Seeing that Stella had returned, it was natural that she would take Yara with her, probably headed to Mitch's.
Seeing her spirited demeanor, I had a hunch she was off to flaunt. Knowing how much Mitch cherished his kids, so he would definitely be unable to accept all three children being with her.
But, that was their marital issue; all I could do was mediate when conflicts arise, and help out a bit. I couldn't constantly interfere.
After Stella left, Norah and I focused on taking care of Serena and Brandon.
Around nine in the evening, I received a call from Ariana. I have no idea how she got my number.
"Ms. Finch, what's your issue with me? Are you trying to drive me to my grave?" Ariana's tone was quite agitated, "You know well enough how difficult it is for me to raise a child on my own. What am I supposed to do after losing my job?!"
"You could choose not to quit. I could just leak the video, right?" I was unflappable, even amused.
Was this the standard reaction when a bitch was driven into a corner? Always blaming others. Rather than reflect on herself, it was easier to blame others. Ariana embodied this to the fullest.
Seething, Ariana said, "I didn't want to quit. It's just a video. Which rich man nowadays doesn't have mistresses? I'm not afraid! But what gives you the right to have Mr. Whitmore fire me? I don't work for his company; what right does he have to fire me?"
This did take me by surprise.
When did Neil start playing the good Samaritan? Perhaps he wanted to help Mitch out, so he made the decision for him.
Given the degree of trust Mitch had in Neil, as long as his attitude was stern, Mitch would definitely comply. The collaboration between Neil and Mitch was primarily led by Whitmore Co., so it wouldn't be hard for him to fire an employee.
"Well, that's not my fault. You deserve it." I cheerfully said, hung up the phone and blocked her.
Neil's move was quite good; he probably didn't want to see his best friend's marriage crumble step by step, unable to pick up the pieces.
Getting rid of Ariana sooner could provide Mitch and Stella with the time and space to resolve their conflicts.
While they were resolving their conflicts, I had to deal with the door issue.
Mitch, that bastard, always causing me trouble!
It took me nearly two days to replace the door, and I also installed an alarm system. If anyone tried to trespass again, it would trigger an alarm, and they'd be invited for a 'cup of coffee' at the police station.
After the workers left, I tested the door several times to check the sensitivity of the lock.
As I opened the door for the nth time, the sight of Neil standing outside gave me a fright, my heart nearly jumped out of my throat.
He appeared out of nowhere in broad daylight, just as I was opening and closing the door.
Neil was wearing a simple white linen shirt, looking a tad slimmer than before, but his broad shoulders and defined collarbones were as alluring as ever; his restrained aura and sex appeal intertwined and radiated around him, like a god's favorite child.
His skin was extremely fair, despite intense heat and strong UV rays here which would tan most people. He somehow managed to avoid it, looking even paler than before.
"Lost your mind?" Neil was the first to speak.
"What are you doing here?" My heart was still pounding, mainly from the fright.
"I came to give you an explanation." Neil had a faint scent of smoke on him. He must've just had a cigarette.
"Hiram is a very smart kid. It's not surprising that he would do something like this." Neil's words were undoubtedly a defense for Karina and her son. After all, they were the most important people to him right now.
But these words ignited my anger. If this was his explanation, I'd rather he didn't come to give me an explanation at all; he's ruined my good mood!
Just as I was about to bid him farewell, the doorbell rang. I got up to open the door. Russel was standing outside with some fresh groceries and a bag of diapers.
"What's the new door code?" Russel glanced at Neil; his eyes under his glasses were cold as ice, but his voice was calm as he asked me.
I looked back at Neil, then answered, "I'll text it to you."
Neil's face darkened instantly. Clearly, I was guarding against him.
But Russel's face cleared up because of my answer. He walked in, handed me the diapers, "Didn't you want to try a new brand? This one's hypoallergenic; try it and see."
"Alright," I wanted to thank him, but I was afraid it would seem too formal and arouse Neil's suspicion, so I held back, "Brandon's bottom is red again. It might really be the diapers."
"Should I apply some ointment for him? Do we have guests tonight? Should I cook more?" Russel didn't ask Neil directly, but rather hinted at me with his questions.
I shook my head, "No guests; just you, me, and Norah."
"What about him?" Russel pointed at Neil, "Since he's here and it's dinner time, why not have a meal together?"
Remembering the last time these two had a confrontation, it still sent chills down my spine. I wanted to refuse, but Neil, ever the cool and collected one, responded, "Hmm, it's been a while since I've tasted your cooking."
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