S31 6. Diana’s Hatred
“Grandma, we need to talk.” Philip held Diana’s hand, thwarting her intention to open the door.
The old woman gritted her teeth. “If you want to defend your friends, it’s better not to talk.”
“They are not just friends to me, but also family. They are the ones who gave me work, welfare, and attention. I think you would know because you were the one who sent my application letter to their company.”
Diana fell silent. She had no reason to argue.
“Come on, Grandma. This isn’t you. Why are you like this?”
Diana pushed Philip’s hand away and turned the doorknob. However, because Philip was still blocking her she had no choice but to walk to the front porch.
“Is it because of something that happened in your past?” Philip didn’t let Diana go alone.
“Stop it, Philip. I don’t want to talk about that.”
Diana crossed her arms and sat on a chair. Philip hurried to sit next to her. “So, my guess is right? What has Rowan done to you to make you this upset?”
Diana turned around in her seat, hoping Philip couldn’t see the
twitching of her chin. “I don’t recognize that name.”
Philip let out a faint sigh. It’s difficult to resolve the problem if Diana
didn’t want to open up.
“Okay, let’s just say you don’t know each other. My friends,” he
emphasized, “are here on holiday. Shouldn’t you welcome them warmly?”
Diana took a deep breath. “They don’t deserve my attention,” she muttered, barely audible.
“But they are my friends. I invited them here. I want to show them my hometown, my childhood home. If you keep cornering them like this, I feel bad for them.”
“I’m not cornering anyone.” Diana glanced cynically.
“You only say what you think is true?” Philip continued in a guessing
tone.
Diana’s lips pursed. Her wrinkles spread to her chin. “Yes, what I said is all the truth.”
Philip let out a faint sigh. He needed extra patience to face Diana. After letting the silence hang for a moment, he muttered, “Then, let me tell you a little about them.”
Diana glanced at Philip briefly. Her brows furrowed in alarm. “Don’t try
to influence me.”
“Back then, when I started working, I was scared. The boss I had to guard was known to be arrogant and arbitrary. People said he wouldn’t hesitate to fire anyone who made a mistake.”
Diana leaned her back against the chair. Keeping her arms crossed, she closed her eyes, pretending not to listen.
“But it turns out, that issue was wrong. Frank is firm, but he doesn’t fire employees carelessly. He’s just too strict about maintaining his standards. He’s not stingy in appreciating employees who perform well. The proof is that the bonus I received is countless.”
Philip noticed Diana’s gesture. There was a slight movement in the furrow of her brows.
+25 BONUS
“Frank is an excellent businessman. He is hardworking and capable. Many people admire him, including me. Moreover, since he united with his wife and children, my admiration for him has doubled.”
Seeing the throbbing in Diana’s jaw, Philip stopped for a moment. However, receiving no other response, he continued.
“I saw another side of Frank at that time. He really loves his family. When Barbara and I get married, I want to emulate him. I want to be a caring husband and a nurturing father.”
Diana’s gasp was heard. Her lips made a hoarse sound. “It’s just a charade, for publicity stunt.”
“No charade lasts 24 hours, Grandma. And over the years, I’ve gotten to know him very well. Just like you know me.”
Philip took Diana’s hand. The old woman was a little surprised. Her eyes automatically opened. At that moment, Philip found her tears.
“Please don’t hate Frank and his little family, Grandma. They’re good people. And Frank himself… is very different from his grandfather. Jeremy is the same. They both-”
“Enough, Philip!” Diana withdrew her hand and grimaced. “I don’t want to know anything about them. Don’t force me to listen.”
Philip had to remain silent. He just realized that Diana’s heart was closed too tightly. It wouldn’t be good if he tried to break it.
“Okay. Sorry if my words upset you. I just want to change things.”
“Nothing needs to change. My life is calm and peaceful without them.”
Philip’s gaze turned sad. “So you don’t want to get to know them better?”
“Abigail herself has said that they are visitors. They are just strangers to me,” Diana said in a hoarse voice. Philip no longer moved.
+25 BONUS
At that moment, a car arrived. As soon as the passenger door opened, a woman got off in an elegant manner.
“Sophia?” Diana’s eyes widened. The shadows of the night seemed no problem for her to recognize the woman.
After a sigh of relief, Diana walked quickly towards the guest. Her laughter sounded light.
“Jeez, Sophia. Why didn’t you tell me you’re coming today?”
While hugging Diana, the woman laughed a little. “Didn’t I tell you that I would visit you at the end of the year?”
Diana pinched Sophia’s cheek in exasperation. “Yes, but you don’t need to come at this time of night. Moreover, there was a snowstorm just two days ago.”
“What could I do? I’ve booked plane tickets long ago. I’m too lazy to
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