The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 52

Eleanor was taken aback. "Why would you want to go back to your parents' all of a sudden?"

"I've caused so much trouble for the Lowell family this time, I feel terrible about it," Audrey said. "I think it's better if I move out. If I'm gone, people won't misunderstand anymore."

"This isn't your fault. It's those unscrupulous reporters making things up. You just focus on your recovery and don't go anywhere."

"Besides, if you go back to your parents' house now, what will they think of us? They'll think we didn't take good care of you and that's why you left."

Audrey sniffled. "I'll explain it to my parents."

"There's no need for explanations. You're staying right here and focusing on your health. Don't worry about anything else."

"But..."

Michelle seized the opportunity to speak. "Audrey, did someone say something to you?"

Claire immediately perked up. "Jocelyn! Did you tell Audrey to move out?"

Jocelyn just smiled at her.

"What are you smiling at?" Claire shouted. "I bet it was you."

"I'm smiling because you live your life like a complete idiot," Jocelyn said lazily.

"You!"

"Claire, sit down!" Adrian barked.

Claire was reluctant. "Adrian! Who else here would bully Audrey? It has to be this woman! Why are you still defending her?"

"Jocelyn was with me all day. Do you really think I wouldn't notice if she bullied someone? And look at you—the family is in crisis, and you're out there acting like you don't have a care in the world."

Hitting a nerve, Claire muttered under her breath and sat down.

"And another thing, if I ever hear you refer to Jocelyn so disrespectfully again, you'll have me to answer to. Show her some respect!"

Claire's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Adrian! Since when did you become so biased towards this woman?"

It was a fair question.

Even Jocelyn found it hard to believe.

Jocelyn, of course, knew this. Because she was doing it on purpose.

Even if it made her sick, she would act as intimate as possible with Adrian.

She wanted Audrey to watch the man she coveted dote on another woman, to hear outsiders praise them as a perfect match made in heaven.

Audrey's pitiful voice sounded again. "I just don't want to tarnish Adrian's reputation, and I don't want Jocelyn to get it wrong. I don't want to damage the Lowell family's name. That's why I wanted to go back home."

"Oh, Audrey," Michelle said, stroking her head. "You are just too considerate."

"Mom..."

Eleanor sighed. "Alright, Audrey, that's enough. You're one of us, and this is your home. No one is going to mess with you while we're standing behind you."

Her words were pointed, a clear jab at someone.

Jocelyn ate slowly, at a leisurely pace, pretending their words were nothing but hot air.

Dinner and a show. Not bad.

For her, the best strategy was to bypass emotions and just do what needed to be done.