Love After Leaving: No Regret (Agnes and Raymond) novel Chapter 286

Rebecca immediately realized this was the perfect chance to make an impression.

She had to change how Matthew saw her.

Rebecca suddenly stood up, walked over to him, picked up the bowl of soup, and said softly, "Mr. Shaw, this soup's gone a bit cold. I'll get you a fresh one."

Duncan frowned slightly, not sure what she was doing, and shot her a look to stop.

But Rebecca didn't even glance at him. She carried the bowl into the kitchen.

A moment later, she returned with a new one and placed it in front of Matthew.

He looked at the soup, then at her, a hint of surprise and approval showing in his smile.

Rebecca's heart raced. She forced herself not to smile too much and sat back down.

Earlier, she'd noticed the original bowl had a sprinkle of parsley on top.

When Matthew frowned slightly, she guessed he didn't like it.

So she took the risk and swapped the bowl herself.

Now it seemed she had guessed right.

Matthew said, "Thank you, Ms. Foster. How did you know I don't eat parsley?"

Rebecca immediately looked at Duncan.

"Duncan talks about you a lot. He really admires you. He says you're a legend in business.

"He knows all your preferences and achievements.

"One time during a meal, I overheard him mention you don't eat parsley.

"The staff must've overlooked it today."

Matthew's smile turned knowing as he looked at Duncan.

"You've been paying attention, Duncan."

Duncan caught on right away and smiled, glancing at Rebecca from the corner of his eye.

He had never told her that.

But she had not only covered the mistake, but she had also shifted all the credit onto him.

And she even managed to flatter him in front of Matthew.

What surprised him more was that his dad seemed genuinely pleased.

Duncan knew exactly where he stood. He wanted recognition from his dad more than anything.

He wanted to be acknowledged, to be brought into the Shaws for real.

But that wouldn't happen the normal way.

He was just an accident from a past affair, someone who didn't really matter.

Only by doing something that earned his father's approval would he ever have a chance to step into the Shaw family.

Otherwise, he'd spend his whole life in the shadows, nothing more than a secret illegitimate son.

After the meal, Rebecca politely excused herself and went upstairs.

Matthew smiled faintly and said to Duncan, "Ms. Foster is quite sensible. Don't you think?"

Duncan nodded quickly. "I agree."

There it is again. That sickening feeling was back.

"Some of my private collection will be up for sale.

"It's for charity and also to strengthen the Shaws' reputation here."

He patted Duncan's shoulder.

"You should come help out. It'll be a good chance for me to introduce you to the right people."

Duncan's eyes lit up. He could barely believe what he was hearing.

"Of course, Dad. I won't let you down."

Upstairs, Rebecca stood still, thinking.

If she wanted to survive, the Shaws were her only lifeline.

She thought that with Monica gone, winning Duncan over would be easy.

But he wasn't taking the bait at all.

She needed a new plan.

At Newton Estate.

Lately, Raymond had been coming back every day.

He always found some excuse to keep Agnes busy with him.

Sometimes, he dragged her out to help in the garden with his grandmother. Other times, he took her to see Frank or visited Calvin with her at the hospital.

He cooked with her, took her skiing, watched movies together...