Chapter 34 You Are A Jerk
Casper’s father died young, leaving his wife, Jenna Dickson, to raise Casper and his elder sister, Josephine, alone.
Back then, Desmond, who still worked as a teacher, supported their family, including giving Casper and Josephine tuition. As a result, both their families grew very close. Even when the Larkin family got into trouble, their relationship wasn’t affected at all.
During the years Finnegan was absent, the adult Casper helped the Larkin family on many
occasions.
It was a fact that Finnegan was extremely grateful for. “Mdm. Dickson, Casper, thank you for taking care of my family all these years. Going forward, feel free to let me know if you need anything. I’ll not hesitate to help!”
Casper patted Finnegan on the shoulder. “There’s no need for such talk. Haven’t our families. been close all these years?”
Jenna replied with a smile. “Exactly. You’re being a stranger by saying such things. Besides, ever since you were a child, you always talked about marrying Josephine when you grow up. We might very well become one family in the future.”
Despite the casual comment, Casper took it seriously and slapped his own thigh in delight. “That would be wonderful! Finnegan and Josephine grew up together, while both our families know each other like the back of our hands. I have no objections whatsoever to Finnegan becoming my brother-in-law. Furthermore, if they were to be married, it will be even easier to care for the elderly of both families!”
Desmond and his wife, who were worried about the Chomsky family seeking revenge on Finnegan, were elated by the idea.
Considering how close the two families were, Finnegan and Josephine’s marriage would be at match made in heaven.
Surprised at how far the conversation had digressed, Finnegan cleared his throat to change the topic. “By the way, Casper, what are you doing now? Why don’t I see Josephine around?”
“My grades weren’t good, so I started work after high school and am currently in the electrical appliances industry.” Casper was clueless about Finnegan’s attempt at changing the topic. “Josephine took half a day off to move her luggage to her rental apartment. After which, she’ll be heading back to work for the afternoon. If you want to see her, I can make arrangements for you. By the way, she’s working at Firebird Group now. We still haven’t thanked you for that.”
Due to Bernice’s frequent visits to the Larkin residence, she inadvertently got to know
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Josephine. Therefore, upon graduation, Josephine was recruited by the former into Firebird Group’s sales department.
The fact that Bernice even took care of his neighbors surprised Finnegan.
Secretly amazed by her kindness, Finnegan suggested to his parents, “Since it’s Rhia’s. birthday today, why don’t we get Mdm. Dickson and her family to join us for dinner?”
Quiana was visibly in low spirits. “Rhia says it’s about time for her to get an internship. A dormmate who happens to share the same birthday has invited her to celebrate it together. The same dormmate also said that her brother can help Rhia secure an internship in a large company too. Anyway, I prefer to keep this incident from her so that she doesn’t worry. Therefore, it would be better for us to celebrate her birthday at a later date.”
Desmond added, “Since it’s Rhia’s birthday, don’t tell her that our house has been demolished. Just let her celebrate her birthday happily.”
The concern Finnegan’s parents had for their daughter intensified the rage he felt toward the Chomsky family.
Nevertheless, he didn’t reveal his emotions in front of them. “Fine. I’ll only give her the present I prepared when she’s back.”
As evening approached, Finnegan was about to go out for dinner with his parents and Casper’s family when Rhiannon called.
“Finn, are you alone right now?”
Cognizant that Rhiannon wanted to speak in private, Finnegan got up to his feet and walked outside. “What’s wrong?”
Rhiannon explained in a troubled tone, “Finn, can you spare me some money? I agreed to celebrate my dormmate’s birthday and we would split the cost after that. However, her brother booked a table at Goldarch Hotel, so I’m worried that I won’t have enough to foot the bill.”
Finnegan furrowed his brows in response. “Doesn’t your dormmate know about your financial situation?”
Rhiannon replied, “She does. That’s why she apologized and said that it was fine for me to skip it. However, it wouldn’t look good on me to back out at the last minute after inviting. everyone out. Also, I’m hoping that her brother can help me secure an internship.”
Having understood Rhiannon’s concerns, Finnegan rea*sured her, “In that case, I’ll go over in a while. Since her brother will be there too, it’ll be fine if I show up.”
“Don’t tell Mom and Dad about it. Otherwise, they’ll lecture me for being irresponsible.”
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“Don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”
After cooking an excuse to go out, Finnegan got Alisha to send him to Goldarch Hotel. At the same time, he gave Lindsey a call and instructed her to drive the car he prepared as a gift straight to the hotel.
When Finnegan arrived, Rhiannon was still on the way there.
Staring at the five-star hotel, Finnegan mumbled, “Why do I get the feeling that Rhia’s friend. is up to no good?”
She clearly knows that Rhia can’t afford it, and yet, got her brother to reserve a table at a place like this. It feels like she’s trying to set Rhia up,
As for Rhiannon’s claim that her dormmate had only found out at the last minute, Finnegan wasn’t buying it.
Meanwhile, Alisha was still annoyed over having to return to Jadeborough alone. “You’re overthinking the matter. Perhaps she really didn’t know about the reservation beforehand.”
Finnegan pretended not to hear the grievance in her tone as he opened the car door. “I hope that’s true. Otherwise, those siblings are going to get it from me.”
“Do you not want to take me with you? I can prepare a huge gift for your sister.”
Finnegan waved his hand at her. “My sister is just an ordinary university student. The last thing I want is for you to intimidate her cla*smates.”
He didn’t even mention Bernice for fear of putting Rhiannon in a difficult position-her friends might distance themselves from her as a result.
After rolling her eyes at Finnegan, Alisha floored the accelerator. “You’re such a jerk for ordering me around on a whim!”
Finnegan simply smiled as he walked to the hotel’s entrance to wait.
As darkness began to fall, Rhiannon and more than ten of her cla*smates arrived in a couple.
of taxis.
“Finn!”
Rhiannon quickly approached Finnegan the moment she saw him. While her cla*smates were out of earshot, she asked, “I have done some research. It will cost at least twenty thousand for so many of us to dine here at Goldarch Hotel. Is it going to be a problem?”
Finnegan gave Rhiannon a rea*suring look “Don’t worry. I can afford the bill regardless of how much it is.”
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