"I'm over here." Fiona's voice came from behind them.
Angela instinctively turned around and saw her mother-in-law in name stepping out of a black SUV, dressed in hiking attire, looking much younger than usual.
However, Angela's smile quickly faded when her eyes landed on the person carrying a backpack behind Fiona.
It was Dexter. Why was he everywhere?
Why wasn't he in his office working overtime? Why did he have to follow them on this hike?
Angela pulled Fiona aside, her tone low and questioning. "Why did you bring him here?"
Fiona, usually a commanding woman who never hesitated to get things her way, looked somewhat sheepish at the moment as she forced a smile.
"Angela, he just happened to have the day off, and when he heard I was going to meet you all, he insisted on coming. I made him carry some food, and he can carry your bag and even drive for us. Isn't that fine?"
"Why would I need him to carry my bag? I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself." Angela scoffed. "Next time, don't invite him."
Fiona quickly followed Angela, trying to placate her. "Don't be mad. Throw me a bone here."
It was hard for Angela to say no to Fiona's request, especially considering how much the latter had helped her recently. Thus, she reluctantly relented.
Mount Whickmore was about 6,500 feet high, and as the sun rose rather slowly, the conditions were less than ideal for a hike.
However, everyone in the group was used to physical activity. Since Angela had been training her body for several days now, she had already overcome the initial physical challenges and was feeling stronger by the day, making the climb easier than she expected.
Before starting the hike, Joanne took a group photo of everyone, and they all happily flashed a peace sign.
Only Dexter had a cold expression, standing at the far corner with his arms crossed, looking as if someone owed him money.
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