?<strong>Chapter 237:</strong>


    Belle’s expression darkened. “Is Joelle suggesting we have some contagious disease? Why would she say that?”


    Liza soothed her, saying, “Don’t be upset. Joelle did it thinking of the children’s well-being. Kids have weak immune systems, after all.”


    Belle rolled her eyes, but she confined her displeasure to her daughter’s presence. She wouldn’t let herself loseposure in front of others. “I’ll wash my hands, then go upstairs to see the children.”


    Liza, with a warm smile, took Belle’s arm, sharing a moment like a true mother and daughter. “You’re wonderful. It’s different with a daughterpared to a daughter-inw.”


    “Mom, you shouldn’t say things like that. Your future daughter-inw should be treated like your daughter too!”


    Belle pondered for a moment. Considering all the ws Joelle had shown even before the wedding, if she really did be her daughter-inw, Belle was sure she’d have her hands full. But these thoughts stayed in her head. Given her son’s fondness for Joelle, what could she really say?


    As Belle and Liza said their goodbyes, Belle only embraced Rafael. In the past, she would have hugged Joelle too, but today she refrained, leaving Joelle feeling puzzled.


    “Rafael, even though you’re married now, you should still visit us often, or we’ll really miss you.”


    Rafael smiled. “Okay, I understand. Please, get in the car.”


    Once they had gone, Joelle turned to Rafael. “Did I do something wrong? Why didn’t your mother speak to me?”


    Rafael hadn’t picked up on that. He always thought Joelle and Belle got along well. “Really?”


    Joelle nodded, trying to recall the day’s events but couldn’t pinpoint any missteps.


    Rafael tried to reassure her, saying, “Don’t overthink it. Maybe my mother feelsfortable enough with you that she doesn’t feel the need to be overly formal.”


    His exnation seemed reasonable, but Joelle remained uneasy. “Could you call Liza and ask her about it?”


    Rafael agreed without hesitation and said, “Okay.”


    Half an hourter, Rafael entered Joelle’s bedroom. He said earnestly, “Liza mentioned it was because you didn’t let my mom cook today. She felt a bit upset about it.”


    Joelle scratched her head, exining, “I just thought she might be tired. Honestly, I was looking forward to trying her cooking. I was just trying to be considerate.”


    “I understand,” Rafael responded with a smile, patting her head. “I’ve arranged to visit my mother next week. I’ll ask her to cook for us then.”


    “Great, I’ll help her in the kitchen!”


    Rafael observed Joelle, realizing that both she and Belle were making efforts to consider each other’s feelings, confident that this understanding would prevent any real conflicts between them.


    After her workday, Gina returned to the apartment she shared with her boyfriend. Before leaving that morning, the sewer had been blocked, causing the bathroom to flood into the living room. Now, although the living room was dry, the bathroom still had enough water for the fish to live in.


    Gina opened the study door to find Tristan ying video games, headphones on, cursing intermittently. His headphones were so soundproof he wouldn’t have noticed if Gina had fainted right behind him. There was a time she got locked out while picking up a food delivery. Tristan didn’t answer any of her calls during that incident.


    After she had finished clearing the sewer blockage, he finally stepped away from theputer. “You’re back?”


    “Yes,” Gina responded tiredly and then washed her hands, cleaning off the sewer grime without a word.


    “What’s wrong? Are you unhappy? Is something wrong at work?”


    Gina forced a smile. “Just the usual. When do you n on looking for a job?”


    Tristan scratched his head. “I want to, but the job market is tough right now, and it’s hard to find a good position.”


    Gina looked at him and suggested, “Maybe you could just swallow your pride and ask your dad for help.”


    “I won’t ask him for help!” Tristan huffed. “Unless he agrees to buy me that car!”


    He had been eyeing a new car, but all his funds came from his father. Since his university graduation, he had depended on his parents financially. His father likely wanted to encourage his independence, hence the refusal.


    That was the reason Tristan had distanced himself from his family and vowed to never depend on them again. Gina gently patted him on the shoulder and suggested, “Honey, if youpromise, maybe your dad will buy you the car.”


    “Then I’ll look like a fool!”


    “What matters more, your pride or the car?”


    Without missing a beat, Tristan said, “Definitely the car! I’m calling my dad right now!” He hurried off to the balcony.


    Gina chuckled to herself. Tristan was aware of this too. His stubbornness was merely an excuse he clung to.


    Gina found it easy to manipte him. Tristan wasn’t the sharpest, but he came from a wealthy family. She anticipated marrying into this affluent family within a couple of years. By then, she’d have the resources of the Watts family under her control. Ascending the socialdder would be effortless for her.


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