Chapter 92 Going to Have A Granddaughter
But Vera wasn't afraid of him. She slammed her cup on the table and said coldly, "A second marriage? You could have any girl you want, yet you chose someone who's been married before? And a second marriage with no family background or connections—Alex, are you sick in the head?"
Arabella felt somewhat embarrassed. She thought that no matter how beautiful Vera was, saying such things to her face was going too far.
But the other party was an elder—she couldn't curse back.
She could only comfort herself: it didn't matter. After all, she and Alexander weren't really husband and wife. Mother-in-law or whatever—she just wouldn't acknowledge it, right? If she didn't acknowledge her, Vera was just a stranger who couldn't hurt her.
But even though she thought this way, she still felt inexplicably sad.
Alexander suddenly stood up, walked in front of Vera, his angular handsome face cold as ice, his voice carrying a warning: "Mom, watch your words!"
Vera opened her small mouth, looking at him in amazement. She was his biological mother—of course she could tell he was truly angry. If she didn't listen, he'd probably throw her out the next second.
She actually knew that over the years, her son had indulged her simply because he was too lazy to argue with her. Ever since he became an adult, he'd moved out of the house. She could only see him during holidays. She could see this son becoming more and more silent, but his aura was becoming increasingly sharp. Honestly, she was somewhat afraid of this son.
But he was her only son! She'd read so many novels and watched so many TV shows over the years, accumulating a whole bunch of material about evil mothers-in-law tormenting daughters-in-law. She just wanted to have some fun.
The ancestors were right—sons are raised for others. Only husbands are the closest and dearest.
Vera pouted, unable to bring herself to apologize, so she deliberately said with a bad attitude: "Fine, fine, fine, I won't say anything more, okay!"
Alexander gave her another warning look. Seeing her shrink her neck, he turned around, instantly putting away his cold demeanor, and said gently to Arabella: "Come, let me show you my treasures."
Arabella was pulled along in a daze, still not having processed what happened. Had Alexander just given his mother attitude because of her?
She remembered when she was at the Watson family before. Jennifer had slapped her because she didn't clean the floor properly. Anthony happened to see it when he came home from work. It was her first time encountering such a thing—she didn't know what to do, so she covered her face with tears and looked at Anthony, hoping he could say a few words for her.
But Anthony turned a blind eye to her grievance and said his mother was old, telling her not to make his mother unhappy.
She was really stupid back then. Filial piety pressed down on her like a mountain—she couldn't fight back or speak up, could only silently endure every time.
How could she have been so foolish then, not even seeing that Anthony didn't love her?
There really was no harm without comparison. Being protected felt so good, so happy, so reassuring.
Arabella looked at the broad back walking in front of her, a strange feeling flashing through her heart.
On the sofa, Vera watched them walk into the bedroom one after the other and snorted disdainfully. Alexander was becoming more and more impolite—doing this in front of his mother, looking at what treasures? Did he think she couldn't understand?
She'd seen her husband's "treasures" so many times!
Her son wasn't like this before—he used to be so well-behaved and restrained. It was all because of that bitch Arabella who corrupted him!
But then she thought again—looking at treasures was good! If they looked at treasures more, she'd soon have a granddaughter to play with, right?
How amazing she was—at such a young age, not even fifty, she could hold a granddaughter. Much more impressive than those old women at parties.
Thinking of that soft little baby, Vera immediately stopped being angry and ran to the kitchen to discuss with Chloe: "Mom, our house needs to be renovated quickly. Turn the first floor into a nursery. When Arabella gives birth, I'll take care of the baby. Listen to me, I have experience—we need to use the best materials, or formaldehyde exceeding standards would be a big problem!"
Chloe looked at her speechlessly, not knowing where this stupidity came from.
Vera wanted to hold a grandchild? She didn't even dare to think about it!
In the bedroom, Alexander took out a large box from a locked cabinet, blew off the dust, and placed it on the ground.
The two sat facing each other on the floor.
Alexander opened the box, revealing all kinds of small toys inside—plastic swords commonly seen in childhood, origami, and small ornaments that looked somewhat crudely made.
Arabella couldn't help but smile. "These are your treasures?"
Alexander's gaze fell on her smiling face, looking at her deeply. "Yes, they're all my treasures, because these things were all left to me by someone very important to me."
Arabella was surprised. She wanted to ask if it was a man or woman but felt it was too presumptuous. But these toys were clearly the kind played with in elementary school or kindergarten—he had someone he liked back then? He knew his sexual orientation that early?
Alexander didn't know her thoughts had deviated greatly from his original intention. He picked up a grass-woven pineapple and handed it to her, saying meaningfully, "This was a birthday gift from that person. She said she was too young and had no money, but when she grew up, I could trade this pineapple for a big villa."
Arabella laughed, both afraid of hurting him and genuinely curious, so she asked carefully, "Is this the person who made you like peeling shrimp and learn to cook for them?"
Alexander responded, "Yes, it's her."
Arabella sighed, "Your relationship is so deep—childhood sweethearts. No wonder you can't let go. Do you still keep in touch now?"
Alexander looked at her. "We just reconnected recently. She's not doing well—probably can't exchange for that villa anymore. I feel very sorry for her."
Arabella was shocked and quickly advised, "You must stay calm! Cheating in relationships is a big taboo. You and Mr. White are doing well..."
She said this, then suddenly remembered he and Blake seemed to have just broken up recently, so she quickly stopped. "Well, well, you're single now, so of course you can be with whoever you want. That person... is he single?"
She asked with some concern.
Alexander smiled. "Yes, single. I'm pursuing her."
Arabella felt very pleased. "Young love is the most unforgettable. If you two can reconcile, I'd be happy for you too."
Alexander's deep eyes looked at her, and after a while he smiled. "Then please give me your support."
Arabella quickly said, "I will, I will."
She also saw some small notes stacked together in the box, looking like the kind passed around in class. She guessed they were probably notes he and his crush passed during class. Curious, she looked at them and saw two distinctly different handwritings—one neat and clean, the other... could only be described as worse than terrible.
The beautiful handwriting was naturally Alexander's.
Arabella imagined what kind of handsome guy could have such ugly handwriting yet still captivate him for so many years.
She couldn't imagine it.
But she said to Alexander, "When you two finally get together, if he can tolerate me, we can continue this marriage arrangement. If he can't tolerate me, you must tell me honestly. Although I currently need this marriage, it's not like there's no other way."
Alexander smiled and nodded solemnly, promising, "I will definitely tell you then."
Just then, Vera pounded hard on the door outside and said lazily: "Hey, are you done looking at treasures? It's been half an hour—come out and eat!"
She was so disgusted. Young people really didn't know restraint.
But when Alexander and Arabella came out, she still curiously peeked inside—the bedding was neat and tidy?
Looking at the two people in front of her, their clothes were all neat and tidy, no flush on their faces, no rapid breathing?
After all that, the two were just chatting inside?
No soft granddaughter to hold—Vera angrily glared at Alexander.
Useless thing, given the opportunity and you don't make use of it!
Alexander was baffled by the glare, but his mother was always baffling anyway, so he didn't pay much attention. He pulled Arabella to the dining table, had her sit in the innermost seat, sat beside her, and arranged for Chloe to sit across from her.
This way Vera and Arabella sat diagonally across from each other, the farthest apart.
During dinner, Vera still wanted to cause trouble but was hit on the hand with a fork by Chloe, immediately becoming tearfully obedient.
Vera's crybaby appearance made even Arabella feel sorry for her.
After dinner, Alexander didn't stay a moment longer, efficiently pulling Arabella to say goodbye to Chloe and Vera. "Grandma, Mom, we have other things to do. We're heading back first."
He didn't want to see his mother giving Arabella attitude for another second.
Arabella wanted to say she had nothing else to do—compared to going back, she'd rather look at the beautiful Vera a few more times.
But seeing Alexander's stern face, she wisely didn't say anything more.
Chloe was nearly driven to death by her spoiled and stupid daughter-in-law. If she hadn't suddenly shown up, Arabella wouldn't have left so quickly!
Angrily glaring at Vera, Chloe smiled at Arabella. "Arabella, come again another day. I'll make lots of delicious food for you."
Arabella smiled and agreed.
After they left, Vera huffed unwillingly and said through gritted teeth, "What's she so proud of? Just wait—someday I'll make her respectfully serve me every day and personally bring dinner to me."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Looks like I've been too polite to you usually, right? Still thinking about making me serve you every day and bring you plates? You're dreaming!"
Vera was still unconvinced. "Then I'll make her wash my clothes and mop the floor!"
But the house had dedicated servants for that—Arabella wouldn't be needed.
So what else could she make Arabella do? Vera fell into deep thought, running to the side to seriously consider.
Chloe was simply at a loss with this daughter-in-law. She sighed and went to the bedroom to lie down, calling the servant who was always responsible for her daily needs: "Lana, come help quickly. The dishes aren't washed and the floor isn't cleaned..."
On the way home, Arabella bought some fresh flowers. As soon as she got back, she found a vase to arrange them in and placed them on the dining table, looking pleasant to the eye.
Alexander liked watching her smile. He quietly stayed by her side until she finished arranging the flowers, then they separately washed up and went to bed.
Meanwhile, the Gomez family was holding a small funeral.
At 8 PM, Mandy's body was sent to the crematorium for cremation. At 9 PM, the urn was sent back.
Mandy's brother, Jake Gomez, personally received his sister's ashes. Everyone then wailed loudly as the ashes were placed in a coffin and formally buried in the ground.
In the cold, eerie cemetery, everything around was silent except for the crowd of people standing in front of Mandy's new grave.
Mandy's parents had long since cried themselves unconscious, constantly saying their daughter died unjustly and how excellent their daughter was.
Jake had people help his parents away. Looking at the newly erected tombstone, he was filled with grief and anger.
His sister had such a good future ahead of her, yet she died just like that.
Even if she was investigated for embezzlement and bribery, at worst she'd be imprisoned for a few years. With money and property, how could she not live well after getting out? How could she possibly seek death?
Suicide? He didn't believe a single word! Given his sister's personality, how could she possibly commit suicide?
He would definitely investigate this matter thoroughly and give his sister justice!
Jake's stubbled face was cold and determined. The person investigated along with his sister was called Billy Powell, right? He'd start investigating from him!
The next day, Arabella arrived at the company on time. As soon as she entered the office, she felt the atmosphere was off. Everyone had been chatting animatedly, but when they saw her, they all went quiet and pretended to be busy with their own work.
She found this strange initially. When she got to her workstation and saw Gillian packing up, she asked in surprise, "Ms. Murphy, are you leaving?"
Gillian smiled radiantly. "Arabella, thanks to you, my performance this month was outstanding at headquarters. They moved up the transfer arrangement—I'm reporting to headquarters today!"
Arabella knew she'd always been looking forward to this opportunity. Hearing this, she was happy for her too. "Then let's have a gathering tonight to throw you a celebration party!"
Gillian winked at her. "It's my celebration party and yours too!"
Arabella was puzzled. "My celebration party?"
Faye beside them smiled. "That's right. With Ms. Murphy leaving, you're now the supervisor of our group! Congratulations, Supervisor Xu!"
Arabella hadn't expected this day to come so quickly.
Ever since she landed those big orders last time, many colleagues at the company had been waiting to see her make a fool of herself. After all, such large batch orders could only be temporary—she couldn't be that lucky forever.
Actually, Arabella thought the same.
But unexpectedly, during this period, her orders kept coming one after another with no sign of stopping. Many clients inexplicably became her regular customers, all especially approving of her. Even those without her contact information would call the company specifically asking for her to sign contracts.
Without realizing it, she'd been continuously lucky for almost a month.
Gillian could even go to headquarters because of this, and there was still no sign of it stopping.
Arabella understood that regardless of whether this promotion was because leadership valued her ability or potential, it was all thanks to these continuous orders.
She smiled, then casually discussed dinner locations with Gillian and Faye.
Just as they were chatting animatedly, the receptionist suddenly called, "Ms. Bourbon, there's a gentleman outside who says he wants to see you. Could you come down?"
Arabella was puzzled. "A gentleman? Who?"
The receptionist said, "He won't tell me his name, just says to have you come down to meet him. I can't get him to leave. What do you think..."
Arabella naturally wouldn't make things difficult for the receptionist and quickly said, "Alright, I'll come down right away. Sorry for the trouble."