Unexpected Fiancée novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Jane, Thank You

Jane gracefully excused herself, offering a polite bow. "I'm sorry. I have to leave for a while."

Patrick, curiosity etching his face with a slight frown, inquired, "Where are you off to? Lunch will be served soon."

Jane's response was succinct, "Something just came up." Without further ado, she stood and exited the room, promptly placing a call to the veterinary hospital.

"Hello, Jane North speaking. I left a dog for treatment a few days ago. How is it now?"

The veterinarian's reassuring voice emanated from the other end of the line. "I was just about to call you. The dog has fully recovered."

Jane heaved a sigh of relief and responded, "That's good to know. I'm on my way to pick it up now."

A striking resemblance between the dog in the picture Mike held and the stray Jane had rescued began to nag at her. Additionally, the collars matched perfectly. Jane had a gut feeling that the stray dog was none other than Mike's long-lost pet, Dolly.

Given Mike's visible attachment to the dog, it seemed to hold significant sentimental value. Jane was determined to reunite them immediately.

Back at the table, Beatrice simmered with frustration. "What's wrong with Jane? She just walked out on all of us!"

Florence chimed in, "I can't believe she left us all waiting for her before lunch. Who does she think she is?"

Patrick's eyes shifted briefly to Mike, and he intervened on Jane's behalf, providing an explanation. "I believe there's an emergency at work, so she went to handle it."

Patrick felt compelled to defend Jane, even though he was unaware of the precise nature of her urgent matter. He wouldn't stand by while the women at the table berated her.

Beatrice, however, was unappeased. She raised her voice indignantly, exclaiming, "Stop making excuses for her! What's so important that it takes precedence over spending time with your grandfather?"

Mike's response veered from the others, asserting, "I'm not offended at all. Since Jane rushed to the company to address a problem as soon as she received the news, it shows she's hardworking. That's commendable."

Beatrice was rendered speechless by the unexpected support from Mike. Florence, on the other hand, grappled with her jealousy. Inwardly, she cursed Jane. Why did Mike place such high value on Jane when her family background and appearance paled in comparison to Florence's?

Florence concealed her true feelings and offered a feigned expression of concern. "Jane should have informed us when she'd be back. It's already lunchtime, and you shouldn't go hungry, Mike; you need nourishment for a quicker recovery."

Attempting to shift the focus, Patrick encouraged the start of the meal. "Let's just eat." Despite the strategic reason behind his engagement to Jane, he wouldn't allow anyone to speak ill of her.

"Mr. Maurice, serve the dishes," Mike ordered. The butler promptly acknowledged and instructed the servants to commence serving.

With the dishes being placed before them, Florence was determined to make amends. She picked up a drumstick and placed it on Mike's plate, asserting, "Please have a drumstick. It's good for your health."