The next morning.
Kieran suggested taking Julie out to a restaurant. But Amanda, lounging on the sofa, said, "Why bother going to a restaurant? It's not like it'll fall apart without the boss."
"There's a new dish at the restaurant, and I thought Julie might like to try it," Kieran sat next to Amanda, holding her arm.
Amanda was clearly not pleased. "Just for tasting a new dish? Couldn't Karl do that?"
"Seems like I've turned into a weirdo, wanting you guys around is too much to ask," Amanda said with a sigh. Kieran had no comeback to that.
"You haven't been out since you got back. Whispering Pines has changed a lot. How about trying the new dish at the restaurant with Julie and then letting her show you around?"
"I'm not going. I'm not as strong as I used to be, can't wear myself out. If you're worried about me bullying Julie, then take her with you!" Amanda turned her back on Kieran, giving Julie a threatening look.
If Julie didn't say anything now, it would be disrespectful to Amanda.
So Julie stepped forward, smiling at Amanda. "You misunderstood Kieran. He wants me to stay home with you."
Pulling Kieran out the door, Julie looked back at Amanda. "I'm going to see Kieran off."
Once they reached the door, Julie said seriously, "It seems Amanda really doesn't want me to leave. I guess I'll stay home. If anything comes up, let me know on WhatsApp. I think Amanda will confiscate my phone, but I'll find a way to contact you on the computer."
Kieran had no choice but to leave. He needed to figure out Amanda's true intentions.
Just as Julie was about to watch Kieran leave, a motorcycle suddenly parked between them, startling Julie.
Payne, the rider, took off his helmet, revealing his face.
"Kieran, Julie." Payne held his helmet, winking at Julie.
Kieran kicked at the motorcycle tire. "Watch where you park next time!"
"Why are you kicking my motorcycle?" Payne quickly got off and patted his tire, looking hurt.
"Your bike?" Kieran looked at the motorcycle, coughed, and murmured, "Isn't this the one you won during that drinking bet?"
Julie suddenly laughed, touching the handlebars of the motorcycle. "Poor motorcycle, having Payne as its owner. It's really hard on the motorcycle."
Payne adjusted his motorcycle "That's too much, Julie. Did you really have to insult my motorcycle?”
Kieran asked, “Were you out for a morning ride?”
Payne told Kieran, "I just wanted to tell you that there's nothing special about that ring. I've tried everything I could think of, but there's nothing special about it, apart from it being really expensive. Do you know why someone would risk their life for it?"
"Yeah, why would they?" Julie chimed in.
Payne also asked, “Didn't we catch the ring thief last time? Did we find out anything from questioning him?”
"Dylan didn't get any useful information, and I got interrupted when Amanda suddenly came back. I'll make time to go today. You can go and say hi to Amanda." Kieran said.
Although Payne wasn't Kieran's cousin, they were very close. So, he also knew Amanda well.
Hearing that Amanda was home, Payne turned and went inside.
Kieran told Julie, "Sansa has been transferred to Tranquil Care Hospital, and Fred is also there. This afternoon, I'll pick you up to see Sansa. A meeting with Adeline and Dr. Brice is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. I'll also arrange things with Amanda. I had Julien call Bolt, he'll go easy. Thanks for your hard work."
Julie smiled, tiptoed, and kissed his cheek. "Be safe on the road."
...
In the afternoon, Kieran came home from work and said he was taking Julie to see Sansa. Amanda didn't like Sansa because she had once framed Kieran. But in the end, she didn't say anything and silently let Kieran take Julie away.
On the way to the hospital, Julie received a call from Kyle.
Julie hesitated, looked at Kieran, and then answered the call.
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