Chapter 240
It wasn't just about insoles; it was about the fact that Darleen had crafted them with her own hands. Such a gesture was priceless!
In this age of automation, which youngster would willingly stitch a pair of insoles for the elders at home?
That granddaughter! She had every reason to be fond of her.
The more Janet thought about it, the happier she became.
With a smile, Darleen said, “Grandma, I am your granddaughter, isn’t it natural for me to look after you? Wait until I start making money, and I’ll take you on a world tour! We’ll travel in different cultures and landscapes.”
Girls are always more considerate. Unlike Gerard, who had never spoken such endearing words to her. Did the Lindsay family lack the funds for a world tour? No, what they lacked was a loving and dutiful child.
“That’s my girl,” Janet said, patting Darleen’s hand. “Grandma can’t wait for that world tour with you.”
“Oh, by the way, Grandma, where are Gerry and Keeley?” Darleen asked.
“They went out early to visit folks for the holidays and haven’t returned yet,” Janet replied.
Edna chimed in, “Janet, how come I haven’t seen your other sons and their wives and kids come by yet?”
Jonah was the youngest child in the family, with four elder brothers.
“They called earlier to say there was a snowstorm last night, which has made the roads treacherous. They probably won't arrive until the afternoon,” Janet explained.
She couldn’t wait to see all her children and grandchildren, whom she hadn’t seen in a year.
Sadly, the weather had other plans.
“It’s alright, Grandma. Even if the uncles can’t make it back in time to be with you, I’ll keep you company,” Darleen said, clinging to Janet’s arm.
“Bless your heart!” Janet said, her face beaming with a smile.
However, a flash of disgust passed through Darleen’s eyes.
She had always been particularly sensitive to the smell that clung to the elderly.
But for now, Edna wasn’t yet a fully-fledged member of the Lindsay family, and her position was precarious. She had to endure it.
Someday, all this swallowing of pride would pay off.
Just then, Janet seemed to remember something. “Oh, Edna, someone sent over some gifts a few days ago. Take some back for your mother, will you? Tell her it’s a token of my appreciation for her lovely honey.”
A gift in return was always welcome.
Janet’s return gifts were as revered as decrees in the Fletcher family.
In truth, this wasn’t just a mere gift; it was also a testament to Janet’s affection and approval.
Despite her joy, Edna responded, “Janet, we’re all family. There’s no need for such formalities.”
Janet smiled and said, “It’s for your mother, not for you, so no refusals allowed!” Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
With Janet insisting, Edna couldn’t decline. Triumph glinted in her eyes.
In the afternoon, Janet’s four sons arrived with their wives and children in tow.
The Lindsay family's home suddenly buzzed with activity.
Edna moved about the house as if she were the lady of the manor, busy with the guests.
In fact, Janet’s daughters-in-law had indeed come to accept Edna as one of their own. After all, over the years, no other woman had been by Jonah’s side.
In Cloudcrest City.
In the afternoon, Rebecca arrived at the café punctually to meet Sallie.
Upon arrival, she discovered Stella was there too.
“Rebecca,” Sallie and Stella greeted her earnestly.
Despite being a high-profile attorney, Sallie could be as proud as the rarest of blooms, but she would still humble herself in the presence of Rebecca, a genuine blue-blooded debutante.
Rebecca greeted them with a smile.
“Please, sit down, dear Rebecca,” they invited her.
Rebecca gracefully took a seat and casually inquired, “I'm surprised that on Christmas Day, you both have the time to join me for coffee. Didn’t Mrs. Yeager take Anthea to your family’s gathering?”
Stella replied with a neutral tone, “Our families have severed ties!”
Though Carole was Stella’s aunt, she never acknowledged their relation, always referring to her by name.
“Severed ties?” Rebecca looked at Stella in surprise. “Whatever for?”