Chapter 348
Arnav sighed helplessly. “No wonder she doesn’t even greet me when she sees me.”
Gloria said softly, “She doesn’t even address us. You’re just her uncle by marriage–did you really expect her to respect you?”
Gloria was her real aunt, and she didn’t get that courtesy.
No way an uncle–in–law could have it better than her.
Gloria felt inexplicably comforted at the thought that she was not the most unwelcome person here.
Arnav knew Aria had cut ties with the Saxon family. He nodded. “You’re right.”
The private room was so quiet that, even though Arnav and Gloria were whispering, everyone present could hear them clearly.
Lennox felt utterly frustrated. Aria had just called him “fake” in front of everyone. As if that wasn’t enough, Arnav and Gloria didn’t even defend him- instead, as if he wasn’t even there, they openly discussed whether Aria ever addressed them properly.
‘Sure enough, blood is thicker than water,‘ Lennox thought bitterly.
Fuming inside, Lennox forced a strained smile and changed the subject. “Aria, it’s fine if you misunderstand me. But… Aunt Gloria is your aunt, and Uncle Arnav is your uncle by marriage. How come I’ve never heard you address them properly?”
Aria curled her lips in a cold, sardonic smile. “The Fletchers planning to move to the seaside or something? Because you sure like to stick your nose into other people’s business.”
Arnav blurted out, “How come I didn’t know?”
No one answered him. Arnav turned to his mother. “Mom, did our family really buy a house by the sea?”
Gloria was at a loss for words.
Lennox was speechless.
Gloria shot her husband a sideways glance. “Just zip it, will you?”
Arnav finally sensed something was amiss. Scratching his nose awkwardly, he obediently shut his mouth.
‘That was a not–so–subtle jab at him for meddling,’ he realized.
If he kept pushing, he’d only end up making a bigger fool of himself.
Lennox gritted his teeth, swallowing his rage.
Lexie spoke up, “Aria dear, I’m entrusting Derek to your care.”
Aria gave a slight nod.
Lexie looked at everyone and said, “Let’s find another room, everyone.”
At that moment, Avery, still holding Alice’s hand, dug in her heels and refused to budge. “Mommy, I like it here! I wanna eat here!” the little girl insisted.
Lennox forced a smile and crouched down to coax his little sister. “Avery, Aria doesn’t want to be disturbed. Let’s just find another spot–the food’s exactly the same anyway.”
“It’s not the same!” Avery pouted. “My deskmate told me only Golden Premier Suite has the new dishes, and they’re supposed to be super yummy.”
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10:27 Tue 17 Jun;
Chapter 348
Looking at Lennox expectantly, she added, “Didn’t you promise we’d get to try them today?”
Lennox frowned and said, “Avery, be good.”
“Can we stay and eat?” Avery begged, her eyes sparkling with longing as she looked up at Aria. “I really want to try the food, Ana”
Aria gave a faint smile. “Like I said, anyone but him is fine.”
Avery looked up at Lennox with innocent eyes and said sweetly, “Lennox, why don’t you go? Then we can stay and eat.”
Lennox’s face twisted momentarily before his voice turned icy. “Avery, are you seriously telling your big brother to leave?”
“Avery!” Alice tugged at her daughter, her tone sharp. “We’re here to celebrate your brother getting into Kanit University. Where he goes, we go
Alice, feeling utterly humiliated, couldn’t wait to get out of there. “Let’s leave!” she snapped.
Just then, Fryderyk and Terry rushed in.
Terry took in the scene, confused. “Alice, I thought we were having dinner. Where is everyone going?”
“Looks like Aria’s taken the room and we’re not wanted here,” Alice snapped.
With that, she grabbed her daughter’s hand and stormed out.
Avery’s voice trailed off as she was led away, pleading, “Mommy, I wanna stay… Aria said it was okay!”
Lexie nodded at Aria and left as well.
Not wanting to appear any more awkward, Gloria and Arnav quickly followed suit.
Fryderyk and Terry exchanged glances.
They both wondered what happened.
Fryderyk couldn’t be bothered with the drama. He plopped down next to Aria and grinned, “Hope you don’t mind me crashing the party?”
