When I was at the orphanage, I also often received such clothes. If the model was good, I made it my pride. I even dared to wear it to parties. So, it was a natural thing.”

Ava folded her arms, leaning against the wall. She was actually curious about Jeremy’s background. Why was he raised in an orphanage? However, she couldn’t possibly ask that.

“Then what would make you embarrassed if you were in my position?”

“The fact that you have a stupid younger sister. She doesn’t realize that by demeaning you, she is degrading her own family, ruining her own good name.”

The curve of Ava’s lips changed meaning. She didn’t expect Jeremy to have such deep thoughts.

“Do you pity me?”

Before Jeremy could answer, she straightened her back from the

wall. “Don’t. I’m used to being treated like that. So, it doesn’t have big impact on my feelings.”

“What makes you so patient with such a little sister?”

“You can’t stand to face your brother?”

Jeremy laughed faintly. “In the past, yes. In the early days. But our case was different. At that time, Frank didn’t know that he was my brother.”

Ava’s eyebrows rose slightly. But again, she chose not to ask.

“So how?” Jeremy was still curious. “What’s your secret?”

Ava tilted her head slightly. “Sorry. I don’t think we’re that close yet. I don’t like sharing my personal secrets with anyone.”

“Including friends?”

“Why are you curious about my background?” Ava squinted.

“Because I have to prepare an answer for the twins later. It’s impossible for them not to ask me for information.”

“So, you’re looking for my secret to share?”

Jeremy let out a laugh. “Please don’t get me wrong. The kids asked because they care about you. I do too. But if you mind, I might have to find a way to avoid the twins’ insistence.”

Ava smiled wryly. “You don’t need to worry. I’m fine. I’m used to dealing with my sister.”

“Is Eva really your sister? Your real sister? Why would she put you

down like that?”

Jeremy’s guess hit Ava straight in the heart. She froze. Her eyes were fixated on Jeremy and even forgot to blink.

“She’s my little sister.”

Jeremy scratched his temple. He looked confused. “Then what excuse should I prepare for the twins?” He muttered to himself.

Ava shrugged.

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Understanding that she was reluctant to reveal her story, Jeremy sighed in resignation. “Okay, then. Sorry if I disturbed your peace or seemed too curious. Anyway, happy birthday.”

There were no hugs or handshakes after that. Jeremy immediately stepped out after nodding. However, Ava’s heart warmed. Jeremy was the first person to sincerely wish her a happy birthday.

“He wished me a happy birthday?” she thought in disbelief. Then, snorting a laugh, she closed the door.

Meanwhile, Jeremy stopped and looked back. His lips were slightly pursed, his eyebrows knitted together.

“Why is it so difficult to get information from her?” he grumbled before taking a deep breath. Right after he exhaled, he gasped.

“Wait. Why do I care about her anyway? Is it because we’re friends now?”

Tilting his head, Jeremy turned back to face the front. After a brief moment of contemplation, he continued walking.

“It must be guilt. She was in my car yesterday. She shouldn’t have had that accident, especially on her birthday.”

However, as soon as he passed a decorative table, Jeremy’s steps slowed again. Two tiny butts sticking out from behind the tablecloth had caught his attention. With a crooked smile, he squatted down

“I think Uncle Jeremy has left. He doesn’t know we’re here,” Emily whispered, worried.

“Shhh…. Don’t be noisy, Emily. Let’s just wait a little longer.”

“Uncle’s footsteps can no longer be heard. Has he gone far or stopped?”

Holding back a smile, Jeremy pushed aside the dangling tablecloth.

At that moment, the twins’ eyes widened. Their mouths were round like their faces.

“Hi, Uncle Jeremy?” Louis said, waving his hand uncertainly. He still

bent over.

“What are you doing here?” Jeremy played dumb.

“Eng…. I’m checking if there are ants nearby.” Emily’s tiny forefinger poked at the marble.

“I saw one go under the table earlier. But now it’s gone,” she continued with a tense expression.

“I… was checking the legs of this table. They look very sturdy.” Lo nodded while hitting the wood in front of his head with his fist. “Yes, turns out to be sturdy. The design is also good.”

Jeremy bit his lip. Who could stand the cuteness of two toddlers?

“Come out. You’ll hurt your back if you wait there too long.”

Crawling back, Louis said, “We’re actually making observations, Uncle.

“Yes, we didn’t eavesdrop on your conversation with Ava.”

One of Jeremy’s eyebrows moved down. “How did you know I had conversation with Ava?”

Emily gasped. Slowly, she folded her lips inwards. “Sorry, Uncle. Can you keep this a secret from Mommy? Mommy forbade us to spy on you, but we were curious.”

“If you’re willing to help us, we are also willing to help you.”

Jeremy widened his eyes at Louis. “I don’t need any help.”

Louis folded his arms across his chest. His expression was made wise like an old man. “Yeah, you need our help. You have to comfort

Ava so she won’t be sad anymore. Is she still crying?”

“She didn’t cry. She also said she wasn’t sad.”

Emily shook her head with a long sigh. “That’s a fake answer, Uncle. Women like to hide their feelings. If she says she’s not sad, that means she’s sad.”

“Is that so?” Jeremy was amused.

“Yes,” Emily nodded firmly. “What are your plans now? You can’t just wish her a happy birthday, right?”

The curve of Jeremy’s lips froze. His eyes flickered awkwardly. “Is there anything else that needs to be done?”

Louis patted his forehead. “Uncle, what did you do on our birthday?”

“Give you guys gifts?” Jeremy sounded like a student answering a question from his teacher.

“Then, aren’t you planning on giving Ava something? We’ve already. missed her birthday, Uncle. At a minimum, we should give her a gift. It’s a shame that time is too tight to throw a party.”

Jeremy was pensive. While the twins continued to chatter about what gifts they could prepare, Jeremy made a quick calculation.

“Twins, I have an idea. Do you want to help me?”

Louis and Emily gave a small jump and straightened up.

“What help do you need? We are ready to do it!” Louis placed four fingers on the tips of his eyebrow. Emily imitated him.

The curve of Jeremy’s lips turned slanted. Bending down, he began to whisper.

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