Chapter 184
The whole afternoon, everyone was hustling to move props to the East Hall.
Kerri was puzzled, “Why are we just giving in like this?
Agnes explained, “Even if we stayed and fought, the outcomes would be the same. So why should I bust my hump? The principal is running for the position of Cultural Department Head and needs Cecile’s father’s political backing He’s definitely gonna back her up”
Kerri fumed, “I’m not angry about Cecile, it’s what Ryder said Lately, he’s been acting like he’s under some dark spell, totally different. He used to be a man of few words, but he could always see right and wrong clearly I don’t get why he’d side with Cecile this time”
Agnes replied, “They’re on the same team, helping Cecile is just par for the course. Now, quit whining and let’s clean this place up”
By the time they finished cleaning the East Hall, it was already evening Everyone was dead tired
Agnes had planned to have dinner with everyone, but then Jared called to say that the old manor was hosting guests that evening and wanted them to come back
Agnes had no choice but to rush back to Maplewood Manor, take a shower, and switch into fresh clothes.
In the car. Agnes asked. “Who’s Grandpa hosting tonight?”
Jared answered. “He served in the military when he was young. After retiring, he always valued the camaraderie among his comrades. Tonight’s quest is an old buddy from his military days who’s been living abroad. He couldn’t make it for Grandpa’s birthday, so he’s paying a visit now that he’s back in the country‘
Agnes nodded.
Jared added, “Of course, the key point is that he’s bringing his granddaughter This is basically a blind date in disguise”
Agnes was sipping on her juice when she heard ‘blind date‘ and almost spat it out.
Agnes asked cautiously. “Blind date? For who?”
Jared found Agnes‘ sudden tension amusing, “Who else? Ryder, of course. Who did you think it was?”
It took a moment for Agnes to process
Because Tim had once arranged a blind date banquet for Jared, Agnes immediately thought of Jared when she heard ‘blind date“.
Agnes said, “Isn’t Ryder the same age as me? He’s only 20 and they’re already setting him up on a blind date, isn’t Grandpa being a bit too hasty?”
Jared said, “He’s a year older than you. Actually, this isn’t really a blind date. Grandpa just wants them to meet and be friends. After all, his aunt is even younger than him, and he’s about to graduate without even a girlfriend.”
Agnes huffed, “He doesn’t see me as an aunt at all. We’re always at each other’s throats.”
The thought of what happened earlier today made Agnes seethe with anger.
Jared picked up on something. “What, you two had a falling out?”
Agnes sighed. “Never mind. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Jared probed a bit more, but Agnes didn’t say much.
She wasn’t the type to talk behind people’s backs.
She knew that Ryder was prejudiced against her because of his uncle. If he found out she’d been badmouthing him to Jared, their conflict would only escalate
Soon, they arrived at the brightly lit Whitfield Manor.
As they entered, Jared asked the butler, “Where’s Ryder?”
The butler replied, “He just got home. He’s in his room now.”
