Chapter 279 I Am Actually His Mother
By around ten, the snacks and home-brewed red wine were basically sold out.
After serving coffee to everyone, Kristie nestled into James’ embrace and said seductively, “Hubby, Mom’s tired. Let’s not cook lunch at home and eat out instead.”
Rayna took a sip of her coffee and frowned. The relationship between Kristie and James is progressing too well. Something’s surely going to happen in the future.
Linda grew flustered, and she said to Kristie, “Honey, you guys aren’t even engaged yet. How could you address him that way? Don’t be fooled by James’ sweet words.”
“It’s all right, Mom.” Kristie was elated because Linda would always side with her. “We’ve already given each other our tokens of love. We’re practically engaged!” she said shyly. “Once James is free after his semester next year, we’ll get married and have children! Mom, I’ll give you three grandchildren!”
Linda smiled gleefully and said, “Sure! Don’t tire yourself out, Honey. If you don’t want to act anymore, then don’t! You can spend all my money in the future.”
“Hey… Don’t you think you’re biased, Mom?” Rayna piped up. “Are you not going to let me spend your money?”
Hearing that, Linda turned to Rayna and answered, “I almost forgot you’re still here! Reflect upon yourself, will you? Your brother is already getting married next year. How about you?”
“Isn’t it the same with Roxanne?” Rayna talked back.
“At least Roxanne has a boyfriend. You’re still single!” Linda was displeased. “I’m not asking you to get married. You can start by dating someone so that you won’t feel so lonely.”
Rayna lowered her head and continued sipping her coffee. I’m not lonely at all. I’ve even received an engagement gift. Should I tell everyone that?
Taking in Rayna’s demeanor, Linda questioned, “Why are you not talking? Did I say something wrong? Or you’re still thinking about Mr. Faymon? Is that why you don’t want anyone else?”
“No…”
Linda shot Rayna a know-it-all glance and said, “Just by looking at your face, I know that’s the case.”
“Mom, Curtis is a good man. Not only is he handsome, but he’s also filthy rich! I think he’s meant to be with Rayna!” Kristie couldn’t help but defend Curtis.
“Handsome men are all cheaters.”
Rayna and the rest were rendered speechless.
“Ms. Linda, do you really hate me so much?” Curtis suddenly showed up outside the shop with bags of goods in his hands. He had a helpless look on his face.
“Why are you—” Rayna instinctively wanted to carry those bags for him, but at the thought of Linda’s presence, she sat back down and kept her mouth shut.
Linda sized Curtis up and said, “My daughter likes you, so she brought you home. I even cooked for you. But how did you treat her? She had a high fever for three days and almost lost her life. I think my anger toward you isn’t uncalled for.”
Linda was frail, but she was still a protective mother. Prior to that, her impression of Curtis was positive. However, everything changed after Rayna suffered from a high fever.
Curtis brought the bags of goods in and uttered apologetically, “Yes, you’re right. I’m young and foolish. Since I’ve committed a mistake, your anger toward me is justifiable.”
Linda snorted in response.
Curtis flashed a smile and passed her the goods. “I heard you’re into cooking and brewing wine, so I asked someone to bring these ingredients back. Perhaps these can come in handy.”
“Are you bribing me?”
“If I were to bribe you, I would need a lot more than this,” Curtis replied. “I love the dishes you make, and I hope you can do even better. With more money, you can expand the shop and employ others to work. By then, all you need to do is keep track of how much money you’re making! Wouldn’t you like to spend money on your grandchildren in the future?”
Linda seemed moved, but her expression remained grim. She took the bags of goods from him and said, “My daughter knows how to make money, so I don’t need you. I’m not someone you can handle with ease.”
Curtis’ smile grew wider. “You’re right! Who knows? I might even need to rely on her in the future!”
Seeing that Rayna was in a daze, Linda shouted, “Hey! Are you not going to serve our guest some coffee?”
“Oh, right.” Rayna quickly served Curtis a cup of coffee. “I’m impressed, Mr. Faymon. You were smart enough to make use of her hobby!”
“Don’t you know how capable your boyfriend is?” Curtis whispered into her ear.
Rayna rolled her eyes at him in response.
No matter how much Linda disliked Curtis, he was still as gentle as ever. He even taught Linda ways to attract customers. Customers of different ages had different preferences for wine.
Linda listened intently and even took notes. Once Curtis was done, she looked at him in awe. This future son-in-law of mine is still quite useful.
During lunchtime, Kristie suggested having lunch at Good Times Restaurant. Let’s make Curtis spend his money.
Linda didn’t like the dishes there, so she told the rest to go without her.
“Just let her be.” Rayna knew Linda well. Hearing that Linda refused to go with them, she dragged Kristie away and left. Curtis and James followed from behind.
The moment they stepped into the elevator, Sandy, dressed in a light yellow skirt, arrived in the other elevator. She looked graceful and elegant.
Sandy checked out the name on the signboard and stopped right in front of the shop.
“Oh? Are you here to buy food?” Linda thought Sandy was a regular customer. “I’m so sorry, but everything is sold out today. Perhaps you can come again tomorrow.”
“Are you Rayna’s mother?”
Linda froze momentarily upon hearing that. This woman is dressed well, and she has a graceful aura. She looks like she’s from a rich family. ”I am. Are you here to look for my daughter?”
“Oh, no. I’m here to look for you.” Sandy’s eyes were brimming with tears, so she quickly wiped her eyes dry with a handkerchief. “I heard that Rayna’s mother has a shop here, so I decided to check it out.”
Linda was confused, but she still invited Sandy in and served her a cup of coffee.
“Thank you.” Sandy took the cup and smiled at Linda. “You’re so gentle and kind. You’ve indeed taught Rayna well. She’s pretty, smart, and capable!”
“Oh, no. She taught herself all that.” Linda pondered for a moment and uttered cautiously, “Rayna has been by my side ever since she was born. I brought her home from the hospital myself. I’m sure she’s my daughter.”
Sandy was baffled. “I think there’s a misunderstanding. I know she’s your biological daughter.”
“Oh… So…”
“You know your daughter is dating Mr. Faymon from Faymon Group, right? I-I’m actually his mother. That’s why I’m here,” Sandy choked out.
She didn’t dare to bother Curtis and Rayna, so she went to see Linda instead.
“Oh… So you’re Curtis’ mother! That makes us in-laws, then.” Linda became friendlier upon finding out Sandy’s identity. “Oh dear, I didn’t prepare anything for your visit. May I buy you lunch?”
Sandy immediately held Linda’s hand. “There’s no need for that. I’m just here to have a chat with you.”
Linda sat back down.
Sandy wiped the corners of her eyes and started, “I have health issues, so I’ve been receiving treatment abroad. Curtis was still so little when we separated. I don’t think he even remembers me anymore. I’m back now, and I don’t know how to make it up to him. Please don’t let the kids know I came to look for you. I don’t want to ruin their moods.”
Linda nodded and understood that Sandy had her own difficulties. “Still, he’s your biological son. Although you guys have been separated for a long time, I bet he still misses you.”
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