The Returning EX (John and Sophia) novel Chapter 1931

Chapter 1931 Flattery

Ian was taken aback by Hazel’s direct manner of questioning him, but he quickly covered up with a laugh. “My pay is pretty high. I’d say it’s a little higher than what a regular job would give you.” Hazel didn’t know much about the industry, so she couldn’t tell if he was lying. After that, the three of them sat at the dining table and had the rest of their meal in silence. Cindy returned to her room to clean the place up after she was done eating.

Hazel, on the other hand, sat on the couch and watched as her daughter bustled around the house. Every now and then, she stole a glance at Ian. Hazel hadn’t seen Ian as she didn’t keep up with the trends online. However, she felt rather uneasy because of how good-looking Ian was.

Once Cindy was done tidying the room, she and Ian took turns showering. Cindy excused herself and returned to her room after that, while Ian stood by their bedroom door while glancing at Hazel, who was still sitting on the couch. “It’s getting late, Mrs. Selby. Aren’t you going to bed yet?”

“I’m old, so I don’t sleep that much. You guys go ahead. I’ll stay here and watch the TV for a while.” Hazel left the TV on as she held onto the remote control with one hand and slouched into her seat. Ian took another brief look at the older woman before he turned and walked into the room.

Cindy had taken a nap during the flight home, but she still felt sore and exhausted for some reason. “This was a rough trip,” she uttered as she lay down in bed.

“You can sleep first if you’re tired,” Ian replied as he lay down beside her. She turned sideways to wrap her arms around him. “You’re not used to sleeping in unfamiliar places, are you?”

He chuckled. “I’m not that picky. I had a good sleep in the hotel previously, didn’t I? You don’t have to worry about me. Go to sleep.”

“Okay,” Cindy mumbled quietly. She curled up in his arms and fell asleep within a few minutes. Ian couldn’t sleep at all, so he waited to make sure that Cindy was fast asleep before he slipped out of bed and walked toward the door. He pressed his face close to the door and listened for a moment before realizing that Hazel was still watching the TV in the living hall.

After some contemplation, Ian twisted the doorknob to let himself out of the room. Cindy had a fulfilling deep sleep throughout the night—perhaps she felt safer because she was back in her own bed.

The next morning, she found Ian lying beside her when she woke up. He opened his eyes the moment Cindy moved around under the sheets. “You’re awake,” he muttered.

Cindy sat upright in bed, her movements slow and lazy. “How was your sleep last night?”

“It was pretty good.” Ian sat up as well. He had just finished his sentence when Hazel knocked on their door. She was telling them to wake up as their breakfast was ready. After washing up, the couple walked out and sat in the dining area for breakfast.

They had only been eating for a while when Cindy noticed the distinct change in Hazel’s attitude toward Ian. Hazel had seemed rather uptight the night before, but she seemed like she was trying to flatter Ian that morning. I don’t know if my gut feeling is right or not, but seeing this makes me feel rather uneasy. I don’t mind when the older generations show care and love to the younger ones, but I don’t think that’s what Mom is doing. It feels more like she’s trying to kiss his ass.

Cindy couldn’t comprehend the reason for Hazel’s drastic change. After gobbling down her meal, Cindy excused herself and went for a walk in the backyard. Ian was done with breakfast soon after that, and he followed her out. Cindy lowered her voice to question Ian once they got to the backyard. “Did you tell my mother something yesterday?”

Ian stroked the back of Cindy’s head. “How are you so smart?”

“You told her how rich you are, didn’t you?” Cindy turned to stare at him.

He burst into laughter. “Do I seem like such a shallow person?” Although Ian hadn’t made any statements claiming that he was rich, he had indirectly told Hazel about his above-average income. Furthermore, he was from a financially stable family, so he didn’t have to worry about anything. Ian could clearly recognize the change in Hazel after that.

Although they had only spent a short amount of time together the night before, Ian could notice the distinct change in Hazel’s tone of voice that morning. He refused to think that it was because of what he said the night before.