Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Took the Wrong Medicine
Claire Xavier used to admire Warren Prescott quite a bit. He was handsome, got good grades, and was generally polite to her. It was said he repeated a year out of love.
But who knows if "repeated a year out of love" is true or not?
However, that admiration came to an end as of yesterday.
Because she learned from her brother that Warren used to bully Ashley Shaw, while she foolishly liked him for six years.
A rival in love for her brother, isn’t that just an enemy?
But it’s uncertain if he’s really a rival, after all, Warren didn’t like Ashley; it was always one-sided on her part.
In any case, her expression wasn’t pleasant, and when she greeted him, she forced a smile, saying, "What a rare guest."
Although Warren Prescott didn’t know Claire Xavier well, he could tell her "rare guest" was said with a hint of sarcasm.
Even though she said it with a smile.
He pretended not to notice, and with a usual expression, he called out, "Ms. Grant."
Claire Xavier shrugged, accepting his greeting.
Just then, Ashley Shaw and Ariana Grant arrived.
After introducing Ariana Grant to Claire Xavier, they talked about what they discussed over the phone.
"Grandpa Prescott gave me too much fruit. I thought it would be a waste to let it rot if I couldn’t finish it, and since the store needs a lot of fruit, I thought I’d bring some over."
Claire Xavier didn’t stand on ceremony; she waved to the staff and said, "Go ahead, move them!"
With family, there’s no need for formality, right?
Who knows, maybe they’ll be real family in the future.
Besides Ashley Shaw, there was only one girl in the store; the others were all young, strong men, and there were two drivers helping. The speed at which they moved the fruit was quite fast.
But as Claire Xavier watched Warren busily coming in and out, she vaguely felt something was off.
Didn’t Warren dislike Ashley Shaw? Why is he helping out now?
Had a change of heart? Or some ulterior motive? Or some kind of plot?
It was definitely off.
She quietly shared this observation with her younger brother, then pretended nothing happened as she carried out a few glasses of lemonade.
"Everyone take a break and have some water. It’s warm, so you don’t have to worry about a cold stomach."
Warren didn’t stand on ceremony, pulled up a chair, and sat down, sipping slowly.
Ashley Shaw took this chance to pick out three cakes.
"Ms. Grant, let me buy these three."
Claire Xavier gave her a look.
"Why? Should I charge you for the fruit too?"
"...No need."
"That’s more like it!" Claire Xavier patted her head and said, "Help yourself. Take whichever you want."
Ashley Shaw was puzzled at the sudden warmth from Claire Xavier, but thinking back, it was probably because of what happened at the Lynch Group yesterday.
She thanked her, opened the glass cabinet, picked one with less cream, and turned to place it on the table where Warren was sitting.
"Thanks for helping today, this is for you."
She knew Warren didn’t like desserts, but there was nothing else; the shop only had sweets. That’s the condition.
Even if he didn’t want it, nothing could be done.
Unexpectedly, she was ready for rejection but saw Warren reaching out towards her.
"?"
Ashley Shaw looked down at her hand.
Was he going to... thank her with a handshake?
Just as Ashley Shaw hesitated to extend her hand, she heard Warren say, "The fork for the cake."
Ashley Shaw’s face flushed instantly.
A blush of embarrassment.
Thank goodness she hadn’t reached out her hand.
"...I’ll go get it."
She went awkwardly to the kitchen and returned with a knife and fork.
Similarly, she handed Mr. Coleman and another driver a packed cake each.
Both of them were a bit old for too many sweets, but they had kids, so Ashley Shaw picked ones their kids might like.
The two drivers were delighted, thanking her repeatedly.
After a short break, everyone got back to moving the fruit.
The group was filled with energy, and in no time, they moved all the fruit from the pickup truck into the shop.
Ashley Shaw even wanted to bring down some of the fruit from the back seat of the minivan, but Claire Xavier refused.
"We can’t fit so much in the store; keep the rest yourselves. Remember to share some with the neighbors. It’s good to have someone lend a hand if you girls encounter any trouble."
Ashley Shaw thought about it and realized she should share with the neighbors and also take some to Lawyer Sterling, so she didn’t insist.
"I understand."
As they were talking, Warren came out, holding two packed cakes. Through the transparent cover, one could see that one cake was uneaten.
It was the one Ashley Shaw gave to Warren earlier.
Meeting Ashley Shaw’s gaze, Warren casually explained, "Elder Prescott loves sweets, so I’m bringing one, and the other is packed to take back."
"Alright, put it on my tab."
Claire Xavier wasn’t pleased.
"What do you mean your tab? It’s all on my tab today."
Ashley Shaw smiled with curved lips, "Okay."
"Alright, get going before dark. The shop’s closing, so rest up early and come to work tomorrow. By the way, how are you guys getting back?"
Before Ashley Shaw could respond, Warren spoke first, "I’ll take them back. If I don’t drop them off at the door, Elder Prescott will punish me."
"Oh. Hurry up then!"
Claire Xavier didn’t say more, figuring Warren wouldn’t dare do anything to Ashley Shaw since Elder Prescott had spoken.
But then again, who knows.
With that in mind, after Ashley Shaw got in the car, Claire Xavier walked to the back of the minivan, raised her phone, and "click", took a photo of the license plate.
Warren saw this and felt speechless, "..."
"Ms. Grant, I’m not some shady taxi driver."
Claire Xavier, having been caught, remained unflustered.
"I know, just in case. Alright, hurry up and get going!"
Claire Xavier said, then put on a bright smile and waved through the window Ashley Shaw had rolled down.
"See you tomorrow, Ashley."
Still getting used to this warm attitude from Claire Xavier, Ashley Shaw smiled stiffly, "See you tomorrow, Ms. Grant."
The two vehicles drove off one after the other, and Claire Xavier’s smile faded, "Finish up here; I’m heading home."
She needed to have a good talk with Archie about what Warren Prescott’s deal was.
Half an hour later, darkness had completely fallen.
The two vehicles drove into Caldera Lodge.
Warren got out first.
"You two head up first. I’ll leave once your lights are on."
Ashley Shaw gave him a meaningful look.
What on earth got into him today?
Ariana Grant spoke first, "We’ll head up then, thanks for today."
Ashley Shaw echoed a thank you and went upstairs with Ariana Grant.
Once upstairs, Ariana Grant went to the window, then stealthily peeked down as though she was up to something.
"Hey! Ashley! He’s still there! So, is he actually a gentleman?"
Ashley Shaw: "...Did you take the wrong medicine too?"
"What?"
"Nothing, don’t look anymore. Are you hungry? I noticed you didn’t eat much at the Prescott Family’s, and going hungry is bad for your stomach."
Ariana Grant rubbed her stomach, "I am a bit hungry, but there’s no need to cook. There’s food left in the fridge. I’ll heat it up, you go take a shower first!"
"Alright, but heat it a bit longer since it’s from the fridge."
"Got it! Oh, are you leveling up your homemaker skills again?"
Ashley Shaw shook her head helplessly but suddenly remembered something.
"Hold on, I’m going downstairs for a moment."
"Huh? Are you going to find him?"
"Yeah."