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Chapter 117
Chapter 117
Rupert was in a tough spot, but considering Claudia’s pregnancy, he didn’t want to argue.
He calmed himself and coaxed. “Claudia, you know I’m busy with work all day. I worry about you being alone at home. Plus, when I’m not around, you just order takeout. That’s not healthy for you or the baby.
“My mom can cook, and you’ve said before that her food is delicious. If they move in, they can take care of you and solve the meal problem. Isn’t that a good thing?
“I promise they’ll only stay for a while. Once my mom’s health stabilizes, I’ll make sure they move out without you having to say a word. They can rent a place then. How about that?”
“Rupert, you said your mom is still recovering. If she moves in, who’s taking care of whom? What if she gets tired or hurt? Your sisters would blame me for mistreating her.
“I can’t shoulder that kind of responsibility. And your dad–he’s been waited on by your mom for over twenty years. Do you think he can take care of others?
Rupert, if they’re going to rent a place eventually, why not have them do it now? It’s better for everyone to have their own space, don’t you think? If you insist on them moving in, then I’ll move out and give the house to them.”
Claudia was firm on this matter.
Claudia stood up from the sofa, her face cold: “I’m tired. I’m going to bed. And I’m not feeling well today, so I want to sleep alone. You can sleep in the guest room.”
Rupert sat alone on the sofa, anxious. He thought, ‘My parents just want to stay for a while. Why is it so difficult?‘
Loris Cafe was in its soft opening phase, offering a seven–day discount at 30% off.
Thanks to Lola’s extensive network, the shop was flooded with flower baskets from friends and family.
At 9 a.m., as soon as the shop opened, customers started pouring in.
Lola, Doris, and the staff were swamped, but luckily Lola had prepared by asking some of her childhood friends and relatives to help out.
Laura had also taken the day off to lend Doris a hand.
The first day’s rush was finally over.
By 6 p.m., as dinner time approached, the crowd thinned, giving Lola and Doris a moment to catch their breath.
“Doris, being a boss is torture. I’m exhausted and haven’t even had a sip of water. I’m so thirsty,” Lola complained. “I shouldn’t have invited so many people to support us.”
“Let me get you some water.” Doris offered kindly.
“No need. I’ll get it myself.” Lola shook her head. “I should also check the inventory and see if we need to restock anything.”
Lola headed to the kitchen.
“Doris,” a man who looked like a young master leaned against the counter.
Doris took a closer look–it was Lola’s childhood friend, Andy Wayward. “Mr. Wayward, can I help you?”
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“Lola and I go way back. Since you’re her best friend, just call me Hao like she does. Andy took a sip of his coffee.
Doris simply smiled politely.
“I heard you made some of these desserts yourself?” Andy continued.
“Some were made by me, and others by the chefs we hired” Doris had designied a few new items for the opening, which she made herself.
“Which ones did you make? I’ll take five of each.” Andy looked through the glass display at the array of desserts.
“There are several. Can you finish all that?” Doris was surprised.
“If I can’t, I’ll take them home for my family to try,” Andy said, acting like money was no object.
Doris took a tray and tongs, picking out the desserts Andy requested and packing them separately.
“Mr. Wayward, with the 30% discount, that’ll be 140 dollars. I’ve also included a free cake. Doris handed him three large paper bags.
After paying via WhatsApp, Andy asked, “Doris, when are you free?”
“Huh?” Doris was confused. “Probably not for the next few days. You know how busy it is with the shop just opening.”
“There aren’t many people here now, and the staff can handle it,” Andy observed the shop, where only a few customers remained. “How about I treat you to dinner? Just an hour.”
“Thank you for the offer, Mr. Wayward.” Doris declined politely.
“Doris, do you have a boyfriend?” he pressed.
“No.” Doris paused, but Andy cut in, “Then what do you think of me?”
“I don’t think much of you,” Lola answered for Doris, walking over and glaring at Andy. “Andy, Doris doesn’t have a boyfriend, but she’s married, so don’t get any ideas.”
“Mar… married?” Andy was somewhat disappointed..
A week before the opening, Andy had come to help Lola, naturally interacting with Doris.
Of course, he was first attracted by Doris‘ beautiful face, but after these few days of interaction, he found her to be good- tempered, good–looking, and skilled at making desserts.
Seeing her so young, he hadn’t expected her to be married. Actually, it was unexpected, yet it made sense to him.
He felt it a pity he met her too late; she was already taken.
“Yes, married. Doris‘ husband is handsome, has a great figure, outstanding abilities, and an unmatched aura. You, far from it.” Lola wagged her index finger in front of Andy, full of disdain.
“You said so much, but didn’t mention money, so he must not have as much as me.” Andy thought he had regained some ground.
“He works at Hartman Group.”
“Just a worker.”
“What’s wrong with being a worker? You might not even get hired at Hartman Group.” Lola taunted him.
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Chapter 117
“Why would I, a rich nepo baby, go work as a laborer?”
“That’s why you can’t compare to him.”
Andy was speechless.
So, without Doris saying anything else, Andy was defeated by Lola.
Lola then nudged Doris with her arm. “Your husband is here.”
Andy was curious about who this person was, praised so highly by the usually aloof Lola.
Doris‘ gaze also fell on Lewis approaching them.
He was still in a simple white shirt and black suit, carrying a paper bag in one hand and the other in his pocket, walking gracefully with a noble air.
The most striking was naturally his exquisitely perfect handsome face, a masterpiece that made one marvel at.
Andy, looking at Lewis who had come up to them, twitched his lips, admitting his inferiority.
“Dinner for you.” Lewis handed the paper bag to Doris.
The paper bag bore the logo of Riverside Canteen.
“Why are you here?” He hadn’t mentioned he would come in the afternoon.
“To see you, and to take you home,” Lewis just wanted to give her a little surprise.
“Mr. Hartman, you’re so biased, only your wife gets dinner.” Lola was envious. “Can’t you consider a single pers
