Chapter 136 Rainy Departures\u00a0<\/p>\n
A\u00a0<\/p>\n
86\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett froze for a moment, her mind flashing back to the last time Vanessa had visited Theron\u00a0<\/p>\n
Manor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She remembered that evening vividly. Diana had gone to the trouble of preparing dinner herself, but before Vanessa had even taken a single bite, she had started picking the food apart, her criticisms sharp and unwarranted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even now, after all this time, the memory sent a fresh, sharp pang of hurt through Scarlett\u2019s heart. She had no desire to revisit that topic or answer Vanessa\u2019s question. \u201cGo to bed early, sweetheart,\u201d she deflected, her voice soft but firm. \u201cI\u2019m tired.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vanessa, perhaps sensing Scarlett\u2019s reluctance, didn\u2019t push. She sat up, extricating herself from Scarlett\u2019s embrace. \u201cGoodnight, Mom,\u201d she said simply.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Once Vanessa was back in bed, she drifted off to sleep relatively quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett, however, spent the night tossing and turning on the couch, sleep evading her. Each time she closed her eyes, the memories of that night replayed in her mind, and she couldn\u2019t stop a few silent, bitter tears from escaping, tracing a cold path down her temples and into her hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She barely slept a wink. The restless night was further disturbed when a heavy, relentless rain began to pour down around midnight, the drumming sound on the roof and windows only amplifying her inner turmoil.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By seven in the morning, Scarlett gave up on any pretense of sleep and got up.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She threw on a coat and headed downstairs, surprised to find Vincent already there, seated in the living room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The sight of him gave her a momentary start, but she quickly schooled her features into a mask of composure.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent had been completely absorbed in a financial magazine, but the sound of her footsteps on the staircase drew his gaze upward. Recognizing her, he offered a rare, curt greeting. \u201cMorning.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning,\u201d Scarlett replied, her tone even and devoid of warmth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She then moved towards the kitchen, intending to start breakfast, but Vincent\u2019s voice stopped her. \u201cNo need to cook today. We\u2019ll eat out.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:40 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 136 Rainy Departures\u00a0<\/p>\n
86\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett was somewhat taken aback by the suggestion. After a brief moment\u2019s consideration, she nodded. \u201cAlright.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Once she had agreed, Vincent immediately returned his attention to the magazine, effectively ending the conversation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Unbeknownst to Scarlett, the suggestion to eat out had actually come from Vanessa the previous night, just before she\u2019d retreated to her room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The girl had grown tired of constant home-cooked meals and was craving something from a\u00a0<\/p>\n
restaurant.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With no breakfast to prepare, Scarlett found herself at a loose end. The rain outside continued to fall in heavy, relentless sheets, showing no sign of letting up. The autumn rain, whipped by a gusty wind, carried a distinct, penetrating chill.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet, there was a silver lining. After such a thorough downpour, the air always felt cleaner, fresher, as if washed anew.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett tightened her coat around herself and carried a chair over to sit by the front door, watching the rain cascade down. The sky outside was a uniform, gloomy gray, and the steady drumming of raindrops against the windowpanes created a strangely rhythmic and soothing soundtrack.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As she watched the endless sheets of water, she felt the heavy weight on her mood gradually begin to lighten ever so slightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Just then, her phone\u2019s ringtone sliced through the tranquil sound of the rain, jarring in the quiet room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She pulled the device from her pocket and saw Violet\u2019s name flashing on the screen.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But when she answered, it was Clara\u2019s sweet, young voice that came through the speaker. \u201cAuntie, are you coming back to Theron Manor tonight?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett thought for a moment before responding, \u201cYes, but it will be quite late.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYay!\u201d Clara cheered, her excitement palpable even over the phone. Then she added, \u201cAuntie, I learned how to make pancakes online! I got up super early today and made some for Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, and Dad. They all said they were delicious! I saved one for you, too! Auntie, can you please pick me up after school tonight? Then we can go back to Theron Manor together, okay?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hearing Clara\u2019s earnest, soft voice pleading with her, Scarlett\u2019s heart melted instantly. Clara was being so thoughtful and enthusiastic-how could she possibly refuse?\u00a0<\/p>\n
So she agreed warmly, her voice softening. \u201cOkay.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:40 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 136 Rainy Departures\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
A\u00a0<\/p>\n
86\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clara grew even more excited. \u201cYay! Auntie\u2019s picking me up after school! Yay!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett couldn\u2019t help but smile fondly. She said gently, \u201cAlright, sweetheart. I need to hang up now, okay?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAuntie, I love you the most!\u201d Clara declared before the call ended.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you the most, too,\u201d Scarlett replied, her voice barely above a whisper.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After ending the call, Scarlett stared at her phone for a long while, lost in thought. She couldn\u2019t help but reflect that if Vanessa were still her sweet, affectionate self, she would probably be the one declaring her love so freely, just like Clara.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But now, her own daughter clearly didn\u2019t hold the same depth of affection for her as her young niece did.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The rain outside continued its relentless downpour. Scarlett pulled her coat tighter and turned around, only to meet Vincent\u2019s intense gaze from across the room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She had no idea how long he had been watching her, but the displeasure in his eyes was unmistakable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even so, Scarlett didn\u2019t back down or look away. She met his gaze directly and said, \u201cCan you pick up Vanessa from school tonight? I need to go back to Theron Manor for something.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t bother explaining the specifics; she saw no need to justify herself to him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But an explanation was unnecessary-Vincent had overheard her entire conversation with Clara.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His eyes narrowed as he looked at Scarlett, something unreadable and dangerous flashing within them. When he spoke, his voice was deceptively flat, yet it carried a distinct undercurrent of disdain. \u201cYou\u2019re going back just for your niece?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett didn\u2019t deny it. She admitted openly, her chin lifting a fraction. \u201cYes. She made something for me to eat.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The look in Vincent\u2019s eyes instantly darkened, the storm in them mirroring the one outside. He said in a low, firm voice that brooked no argument, \u201cI have an important meeting tonight. I can\u2019t pick up Vanessa.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He rejected her request without a moment\u2019s hesitation, leaving absolutely no room for negotiation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett, however, didn\u2019t seem particularly bothered by his refusal. She simply offered an alternative, her tone pragmatic. \u201cThen let Lily pick her up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:40 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 136 Rainy Departures\u00a0<\/p>\n
86\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vincent snapped his magazine shut with a sharp crack and stood up abruptly, his tall frame towering over her as he stared down, his presence intimidating. He held her gaze for a long, tense moment, making his profound displeasure crystal clear.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett didn\u2019t back down an inch. She stared right back at him, her gaze steady, unyielding, and utterly resolute.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1.1K\u00a0<\/p>\n
H\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:40 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Awakened Housewife: Ignore Betrayer\u2019s Begs\u00a0<\/p>\n
Editorial Board: Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.<\/p>\n
Silent Dreams Never Die \u2014 Author: John Miller 136 Chapter 136 Rainy Departures\u00a0 A\u00a0 86\u00a0 Finished\u00a0 Scarlett froze for a […]<\/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-27500","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\/27500","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=27500"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27500\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27500"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27500"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}