CHAPTER 174: CHAPTER 174: HE’S A GOOD YOUNG MAN

Upon hearing Shannon Quinn’s words, Catherine Yardley and Sheila Yardley were both stunned, with Sheila being the first to react and ask, "Why moving so far away?"

Shannon Quinn replied, "Job relocation."

Catherine glanced at Shannon, seemingly wanting to say something but held back due to Sheila’s presence, and then said to Sheila, "Elaine, could you go to the kitchenette and fetch a kettle of water? Please pour Shannon a cup; the kettle is empty."

"Oh, you should’ve told me earlier."

Sheila grumbled but obediently took the kettle and walked out.

After she left, Catherine finally said, "Is it because of the divorce that you’re moving away?"

Shannon took a deep breath and said in a steady tone, "Not entirely."

"A few days ago, a young man visited me. I didn’t recognize him, but I guessed it might be your husband. He seemed like a nice guy."

Shannon was taken aback and asked, "What did he want from you?"

"Nothing much, just checking up on my health. He might have thought we had reconciled, asking me to look after you and your child. But I..." Catherine paused midway, looking up at Shannon, then lowered her gaze.

"Shannon... are you really divorced or is it just for appearances?"

"Can a divorce be fake?"

"I feel he’s pretty reliable; you should..."

"You don’t know anything, so don’t get involved in this."

"...I didn’t mean anything by it, don’t take it to heart."

"Take care of yourself after you’re discharged, the siblings haven’t had it easy these years."

"Yeah... It’s not easy for you, raising a child on your own. Don’t just focus on the child, take care of yourself too..."

Shannon nodded, "I should head back now, the child is still at home."

"Sure, I’m really happy you came to see me. Thank you, Shannon."

Perhaps having become a mother herself, Shannon’s resentment towards Catherine seemed to have lessened.

"Where’s Shannon?" Sheila returned with the water and saw the room empty, "Has she left?"

"Yeah, didn’t you say you have class in the afternoon too? You should go."

"I’ll wait for Julian to arrive before leaving."

"It’s okay, Mom doesn’t need anyone to accompany her at the hospital for now."

Sheila glanced at the electronic clock on the wall, thinking of what Caleb had instructed earlier, she hesitated and said, "Then I’ll call and urge him. Do you want a drink now? I’ll pour you a cup."

"Alright, just leave it by the bed."

Leaving the hospital, Sheila stood at the roadside waiting for the bus, her face seemed calm while her heart was pounding rapidly.

Because the place she’s headed to wasn’t school, but Caleb Grant’s villa.

Though their arrangement had proceeded smoothly for over a month, Caleb’s returns were rare; most of his time was spent abroad, not staying at home.

Because of this, Sheila lived relatively freely during this month, but Caleb’s sudden return made her feel a bit uneasy.

Following Caleb’s requirements, she stopped by the supermarket en route to buy dinner ingredients.

While on the bus back, she was even checking recipes on her phone.

Her cooking skills could barely satisfy herself, but to cater to Caleb made her feel a bit anxious. She pondered where she had found the courage to agree to take care of his needs.

The bus halted at the corner, and she walked a while before reaching the villa entrance.

Such a mansion is a dream for everyone, she was no exception, but every time she came here, her heart felt somewhat oppressed.

Julian still believed she was living at school, Sheila was unsure how long this lie could last, she had no idea what further explanations she’d need.

Standing at the door, absent-mindedly she took out the key, just when she inserted it into the lock, the door opened from inside.

Sheila was startled for a moment, seeing Caleb.

"Mr. Grant..." Upon realizing, she politely greeted.

Caleb said nothing, glanced at her, and then turned and walked into the house.

Sheila reluctantly followed into the house, closed the door, and cautiously glanced at Caleb while changing shoes.

Having just returned from a business trip, he looked a bit tired, seemingly having just showered, his hair still slightly damp, dressed in light gray loungewear, face expressionless, sitting on the sofa, his gaze fixed on the operating laptop on the coffee table.

Unsure if there was some tricky problem, his brows were tightly furrowed, and his fingers occasionally tapped on the keyboard.

Putting aside other matters, Caleb’s looks were undoubtedly the kind that makes a woman unforgettable with a single glance.

If she hadn’t experienced love, Sheila might also have fantasies at this moment.

After changing shoes, she stayed in the kitchen without coming out for a long time.

Not because there was really much to do, but because she didn’t know how to interact with Caleb upon coming out, just thinking about the atmosphere made her feel awkward, so she simply stayed in the kitchen.

When Caleb finished his work, he assumed she was diligently doing tasks in the kitchen, but upon entering, he saw her looking down at her phone.

He gave a slight cough, Sheila was startled, almost dropping the phone.

Like being caught by a teacher for playing on the phone in class, she instinctively quickly shoved the phone into the apron pocket, lifted the lid of the soup pot, and stirred it with a spoon.

"How much longer?"

"...Almost, there’s a lot of smoke here, please wait outside."

Caleb didn’t listen, standing at the kitchen door with arms crossed.

Sheila was unsure what he was looking at; once she realized he hadn’t left, she dared not glance back at him, only kept finding things to do to appear busy.

Cooking alone in the kitchen was okay, but with eyes on her, every move was cautious, fearing Caleb’s criticism.

After finishing two dishes, she found the man standing at the door was gone, unnoticed.

She served the dishes on the table, arranged the cutlery, scooped the soup and rice, stared at the table for a while to ensure nothing was amiss, then went to call Caleb for dinner.

"...Mr. Grant, dinner is ready."

Caleb walked in from the balcony, straight to the dining room, saw only one set of cutlery on the table, and asked, "You’re not eating?"

Sheila shook her head, "I have class tonight, need to head off. You can leave the dishes on the table once you’re done, I’ll clean later tonight."

"Have dinner before you go."

Yet Sheila took off the apron, grabbed her bag, and said at the door while changing shoes, "No, I’m not hungry yet. Please enjoy your meal, sir."

With that, Sheila pushed open the door and went out, the moment the door closed, she stood outside and breathed a sigh of relief.