Merritt's grandmother, Helena, emerged from the back room and took Christine Jackson's hand, leading her to sit at the stone table. âYou arrived in such a hurry today; I only had time to air out the bedding for a little while. Tonight youâll have to make do, but if the weatherâs good tomorrow, I'll give it a proper airing so you'll sleep more comfortably.â
Christine smiled warmly. âThank you, Grandma.â
âNo need for thanks, dear.â
Merritt brought out the dishes and set them on the table. âLet's eat, sister.â
Christine was truly famished. She started with a bowl of mushroom soup to whet her appetite, and then dug in with gusto.
The sky hadnât completely darkened yet, and the distant hills were bathed in a warm orange glow. The sunset was beautiful, and the little courtyard felt so inviting.
She ate until her belly was round and even let out a satisfied burp. Life felt abundantly good.
Meanwhile, at the hotel, Quinn glanced at the untouched meal on the table. Ever since they arrived at the hotel, the young master had taken a cold shower and then sat by the window, smoking.
It was surprising to see someone like him, a man with the world at his feet, stumble in matters of the heart.
Primo, though keeping a close watch on Merritt's side of things, didnât dare report any updates.
Quinn stayed hidden in the shadows, careful with every breath.
Finally, Dailey Clarkson broke the silence. âHave they arrived?â
Even without a subject, Quinn knew exactly who was being referred to and immediately sent a message to Primo.
Primo confirmed their arrival, and Quinn relayed the information to Dailey.
Dailey listened, remaining impassive.
Naturally, Quinn had no intention of provoking him further.
Just then, the vibration of a phone broke some of the tension.
Dailey glanced at it and picked up the call.
âDid you hit a snag?â Gregory Ford asked bluntly, not bothering with pleasantries.
Dailey didnât answer directly. âWhatâs up?â
From his tone, Gregory could tell Dailey had indeed run into trouble.
âYouâve already sent out the wedding invitations. Are you really going to cancel?â
âWhat else?â
If the wedding went ahead, thereâd be no going back for him and Christine.
The mere thought of it made him restless.
Dailey lit another cigarette.
Gregory continued, âSince youâve come this far, you might as well see it through.â
âIf you cancel suddenly, itâll raise suspicions, and those enemies of yours will turn their attention to Christine again.â
Dailey suddenly asked, âAre you trying to help Christine get away from me?â
âIâm trying to help both of you.â
Dailey didnât buy it. Christine was Jane Websterâs best friend, and Gregory couldnât resist Janeâs influence.
Heâd be surprised if Gregory was helping him. Heâd be lucky if Gregory didnât make things worse.
âGot it, talk later.â
Gregory could hear the heavy resentment in Daileyâs voice.
Cutting to the chase, he said, âEven if you donât go through with the wedding, you need to come back and sort things out.â
âYeah, Iâll fly back first thing in the morning.â
The conversation ended.
...
Christine wasnât concerned with the goings-on in Vista Town.
Helena also had a small vegetable garden, which Christine helped tend by watering and fertilizing.
Back home, she started the fires while Grandma cooked the meals.
Her days were filled with simple, satisfying tasks.
In the evenings, Merritt returned with some late-night snacks.
Theyâd enjoy a few drinks together.
Merritt asked, âSister, do you really not hold a grudge against me for setting you up like that?â
Christine waved it off. âA betâs a bet, and once itâs over, itâs over.â
At first, she had been upsetâespecially when he wouldnât tell the truth. But in hindsight, she realized it had helped her see things clearly.
Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)
ï¤Chapter 837 His Charming Wife ï¤Chapter 10 She and Dailey werenât meant to last a lifetime.
Merritt opened up, âI agreed to cooperate with Nelly Lindsay because I wanted to see how Dailey would handle things with Nelly.â
âAfter all, sheâs his first love, and she still holds a place in his heart.â
Dominant Boss: Call Me Hubby, My Dear ï¤Chapter 250 Finn Shows up Amidst Many Obstructions