Chapter 434 The Inevitable Meeting
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Ayla acted as the mediator between the both of them and quickly led Juliet into another room.
Juliet sat on the couch and took a sip of tea. “There’s no cure for dementia. She’ll have moments of clarity now and then, but your grandma has been mentioning your mom more and more lately. I’m afraid she’s realized something.” She looked at Ayla. “Are we gonna keep hiding the truth?”
Ayla said, “If we tell her the truth, would it stimulate her”
Juliet said, “That’s hard to say. The next time she’s clear–headed, she’ll definitely make a scene again. I know her personality better than anyone. If she finds out about your mom, she’ll be even more determined to look for your dad.”
The ugly look on Ayla’s face was impossible to hide.
Juliet hadn’t seen such obvious negative emotion in Ayla’s eyes for a long time. She comforted her. “Your dad is a scumbag. I know you don’t wanna see him, and understand how you and Kaleb feel. But what if your grandma stays that stubborn? What if she wakes up in the middle of the night when none of us are around and contacts your dad? You and Kaleb should prepare yourselves. Sooner or later, you’ll have to meet him.”
Ayla and Kaleb grew up in Trensea. In her memories, their dad, Phil Keaton, was always traveling back and forth between Zheron and Trensea, showing up a few times a year. Every important moment in Ayla and Kaleb’s childhood, that man missed them all.
Later, Juliana was transferred to Zheron. When Ayla and Kaleb missed Juliana, and both had time, they flew over, only to run into a critical phase of a rocket launch Juliana was leading. She was too busy to spare time, so she handed the siblings over to that familiar yet unfamiliar father.
Phil took them out to eat once at a restaurant, then said there were no extra beds or daily necessities prepared at home. He arranged for them to stay at a hotel, gave them plenty of spending money, and told them to enjoy touring Zheron for a few days.
Phil’s pharmaceutical company was extremely busy. During the week Ayla and Kaleb stayed in Zheron, he only ate three meals with them. On the day they left, he said he’d personally see them off, but in the end, he just arranged a driver.
Now, his company’s drugs were sold in pharmacies across the country. By worldly standards, he was an immensely successful man. But all Ayla knew of him was his coldness, indifference, and total lack of responsibility.
Ayla said, “I don’t wanna see him.”
Juliet asked, “How long has it been since you last contacted your dad?”
Ayla said, “Three or four years.”
Juliet let out a sharp, mocking breath. “After your mom’s accident, he stopped contacting you altogether. He never cared about you to begin with. If you don’t wanna see him, then don’t. I’ll block him for you.”
Ayla was surprised.
Juliet said, “There’s nothing to discuss about this. I’ll shield you two on this.”
Ayla asked, “Is this your sugar–coated bullet?”
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15:24 Tue, Feb 3 G & G •
Chapter 494 The inevitable Meeting
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Finished
Juliet looked gentle. “Ayla, what kind of person do you take me for? We’re family. If I don’t look out for you
and Kaleb, who will! Your mom’s gone. I’m your mom now.”
Thinking of everything in the past, Ayla tasted irony in those words. But in this matter, both she and Kaleb needed Juliet. By now, Ayla had learned to match Juliet’s pleasant facade. “Thanks, Aunt Juliet.”
Juliet said. “You don’t need to be so polite with me.”
Ayla smiled. “I should be a little polite with you.”
Juliet stopped smiling. “Why do you have to talk like that? It stings.”
Ayla said, “This way is better for both of us, Aunt Juliet.
Juliet’s expression stiffened slightly. “Forget it. I won’t argue with you about this. Your grandma’s condition has stabilized. I’ll come every day for the next few days to keep her company. You and Kaleb don’t need to worry.”
She stood up. “I know you and Kaleb have issues with me. No need to hang around. I’ll walk you out.”
Before leaving, Ayla went to see Lillian.
Lillian was knitting, without any pattern, but with complete focus.
Ayla crouched in front of her, looked up at her quietly for a while, then left together with Kaleb.
Juliet walked them out, chattering nonstop. “You young people should take care of your health while you’re busy with your careers. Exercise more. Living your own life well is what matters most.”
Kaleb said, “Grandma’s not here. Can you stop being fake? It’s annoying.”
Juliet said, “So you don’t listen, whether it’s good advice or not?”
Kaleb said, “I listen to good advice. Doesn’t mean what you say counts as good.”
Ayla glanced at Kaleb. “Aunt Juliet has been running around for Grandma. Watch your attitude.”
Kaleb said, “Didn’t I put in effort too? If I hadn’t soothed Grandma by saying Mom was busy at the research institute, who knows how hard she would’ve taken it?”
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