No Escape from Love novel Chapter 147

Mom was still just as thin, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache. I silently vowed to work even harder so I could take her away from the Hastings residence as soon as possible.

Mr. Hastings Senior seemed to be in a great mood today, chatting non-stop at the dinner table.

"Serena did an excellent job on this task," he said, beaming at me. "You've really grown up."

I was grateful for his praise and encouragement, so I responded with a sincere smile. "It's all thanks to your support, Mr. Hastings Senior, as well as Mr. Hastings' guidance."

Hearing my words, Mr. Hastings Senior's smile widened. Just as he was about to say something, a mocking laugh suddenly interrupted him.

"Heh, since when did you become so silver-tongued?"

I was speechless.

I knew Alex was teasing me, but I really wanted to sew his mouth shut. However, under Mom's anxious gaze, I forced myself to hold back.

She was too emotionally fragile. Any slight tension between Alex and me would make her restless and worried. So, I decided to endure his taunts.

"You brat!" A loud roar came from across the table. "Instead of encouraging Serena, you're sitting here being all sarcastic? If you're going to eat, then eat. If not, get lost!"

Mr. Hastings Senior's voice was so full of energy that I was momentarily stunned. Mom, on the other hand, gently tried to soothe him. "Alright, Alex was just joking. Serena won't take it to heart. There's no need to get so worked up."

Meanwhile, Alex remained completely unbothered, calmly eating and drinking as if nothing had happened.

If he weren't Alex, I'd think he was deliberately trying to anger Mr. Hastings Senior so that no one would be in the mood to eat. That way, he could have all the food for himself.

"The collaboration with Schneider Group was well-handled, Serena," Mr. Hastings Senior said. "From now on, you'll be in charge of following up on the project."

It was exactly what I wanted. Just as I was about to stand up and thank him, Alex, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up in a firm voice. "No."