Chapter 1399 Encounter Such a Thing
When Raeleigh entered the house, Hansen and Jenna were waiting in the living room. As they waited, they admired the paintings and interior design.
Bernardo had already invited them to have a seat, but Hansen and Jenna were not one to lose their manners; they wouldn’t sit before the head of the house came out.
People like them were well aware of the etiquette when visiting someone sincerely.
It was justifiable that Raleigh’s family didn’t want to see them. After all, Jepherson had done the unspeakable. They were grateful to even be able to come in.
Parents always put their children first. If they had a daughter and the same thing happened to her, Jenna couldn’t even guarantee she’d be able to forgive immediately, but her husband, on the other hand?
Jenna unconsciously glanced at her husband, who was looking at the paintings by her side. She knew he wouldn’t let it go, at the very least. He might even wreak havoc with their two sons, burn the guy to ashes, and then feed him to the dogs.
Jenna shook her head. Everyone was two-faced; if it happened to someone else, it was easy to let go, but it would be different if it were happening to them.
Raeleigh changed her shoes, took off her coat, and hung it on the coat rack. She walked to Hansen and Jenna. “Uncle Hansen, Auntie Jenna, I’m sure you’re tired. Please, have a seat while I go and check on my parents. They’re not always in their room, especially my mom. She likes to stay in the studio, and my dad would often accompany her. Maybe they’re not back yet. It’s a twenty minutes walking distance; I’ll go take a look.”
Raeleigh was in a dilemma. They had been there for twenty minutes already; her parents should already be here. Plus, someone would’ve informed them if they weren’t at home.
Standing aside, Bernardo glanced upstairs. They were home!
“Raeleigh, don’t worry about us. Hansen and I really like the paintings your family owns; we can take a good look at them in the meantime.”
Jenna patted Raeleigh’s hand as she spoke. Feeling somewhat awkward, Raeleigh said, “My parents are not usually like this; I’m sure there’s a reason.”
With that, she turned to Bernardo and asked, “Bernardo, are my parents not home?”
What should he say?
“I did see them going out this morning; I just came back myself. Maybe they’re still out.” Bernardo could only put it that way. After all, it was unusual.
Raeleigh looked at Bernardo and believed his words as she trusted that he would never lie to her.Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.
“What about Grandma? Is she home?”
She was sure her grandmother would be home.
Bernardo nodded. “Yes.”
“Then I’ll go up and see Grandma,” Raeleigh said and looked at Jenna, “Auntie Jenna, I’m sure you’re tired, please, have a seat. I’ll go and take a look at Grandma… Bernardo, please prepare some tea and cake.”
“Yes, Miss Raeleigh.”
The butler ordered someone else to prepare while he stayed with the guests there.
After Jepherson put the things on the table, he took off his coat and hung it on the coat rack. Then he went back to the table and took a scarf as he looked upstairs. After some thought, he walked upstairs. Seeing that, Bernardo walked over to him and said, “Mr. Richards…”
“Please, call me Jepherson.”
Jepherson turned his head around and said to the butler, then went straight upstairs. He was as quick as the wind; although it didn’t look so, it took him barely any time to reach upstairs. Bernardo didn’t catch up to him, and he couldn’t shout, so he waited downstairs resignedly.
Jenna was a little worried. She held her husband’s arm and tugged on him. “Hansen…”
Hansen patted her hand and gave her a reassuring look. Seeing so, she nodded.
Raeleigh knocked on the door when she reached Novalie’s room, and Novalie told her to go in.
Raeleigh froze for a moment when she saw her grandmother watching TV. When Novalie saw Raeleigh, she asked her to lock the door.
They hadn’t seen each other for too long; they embraced each other immediately. Novalie patted Raeleigh and said, “It’s okay.”
Raeleigh cried for a while before she wiped her tears and asked why weren’t her parents home. Novalie thought for a moment and said, “I have no idea. You know I don’t like to go out; Bernardo has been keeping me company during my meals lately. Could it be that they had gone on a vacation?”
Novalie’s words stumped her. They had gone on a vacation?
At this time?
Raeleigh did not speak her thoughts but asked Novalie if she would like to meet Hansen and Jenna. After some thought, Novalie said, “An old lady like me doesn’t enjoy showing up in front of people anymore. I’ll pass.”
Raeleigh’s hand paused for a split second, but it was subtle.
“I’ll leave you to rest then; I’ll go and entertain them.”
Raeleigh knew she couldn’t be absent for too long. Her parents weren’t home, and her grandmother wasn’t willing to see the Richards couple; she couldn’t possibly leave them be for too long.
“Go on then. I won’t be joining you guys for a meal.”
After that, Novalie closed her eyes while Raeleigh stood rooted to the spot. For a moment, she thought she was hallucinating. Was this her home?
What was going on with her parents and her grandmother?
Then she walked out. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Jepherson standing behind the door, and her face paled slightly. “Why are you also here?”
“I’ve missed Grandma Novalie. Go ahead downstairs; I want to catch up with her… Grandma Novalie, are you well?”
Jepherson did not wait for Raeleigh’s reply and stepped inside. She moved aside in turn, looking at her grandmother, who had her eyes closed. Troubled, she walked out, closed the door, and headed down.
Downstairs, Hansen and Jenna were still standing; they’ve put her in a difficult position.
After returning to the living room, she invited Hansen and Jenna to sit down once more, but Jenna insisted on standing still. Her excuse was that they hadn’t done admiring.
Raeleigh had no choice but to accompany them. She introduced the background of the paintings and the elements of the house.
After Jepherson entered the room, he sat by Novalie’s side the entire time. However, Novalie never spoke, keeping her eyes closed.
Jepherson smiled. “Are you angry because I haven’t been visiting?”
Novalie didn’t answer. The TV was on, but she seemed to be asleep.
Jepherson was still smiling obsequiously. “There’s no one in the house; I wonder where they have gone.”
Novalie still didn’t answer. Only then did Jepherson stop smiling. He thought for a moment and said, “Is there anything you’d like to advise me on? If I did something wrong, please do point me in the right direction.”
Only then did Novalie open her eyes slightly and look at Jepherson. She may be old, but it was evident her bright eyes were filled with experience.
After some thought, Novalie said, “This has nothing to do with you, but with your family, though not the one at present. That’s all I can say. I pity my granddaughter, nothing to do with you. Look after yourself.”
With that, Novalie closed her eyes and did not speak again.
Jepherson frowned deeply for a moment before he eased and said, “Thank you, Grandma Novalie. I’ll make my way out now.”
Then he placed the scarf in her hands. “My mother knitted this herself; it’ll keep you warm.”
With that, Jepherson left. After the door closed, Novalie opened her eyes and looked at the door, then sighed helplessly.
Her granddaughter was really unlucky. Why would she encounter such a thing?
Disconsolate, Novalie closed her eyes in the end!