Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 84

Grace closed up the diner exceptionally early today. By three in the afternoon, she was already locking the doors.

Arthur arrived on his new food cart with Xanthe Sutton just in time to see it.

"Grace, why are you closing so early today?" Arthur called out.

There was usually another rush of customers around four. Even if she was treating them to dinner, there was no need to shut down this early.

From the moment she watched Arthur usher Xanthe across the street and into the alley, Grace's eyes had been practically dripping with venom. But she was a woman who cared about her image, so she put on a magnanimous front. "Closing for one day won't bankrupt me. I've worked for twelve years straight; what's wrong with taking one afternoon off?"

She was furious. Her disdainful gaze landed heavily on the motorized food cart Arthur was driving.

Hah! Arthur, that pushover, was finally learning how to play the game. Years ago, she had told him to buy a tricycle for hauling supplies for the diner, but he insisted his motorcycle was fine. Now, after knowing this homewrecker for barely a few days, he had bought a motorized cart and was starting a lunchbox business with her.

What, did he feel wronged that she hadn't paid him a salary for twelve years of free labor at her diner?

"I didn't mean it like that. I just meant..."

"Did you tell Amber about going to the local steakhouse to celebrate the competition?" Grace interrupted him, having absolutely zero interest in his explanations.

Arthur paused. "Not yet. The competition probably isn't over yet."

Grace sneered. "Oh, really? Well, Lucian already called me. He said the competition is over and he won, just as expected. Call Amber right now. Don't let her get too depressed and refuse to show up."

"Alright, I'm heading over to get a table. Let's meet there at five."

With that, Grace turned and strutted away, practically acting as if Xanthe was invisible and Arthur beneath her notice.

Arthur frowned. "She's definitely still mad."

Xanthe smiled gently. "Arthur, just call Amber first. As for Grace, you can find another time to talk to her and clear things up so she doesn't misunderstand."

Arthur nodded. He thought to himself, *I'd rather she misunderstand. What I'm really afraid of is her understanding perfectly.*

And so, just as Amber sent Julian Zeller off, she received a call from her father.

Tillie instantly panicked, wondering how Amber was going to explain giving the prize money away to Arthur. But Amber just patted her hand. "Don't worry, I've got this covered."

Before Amber could even figure out how to hide her victory, Arthur spoke first. "Amber, I heard about the competition from Grace. Lucian won. Don't be sad, sweetheart. Dad knows you tried your best."

"Amber, this isn't our first competition. Losing doesn't define you. I'll still cook all your favorites just like always. But since Grace is in a good mood, she's treating us to the steakhouse tonight."

"Lucian is already on his way back. Amber, do you want me to come pick you up, or are you heading back on your own? Grace says dinner is at five. Xanthe and I just finished buying the supplies for the lunchbox business and we're heading home."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify