Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Should She Stay or Go?
"Joy, haven’t you met her before?" Claudia Jennings said with a cheerful smile.
Warren Prescott’s face turned grim.
"Can’t you take a break? Have you lost interest in playing mahjong lately? How about I invite you to play some Texas Hold’em?"
Claudia Jennings switched to her automatic disregard mode, like a matchmaking AI, and continued, "This kid is really nice. I asked about her. She’s currently studying at Aethelgard University and came back to Westcroft for the summer holidays. Once school starts, you two can see each other every day."
"Although she’s two years older than you, she looks quite young. Besides, older girls tend to be more caring."
"And, from what I can tell, she has a much sweeter temperament than Rosalind Lynch and talks softly and gently. She’s the type you’d like..."
Warren Prescott leisurely crossed his arms, smirking, and said, "When the Lynch Family was fine, you called her Rosy. Now that they’ve hit a scandal, she’s Rosalind Lynch to you? Mom, why don’t you give yourself a break!"
Claudia Jennings remained in her disregard mode, ignoring whatever Warren Prescott said, continuing with her own words.
"Moreover, your dad plans to relocate the head office to Aethelgard within a year. The Lynch Family may be rooted in Westcroft, but now their main businesses are in Aethelgard. They’re more familiar with Aethelgard than our family. If you get along well with her, it’ll be like gaining a relative there. Even if you two don’t become a couple, being friends doesn’t cost anything, right?"
At this, Claudia Jennings finally paused to listen to Warren Prescott’s voice.
But Warren Prescott suddenly lifted his eyelids to look at her.
"Is Lars Prescott planning to shift the company’s focus to Aethelgard?"
"Lars Prescott? That’s your dad!"
"Answer me first."
"Yes, why? Your dad said that while Westcroft is nice, it’s not like Aethelgard, the imperial capital. It’s the trend of the times."
Warren Prescott, not caring about what Claudia Jennings was saying, took out his phone and sent a message to Assistant Lowell.
Claudia Jennings, watching him playing with his phone, unhappily said, "I’m speaking to you, did you hear? Whether you like Joy or not, you have to get along with her."
Warren Prescott finished sending the text before looking up at Claudia Jennings.
"Aren’t you worried that my current state will scare her away? Send her a message to come another time."
"She’s already on her way. How can I tell her to turn back? Don’t worry, Joy won’t mind it; she’s a gentle kid."
Warren Prescott was about to speak when a female voice came from outside—
"Aunt, Warren..."
Both turned to the direction of the voice and saw Rosalind Lynch entering with a fruit basket.
Upon seeing Rosalind Lynch, mother and son revealed different expressions.
Warren Prescott remained expressionless, while Claudia Jennings appeared somewhat guilty.
After all, she once promised that she would only recognize Rosalind Lynch as her daughter-in-law in the future.
Only to turn around and seek out Livia Sutton.
But that wasn’t entirely her fault; it was because of the trouble the Lynch Family got into.
If even spouses scatter when disaster strikes, what can be said about just family friends?
Claudia Jennings forced a smile onto her face.
"Rosy? How come you’re here? And you brought something. You’re too polite. Come, sit down."
She pulled out a chair for Rosalind Lynch to sit.
"You shouldn’t have gone to the trouble. Next time, don’t bring anything when you come by."
Rosalind Lynch noticeably sensed a shift in Claudia Jennings’ tone. Though her words bore no issue, the smile on her face was unmistakably insincere.
Rosalind Lynch took a moment to compose herself so her expression wouldn’t crumble.
"I just came after seeing the news. I quickly contacted a familiar friend to understand the situation. That’s how I found out Warren got injured."
While saying this, Rosalind Lynch dared not look at Warren Prescott.
Or rather, since stepping through the door, she hadn’t dared meet Warren Prescott’s eyes.
On the way to her house that day, Warren Prescott stated clearly that the next time they met, they would be strangers, and he wouldn’t consider any past affections.
She was reluctant to come, but what choice did she have?
If she didn’t come, her father would suspect they hadn’t reconciled, and she’d return to those unbearable days from not long ago.
She initially planned just to drop off the fruit basket and leave, but she hadn’t expected Claudia Jennings to be here.
Moreover...upon seeing her, Claudia Jennings’ face showed disgust.
Though it lasted only a second, she caught it accurately.
She truly used to believe that Claudia Jennings liked her.
Now it seems she only liked the daughter of the Lynch Family.
The still-prosperous Lynch Family’s daughter.
Claudia Jennings continued, "It’s not a serious injury. He’ll be out of the hospital in three days, so I didn’t inform you."
Rosalind Lynch didn’t show a hint of awkwardness. She nodded and said, "It’s good that it’s not serious. My dad and I were quite startled when we saw the news, so I rushed over to check."
Claudia Jennings "oh"ed, asking, "How’s your family’s situation being handled? If you need our help, feel free to ask. Don’t be shy. We’ll definitely help if we can."
If it’s impossible to help, well, then it’s impossible.
It’s just quite unfortunate that the Lynch Family’s affair is one where they can’t help.
In today’s public sentiment, if the Prescott Family even slightly stood up for them, they’d be torn apart by consumers, criticized for being like all capitalists.
Naturally, the Prescott Family wouldn’t wade into such murky waters.
Claudia Jennings was just making polite conversation, and Rosalind Lynch understood that.
Yet it felt like a weight suddenly pressed down on her chest. She forced a smile and told Claudia Jennings, "Thank you, Aunt, but that’s not necessary. Our family’s issue should be resolved soon."
"Huh?" Claudia Jennings suddenly widened her eyes, almost unable to believe what she was hearing.
She had confirmed with Lars Prescott that the Lynch Family had no chance of bouncing back.
But looking at Rosalind Lynch’s expression now, it didn’t seem like she was lying.
Right away, Claudia Jennings’ feelings became complex.
She was sure of the Lynch Family’s downfall before turning to Livia Sutton, but now...
"Ahem!"
Claudia Jennings cleared her throat and asked, "Who did you get to help?"
Surely, there isn’t anyone who would step in for them, even when the Prescott Family wouldn’t dare?
Relations from Aethelgard maybe?
Claudia Jennings was very curious and hoped to pass this information to Lars Prescott too, so as she asked, she smoothly pulled Rosalind Lynch’s arm towards her side.
Rosalind Lynch momentarily felt like she was back in the old days, but the person suddenly appearing at the doorway brought her back to reality.
"Aunt..."
Livia Sutton stood at the entrance with a timid expression.
Born naturally timid and previously left with a mental shadow from dining with Warren Prescott, she would have found any excuse to avoid this meeting if Claudia Jennings hadn’t weepingly called her.
However, she had expected Ashley Shaw to be here, not to see Claudia Jennings affectionately holding another girl’s hand.
So...what’s the situation now?
Should she stay or leave?
Claudia Jennings also felt awkward. Instinctively withdrawing her hand from Rosalind Lynch, she chuckled dryly, "Joy, you’re here? Come in."
While speaking, she shot a look towards Warren Prescott.
Yet Warren Prescott shut his eyes, blocking out the surrounding world.