The Fragrance Queen's Final Note novel Chapter 101

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Simon Sinclair returned to the backyard. Nobody suspected a thing. He had simply stepped away to take a phone call.

In stark contrast, when Renata Whitlock returned, she looked entirely off.

Because she had been handled so roughly, compounded by her psychological fear and intense anxiety, her legs were practically giving out. She could barely walk straight. Carrying a bowl of hot soup in her hands, her legs trembled.

As she shakily approached the dining table, Marilyn Calvert immediately stood up with a concerned look. "Renata, what's wrong with your legs? Why are you limping?"

Renata didn't dare look across the table. She placed the steaming bowl of spinach and beef soup in front of Lianne.

Forcing a stiff, bitter smile, she replied, "I gave an emotional management seminar at a university today. I was on my feet for two or three hours, so I'm just a little exhausted."

Instantly, the faces of the Calvert family softened with gratitude and sympathy.

Zander Calvert included.

"Look at Dr. Whitlock. She worked a grueling day and still volunteered to cook in the kitchen. How incredibly kindhearted is she? Queenie, aren't you ashamed of yourself? As the wife of the Calvert family, have you fulfilled any of your traditional duties? Have you ever taken care of your mother-in-law like this?"

Good grief...

Queenie Xylon thought this family already had a grandfather acting like a dinosaur from the Victorian era.

What century did this feudal remnant crawl out of?

She shot back, her tone designed to infuriate. "Isn't that the least she could do? She's freeloading here, bringing her baggage along. It's only right she contributes something. While it's true our family can afford to feed the two of them, we aren't a homeless shelter."

"Aren't you freeloading too? What have you contributed?" Marilyn fumed at her words.

"My freeloading is legally binding. Zander married me, so providing for me is part of the deal. But he has zero obligation to provide for her and her kid, right, Zander?"

Zander's face started to darken.

But he forced himself to hold back his temper.

Giving herself a headache from all their shouting, Lianne hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, enough arguing. Let me try this soup Dr. Whitlock made for me. It looks delicious."