Chapter 21
Chapter 21 Our Current Relationship with the Royce Family
The Royce placed great importance on this dinner, with both Mr. and Mrs. Royce and even Janice in attendance. Marion and Richard arrived just in time, entering the private room to find Jameson had not arrived yet. Richard was cold and questioned the Royces. “What does this mean? You spoke more eloquently on the phone than you are showing up now. We're all here, but the one responsible is still missing.”
Joseph's face turned sour, preparing to apologize, when the door to the private room was pushed open. To everyone’s surprise, Jameson walked in.
Casting a glance at Marion, Jameson sensed the tension in the room and took the initiative to explain. “| apologize, Uncle Richard. There was traffic on the way here, causing a slight delay.”
Having spent extra time at the harbor and encountering Sally, Jameson had a brief conversation with her to avoid stirring up trouble with Marion. This led to the delay in his arrival.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
Marion assisted Richard in taking his seat, giving Jameson a cold glance. Richard snorted but did not respond to Jameson's explanation.
Jameson pursed his lips and took a seat. Joseph, trying to ease the atmosphere, spoke up, “It’s been a while since our two families sat down for a meal together. The last time we gathered as two families... “He paused, realizing the inappropriateness of his words.
The last time our families gathered for a meal was to discuss Jameson and Marion's wedding, but now things have turned out like this.
Bernadette quickly interjected, “Yes, it’s been a while since we’ve seen you, Marion. You've lost weight. Eat more today!” Marion smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Royce.”
Asimple “Mrs. Royce” instantly defined the relationship. Jameson’s hand tightened, and he pleaded with her, “Marion...” Richard interrupted him. “Let's eat first.”
If they did not eat now, there might not be an opportunity to do so later.
Janice, prodded by Bernadette, reluctantly spoke up, “Marion, are you hungry? Try these cookies. My friend gave them to me, and they’re quite tasty. Have a little to fill your stomach!”
Bernadette hoped Janice could gain some favor with Marion, but Janice and Marion had never been close. Janice lacked social skills and often spoke provocatively. Marion had tolerated her in the past for Jameson's sake, but now that things had soured between Marion and Jameson, Marion had no interest in dealing with Janice.
She responded dully, “I’m not hungry.”
Janice smirked, “Fine.”
Chapter 21 Our Current Relationship with the Royce Family
The atmosphere in the private room became somewhat tense. Jameson placed the keys to the yacht in front of Marion. “Marion,
this is for you, a gift for our third anniversary. Since you enjoy going out to sea, | bought a yacht. It’s moored over at the new port.”
Janice, a bit envious, commented, “Bro, you’re so good to Marion. | also like going out to sea. How about buying me a yacht?” Bernadette chimed in, “Your brother being good to Marion is only natural, isn’t it?”
Marion glanced at Bernadette and Janice before fixing her gaze on Jameson’s hands. Smirking, she said, “The current state of affairs between me and Mr. Royce isn’t something | can accept as a gift. If Miss Royce likes it, that works out perfectly. Even though Mr. Royce bought it, it won’t be a waste.” Her words hit the nail on the head, and the expressions of the Royce family members changed. At that moment, a waiter rolled in a trolley with dishes, signaling the start of the meal.
Chapter 22 Aren’t You Going to Apologize On Your Knees?