Chapter 97 The Only One Who Cares\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
The entire journey to the Stewart Manor passed in complete silence. Neither of them attempted to bridge the growing distance between them, the quiet inside the car becoming increasingly oppressive.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Halfway through the drive, Xavier called. \u201cScarlett, has Vincent picked you up yet?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has, Grandpa.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, good. No need to rush on the road. Just come back safely when you can.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett lowered her head slightly, her voice softening. \u201cUnderstood, Grandpa.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
After ending the call, Scarlett glanced at the car\u2019s clock-it was already seven in the evening.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Knowing Xavier\u2019s habits, he would typically retire for the night in just over an hour. Yet because he was waiting for her, the family hadn\u2019t even begun discussing dinner.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett felt profoundly grateful for his consideration, but anxiety also prickled at her-she still needed to prepare his birthday dish upon arrival.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If she waited until reaching the Stewart Manor to start cooking, dinner would be delayed even further. Fortunately, she had committed to only one dish. If time grew too short, she could always prepare a cake instead.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As for the birthday gift, she had selected it with Claire\u2019s help-a pair of exceptionally soft-soled flat shoes. While not extravagant, Scarlett had invested considerable thought into choosing something both practical and comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By the time they arrived at the Stewart Manor, the clock had already struck seven-thirty.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As she entered through the front door alongside Vincent, Amanda\u2019s complaining voice immediately reached them from the living room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cScarlett has truly crossed the line this time. Does she even realize what day it is? Not only did she fail to come home early to help with preparations, but she\u2019s actually late and making the entire family wait for her. Honestly, I doubt she holds any genuine regard for us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment Amanda\u2019s complaint concluded, Scarlett and Vincent stepped into the living room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Besides Amanda and Richard, Vincent\u2019s sister Lucy Stewart had also returned for the occasion. Vincent\u2019s younger brother Luke Stewart remained conspicuously absent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett wasn\u2019t the only one running late, yet Amanda consistently singled her out for criticism.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett nearly laughed aloud at the blatant unfairness. Was this targeting not completely intentional?\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Amanda noticed Scarlett and Vincent entering together, she shot Scarlett a glare that could kill.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But Scarlett simply ignored her and directed her attention straight to Xavier.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She approached him, her smile gentle and warm. \u201cHappy birthday, Grandpa. Please forgive my lateness\u2014 I\u2019ve kept you waiting.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:13 Thu, Jan 8\u00a0<\/p>\n
G\u00a0<\/p>\n
52\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 97 The Only One Who Cares\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Xavier\u2019s face lit up with genuine delight at the sight of her. \u201cYou\u2019re here, Scarlett! Come, sit right here beside\u00a0<\/p>\n
me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Within the Stewart family, Xavier had never concealed his disapproval of Amanda\u2019s behavior. When she had been criticizing Scarlett moments earlier, he hadn\u2019t even bothered to acknowledge her remarks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now that Scarlett had arrived, Xavier\u2019s happiness was palpable, while Amanda could barely contain her displeasure, rolling her eyes repeatedly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett took the seat beside Xavier as he insisted. He studied her carefully, his voice filled with grandfatherly concern. \u201cYou\u2019ve grown thinner, child.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Grandpa, you\u2019re mistaken. I\u2019ve been eating quite well, truly.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett hadn\u2019t actually lost any weight, but in the eyes of her elders, she always appeared too slender.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Xavier didn\u2019t press the matter, simply stating, \u201cBe sure to eat a little more tonight. I instructed the cook to prepare all your favorite dishes.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tears welled in Scarlett\u2019s eyes as she nodded. \u201cI will, Grandpa.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Xavier then turned his attention to the visibly irritated Amanda, his tone sharpening. \u201cWhere is Luke? Why hasn\u2019t he returned home yet? What kind of mother doesn\u2019t ensure her son attends family gatherings?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Amanda was his daughter-in-law, and even Richard wouldn\u2019t dare speak back to Xavier, let alone her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Being publicly chastised in this manner dealt a severe blow to Amanda\u2019s pride.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She lowered her head and muttered defensively, \u201cXavier, I\u2019ll call Luke immediately.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With that, she hurried out of the living room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Xavier watched her departure with clear disapproval. \u201cShe can\u2019t even manage her own household properly, yet she\u2019s quick to find fault with others.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett remained quietly seated until Xavier\u2019s temper had cooled before rising gracefully. \u201cGrandpa, I\u2019ll go prepare you a cake now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Every year for Xavier\u2019s birthday dinner, Scarlett would traditionally cook an entire table of dishes. This year marked the first exception.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In previous years, Xavier would always express concern for her, advising her not to spend so much time cooking. He\u2019d insist that young women shouldn\u2019t hover around stoves too much\u2014that the heat would damage their complexion and make them appear worn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But for Vincent\u2019s sake, Scarlett had always disregarded this advice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, as she prepared to enter the kitchen once more, Xavier wouldn\u2019t hear of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s merely a slice of cake. What does it matter whether we have it or not? You are Vincent\u2019s wife. You should remain seated here and allow others to serve you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett looked at Xavier with profound gratitude, her smile gentle but determined. \u201cGrandpa, your\u00a0<\/p>\n
33\u00a0<\/p>\n
8\u00a0<\/p>\n
C\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\u00a0<\/p>\n
|||\u00a0<\/p>\n
O\u00a0<\/p>\n
r\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:13 Thu, Jan 8\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 97 The Only One Who Cares\u00a0<\/p>\n
52\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
birthday comes only once each year, and I rarely have opportunities to visit. Please allow me to do this small service for you-it\u2019s my way of showing respect.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seeing her unwavering resolve, Xavier finally relented. \u201cVery well, but remember-you\u2019re permitted to cook only once annually on this occasion.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett smiled and agreed, \u201cAs you wish, Grandpa.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Just as she turned toward the kitchen, she remembered something important. Retrieving the gift box she had brought, she presented it to Xavier. \u201cGrandpa, I purchased a pair of soft-soled walking shoes for you. You can wear them during your daily walks or fishing trips. I sincerely hope they bring you comfort.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
1.0K\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
18.13\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jan\u00a0<\/p>\n
Awakened Housewife: Ignore Betrayer\u2019s Begs\u00a0<\/p>\n
Silent Dreams Never Die \u2014 Author: John Miller 97 Chapter 97 The Only One Who Cares\u00a0 Finished\u00a0 The entire journey […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-impossible-condition-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27461"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27461\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}