Ste, concerned about her dignity above just anything, ultimately decided not toe downstairs. Terrence Sterling and Meredith had dinner together and left without greeting Ste. After they departed, Ste, displeased, came downstairs and reproached Julian, “Why didn’t you call me for dinner?”
Julian teased Ste, saying, “I thought you weren’ting down because you weren’t hungry. Are you? I can have the kitchen reheat the meal for you.”
Ste red at Julian, “Meredith has everyone in this family charmed and dizzy. I’m his mother, and they neither greet me when they arrive nor when they leave. What, am I dead to them?”
Julianughed, “If you want to be upset with yourself, what can we do? Terry and his wife finallye home for a meal, and you just keep that frown, who would be happy?”
“I saw how happy you all were just now,” Ste coldly huffed, “Anyway, I won’t acknowledge her.”
“Well, I can’t help then, I’ll go check on mom,” Julian said, not intending to persuade her further after over thirty years of marriage, they knew each other too well.
Ste stewed alone in the living room, thinking about how, besides Meredith, another woman had influenced Terrence Sterling over the years: Azure.
Ste decided to bring Azure back. If she could break up Meredith and Terrence Sterling, she was willing to do anything. She made phone calls, sending her people to locate Azure.
Meanwhile, Meredith and Terrence Sterling returned to Thornfield Gardens. Terrence didn’t mention the issue about Fiona sending pictures. Once home, Meredith felt sleepy and immediately fell asleep on the bed.
Seeing her sleep so soundly, Terrence decided to put aside his work and joined her in bed. Hey beside her, hugging her instinctively. Half-asleep, Meredith snuggled against him, turned over, and continued sleeping.
The next day, after Terrence left, Meredith called Linda to go check out her new cheese fondue restaurant. The renovation was nearlyplete, and they were doing the final cleaning.
Standing in the restaurant, Meredith envisioned a bustling business with crowded tables. “It looks just like I imagined. Now, just waiting for the opening,” Meredith said. “How many staff do we have now?”
“Eight servers and eight in the kitchen,” Linda replied, “We’re still hiring, but it won’t dy the opening.”
“Linda, I’m so relieved you’re here,” Meredith expressed. “I’ve always loved cheese fondue and dreamed of opening my own restaurant. Finally, that dream ising true.”
Linda smiled, “I once dreamed of opening a cocktail bar, but now I think better of it. The streets are flooded with them; they don’t need another.”
While they talked, Meredith’s phone rang with an unknown number. After a moment’s hesitation, she answered. It was Fiona’s crying voice, “Meredith, save me, they’re going to kill me, please help me.”
“Fiona, what’s happening?” Meredith was confused.
Fiona, terror in her voice, said, “The debt collectors, they’vee back… Ah… Meredith,e now to 856 Northern Crossing…”
“Fiona? Fiona!” Meredith called out, but the line went dead.
Fearing Fiona was in trouble, Meredith told Linda, “Drive me to Northern Crossing…”
Unsure of what had happened, Meredith couldn’t just stand by.
Half an hourter, Meredith arrived at Fiona’s ce, following the address she had been given. To her dismay, she noticed immediately that the front door’s ss had been shattered. Concerned, Meredith knocked on the door, calling out, “Fiona?”N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.
The door soon opened to reveal a scene of disarray inside. The apartment was a mess, and Fiona herself appeared distressed, with bruises visible on her face. Upon seeing Meredith, Fiona burst into tears and rushed into her arms, overwhelmed with relief and fear.
“Meredith, I was so scared. I thought I’d never see you again. I thought you wouldn’t care about me anymore,” Fiona sobbed uncontrobly, her voice filled with pain and fear.
Meredith, feeling a surge of protectiveness, held Fiona tightly and asked anxiously, “What happened? Tell me everything.”