Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 567

I stepped into the Bradlee family's grand foyer, where Olivia, with her apron tied neatly around her waist, emerged from the kitchen like the perfect homemaker, waving at me with a bright smile, "Allie, I've been looking forward to your visit. I'm just thrilled you could make it."

She then turned to Hannah, "And this must be..."

Without missing a beat, I introduced her, "My sister, Hannah."

"Miss Hannah, a pleasure. Welcome to our home. Allie and I are thick as thieves."

Hannah, ever the mischief-maker, chimed in, "Mrs. Bradlee, we've actually met before."

Olivia gave her another glance and chuckled, "Seems familiar indeed. My memory is like a sieve sometimes."

Then she turned back to me, "Allie, why have you brought so many gifts? This is too kind of you!"

"Well," I replied, "Sammy is a little boy, and I wasn't certain what he'd like, so I decided to bring a variety."

My eyes briefly rested on Sammy sprawled on the couch.

"Sammy, say thank you to Lady Wilburn." Olivia doted on Sammy, beckoning him with a wave of her hand.

"Thanks, Lady Wilburn." Sammy stretched out the words before snidely muttering under his breath, "So many ladies."

Just then, Nettie emerged from the washroom, and Olivia gave her a quick once-over before gasping in mock horror, "Nettie, what happened to you? How did you get..."

Nettie just laughed it off and patted her face, covering a small bloodstain on her blouse, "It's nothing, just a scratch."

Olivia's concern felt like a bit of an act as she rushed over to Nettie, looking her up and down with exaggerated worry. Yet, it was somehow more comforting than Irving's indifference.

"Is this blood? How could you say it's nothing? Did Sammy do this? Sammy, what have you done? Didn't you see you've hurt Nettie? Apologize right now."

Her face full of concern, she gently held Nettie's face to inspect the damage, "You are going too far, Sammy."

Irving interrupted with impatience, "It was an accident. Why make such a fuss when we have guests? Go upstairs, change your clothes, and come back down."

With a dismissive wave towards Nettie, Irving's annoyance was clear.

Nettie quickly assured Olivia with a smile, "I'm really fine. It was an accident, no hard feelings. I'll go change."