Chapter <b>64</b>
Ashley’s lips curled into <b>a </b>smirk. As she was ready to delve deeper, the sound of the kitchen door being opened interrupted her.
“Sorry for the wait. Dinner’s ready!” Valerie and Julian emerged from the kitchen, bearing dishes that immediately diverted Ashley’s prying eyes. Matthew set his <b>ss </b>aside, his attention shifting from Ashley to the dishes being ced on the table.
Reluctantly, Ashley joined in to help set the table. She reassured herself, knowing <b>that </b>Matthew was just a <b>handsome </b><b>face </b>with no significant <b>background</b>, and decided there was nothing to be concerned about.
The dinner table <b>was </b>exceptionallyvish today. Valerie had outdone herself with <b>an </b>array of dishes including seafood and mushroom soup. ced <b>in </b>the middle were something especially impressive–five lobsters and a massive king crab.
<b>Alden’s </b><b>eyes </b>widened at the sight of the king crab, mistaking it for a model.
“Be careful,” Mathew warned as Aiden leaned too far forward in his excitement. Matthew’s quick reflexes prevented Aiden from tipping off his chair.
Startled, Aiden scurried to <b>hide </b>behind Julian, still a bit <b>wary </b>of Matthew. Peeking out, he timidly murmured. Thank you, Uncle Matthew,”
“You’re wee.” Matthew replied, his tone gentle.
Watching Aiden’s cautious curiosity, Matthew was reminded of Valerie’s pet hamster. The connection suddenly made sense to <b>him</b>. He came <b>to </b>realize why Valerie cherished such a timid creature,
As they settled down to enjoy the seafood feast, Julian couldn’t help butment under his breath, This is just <b>a </b>family dinner isn’t this a bit <b>too </b>much?”
He was thinking about advising Valerie and Matthew to be more frugal, especially with a baby on the way. However, recalling <b>Valerie’s </b>earlier instructions about not making a fuss, Julian bit back his words.
Matthew offered a polite smile. “You’re our special guests <b>today</b>, it’s only natural we go the extra mile”
Julian frowned slightly. “You really shouldn’t spend so much<b>, </b>though. Next time, let’s stick to simple home cooking “His tone was sincere, reflecting his desire to economize for the sake of Valerie.
Ashley quickly chimed in, nodding vigorously<b>. </b>“Exactly, we’re family. <b>A </b>simple meal would do just fine. These luxuries aren’t cheap. We could eat <b>up </b>half of Matthew’s monthly earnings. You can’t afford to <b>live </b>on just cereal for the rest of the month, can you?”
Valerie <b>picked </b>up on the undertone in Ashley’sments. It seemed Ashley was worried they were showing off, potentially jeopardizing their financial stability in the future,
Despite Ashley’s sarcastic tone<b>, </b>Valerie remainedposed. She couldn’t let thesements affect Matthew. “No worries, Ashley. While my <b>ie </b>varies. Matthew’s job is quite secure, and his employer values him highly. We can manage a treat like king crabs every now and then.”
That’s ridiculous! How could a driver be paid well? Ashley scoffed inwardly as her eyes rolled imperceptibly. She found <b>Valerie’s </b>newfound pride bit too much to swallow, prompting her toment with sarcasm
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