Female Novel
Chapter 2170
Norah replied, "Okay, I'll help out!"
"Alrighty!" Zachary called back, heading into the kitchen.
Jonathan stood up, walked over to Norah, and gave her shoulder a pat, "Xavier has been through alot. He's mature and got a tough shell, and he's not one to change his mind easily. Prepare yourselfemotionally, and be ready to face whatever comes without tears or resentments, especially nottowards Estelle."
Norah chuckled, "I bet that last bit is the real kicker, huh?"
Jonathan shot her a glance, "It's all important."
Norah's face turned serious, and she nodded earnestly, "Jonathan, I'll take your words to heart.Truth is, I've already hit rock bottom once. So, even if he still doesn't like me, I'll know I gave it myall and have no regrets."
"That's the spirit!" Jonathan nodded with approval.
Norah grinned, "Let's go have the barbecue, shall we? I asked Zachary to whip up some of Estelle'sfavorite dishes."
As expected, the mere mention of Estelle softened Jonathan's gaze.
"Let's go then!"
They headed upstairs where Estelle, hearing their approach, looked relieved to see Norah so atease.
She knew Jonathan had his reservations about Xavier and his crowd, so accepting Norah'srelationship with Xavier wouldn't come easy for him. She’d actually feared he might lash out atNorah.
Zachary brought the dishes to the table, beaming, "Dig in, everyone! Just holler if you needanything, and I'll be right on it!"
"Thanks, Zachary!" Estelle said.
"Treat yourself at home, no need for formalities!" Zachary chuckled before heading downstairs.
In Jonathan's presence, Norah didn't dare to sit too close to Xavier, choosing instead to sit next toEstelle.
Estelle could see right through her stratagem and whispered, "Did you get an earful?"
Norah whispered back, "Luckily, I had you to shield me. Estelle, you're my lucky charm from nowon!"
Jonathan's concerns were unfounded. He even worried that she might resent Estelle, but she wasclearly clinging to the coattails of her dear aunt-in-law!
Estelle nodded, "Use me as your shield if it works!"
Norah sighed in admiration, "It works like a charm, really!"
At the mention of Estelle, Jonathan didn’t look angry at all!novelbin
Estelle stifled a smile as Jonathan served her some food, and sweeping a glance at him, shedecided not to continue the whispering.
In the cold weather, the group enjoyed the hot dishes, and the atmosphere quickly warmed up.Xavier, still recovering from his injuries, joined the others in substituting tea for alcohol, except forEstelle, who was allowed to enjoy a little beer.
Xavier felt awkward at first in front of Jonathan, as if he were somehow less significant, butgradually, he let go of the feeling.
"When are you heading back to C City?" Xavier asked Gabriel.
Gabriel replied, "Right now, we're just waiting for Old Mr. Quintin's daughter to return. There'snothing else holding us back."
Estelle, eyes downcast, asked, "Is there really nothing else you're attached to?"
Gabriel turned to her, "What exactly are you referring to?"
Estelle smiled coyly, "The old friend Grandpa mentioned. Which old friend was that?"
Gabriel kept his expression neutral, "You want to know? We'll have a proper chat when we getback."
Estelle didn't dare to get too cheeky in front of Gabriel and let out a nervous chuckle, "Just kidding!"
Jonathan poured Gabriel some tea, "Maybe you'd like to discuss it with me?"
Gabriel gave a faint smile, "Don't worry; I can't scare her. She's not even afraid of physicalpunishment anymore."
Estelle chimed in, "Shadows, you know? The psychological kind?"
Norah laughed, joining in, "Estelle, you've been physically punished before?"
Estelle glanced at Gabriel, raising an eyebrow playfully, "You should ask him!"
Norah looked at Gabriel with admiration, "You've actually disciplined Estelle? Do tell, what kind oftrouble has she gotten into?"
Gabriel just smiled, "Let her tell you that story herself."