Chapter 157
As soon as Beatrice called Agnes, she felt something was off. The term was a bit too respectful and it made her suspect that Beatrice was up to something Beatrice claimed she wanted to crash at their place for a few days, but Agnes had a feeling that Jared was her real target. Just as she was about to say no, Beatrice turned to Jared who was driving and said, “You wouldn’t turn me down, would you? I promise I won’t be a bother. Just let me stay with you guys.”
There was even a hint of flirting in her voice by the end.
Agnes had to admit she was somewhat impressed by Beatrice. Her audacity was really something else.
But Jared wasn’t a pushover, or so Agnes thought. She expected him to turn Beatrice down without hesitation, But to her surprise, Jared said, “Sure, there are plenty of empty rooms at Maplewood Manor. Take your pick”
Beatnce was ecstatic. She hadn’t expected Jared to agree. Perhaps he didn’t find her as annoying as she thought. She shot a triumphant glance at Agnes, raising an eyebrow as if to say “score one for me“.
She was one step closer to her goal. Sharing the same roof everyday would give her plenty of opportunities. The thought excited her.
Agnes, on the other hand, was feeling a bit blue. She hadn’t expected Jared to say yes, Did he feel guilty for not catching her on purpose?
Back at home, Beatrice picked a room closest to the master bedroom and moved in cheerfully. Agnes was about to go to her room, when she noticed Jared locking the door to the master bedroom. “What are you doing?” she asked.
“We’re going to stay at the Whitfield Manor for a couple of days.” Jared replied.
It then dawned on Agnes that Jared had seen through Beatrice’s plan all along. He had agreed because he never planned to stay.
Beatrice’s plan had fallen through. For some reason, Agnes felt a sudden lift in spirits. As they left, she felt a mischievous thrill.
Meanwhile, Beatrice lay in bed, still daydreaming about all the potential romantic encounters under the same roof with Jared,
Although the Whitfield Manor was sparsely populated, it was always brightly lit, day and night, because Alyssa disliked the dark.
At dinner that night, Tim was thrilled to hear that Jared and Agnes would be staying at the old house for a few days. “Why don’t you move back in? It’s great when the family’s together.” Alyssa suggested.
But Jared declined, “It’s a bit far from the office and Agnes’s school, but we’ll visit often.”
Tim grumbled, “How far could it be? It’s just a short drive. I think you just enjoy your freedom too much and hardly come home”
Alyssa said, “Dad, you’ve got to understand the young folks. Jared just got married and it’s normal that he wants to spend time alone with Agnes. Plus, you might become a grandpa sooner this way.”
At the mention of becoming a grandpa, Tim was over the moon. He then turned to Agnes and said, “Agnes, eat up. You’re too skinny. You need to build up your
strength.”
Agnes was taken aback by Tim’s eager look. She was only twenty. Why was she supposed to think about having babies?
“I’m full.” Ryder put down his fork and said, “I’m heading to my room.
Alyssa frowned, “You hardly ate anything.”
Without saying anything, Ryder left the dining room and went to his room.
