novelxo Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Mrs. Evert’s health had worsened.
Due to severe kidney disease, she needed dialysis, twice a week.
So, rather than an elaborate banquet, today was just supposed to be a simple family meal.
There was no one else attending from Bowen’s direct family, and he was his mother’s only child.
The Evert family was very small. Bowen’s grandmother was luckily able to attend. She was still alive and healthy, much healthier than her daughter.
Meanwhile, the Gellar family brought a larger party with them, consisting of Viona’s parents, grandparents, and siblings. It didn’t take long for them to fill up a large, circular table.
With everyone bustling about, there was no room left for Jolene. All she could do was hover around Mrs. Evert as if she were a member of the hotel staff. Whenever anyone needed something, she was the one to speak to the waiters.
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Deep in her heart, she already knew that there’d be no open seat for her despite being invited.
Mrs. Evert smiled at her and said, “Miss Marsh is the most attentive secretary I’ve seen, so I wanted to have her here today. I hope you don’t mind, Bowen. Do you?”
Of all of his traits, there was one that was most prominent.
His immense devotion to his family.
His eyes flicked across Jolene’s bright face before quickly withdrawing.
Before he’d arrived, he had no idea that she would be joining.
After all, she hadn’t mentioned anything to him.
There were moments that made Bowen realize just how capable Jolene was. This was one of them.
All Jolene could do was paste on a slight smile. Spotting the older Mrs. Gellar struggling to f id a spot for her walking stick, she quickly pulled over a stool. She leaned in and whispered, “Mrs. Gellar, I’ve placed your walking stick right here.”
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The older woman narrowed her eyes approvingly. “What a quick–witted girl, and you’ve got the pretty looks to match.”
Viona sat quietly at the table beside Bowen, her eyes remaining downcast. Bowen’s mother nudged his arm. “Bring Viona something to eat. Why don’t you try the huître from our hotel? Our chef makes the best I’ve ever had with the freshest oysters.”
Bowen brought over a small plate, and Viona accepted it. carefully. “Thank you.”
Mrs. Evert laughed, “These two are so polite with each other. They’re getting married. Why are you so awkward with each other?”
“Bowen’s always too busy,” Mrs. Gellar responded. “They don‘ t have much time to see each other.”
“When they get married later, they’ll have plenty of time to be with each other then,” Viona’s grandmother interjected.
“Yes, yes, but for now, they’ll just have to go on lots of dates to strengthen their relationship. You should watch a movie. together after dinner.” Mrs. Evert gestured to a dish in front of her and turned toward Jolene. “Bring Mrs. Gellar some foie gras. I’ve already told the kitchen to start preparing the goose.”
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Once Mrs. Evert finished her order, Jolene wasted no time in complying.
Picking up a small dish to avoid spills, she scooped a portion of foie gras and approached the older woman.
Just as she was about to set it down, Mrs. Gellar suddenly lifted her hand and bumped into Jolene’s arm.
The foie gras slipped from her serving spoon and fell against her dress.
Because the dish had been stewed in a rich abalone sauce, the thick oil dripped down Jolene’s chest and slowly seeped into the fabric.
Her dress was a mess of browned meat and red splotches.
The older woman frowned, and Mrs. Gellar rushed over to check on her mother.
“Mom, are you okay?”
It was as if she had dumped a pot of boiling water on the old lady, never mind the fact that it was Jolene who received the brunt of the accident.
No one paid any attention to her, so she took the
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opportunity to retreat to the back of the room. Trying her best to stay hidden, she turned away and frantically mopped at her front with a paper towel.
No matter how much she scrubbed, though, the stain refused to come off. Instead, it only seemed to grow like a poisonous flower.
She raised her head in distress. Through watery eyes, her gaze landed on Bowen sitting across the room.
He barely looked up from his clasped hands. Beside him, Viona picked up a fragrant shrimp from a dish and placed it into his bowl. She spoke gently, “Bowen, you, haven’t eaten much. Try this.”