Chapter 318: Pride Before a Fall
Ruby Kim glanced at the trash can and reached in to retrieve the can of powdered milk. “It’s still new, why throw it away?” she muttered to herself as she inspected the label-it was formula for pregnant women.
Why had Fiona bought formula for pregnant women? And why throw it away? Ruby had seen Fiona and Justin loading the car with many bags just a moment earlier. From a distance, Ruby hadn’t seen clearly what was inside, but the packaging gave the impression that these were well prepared gifts. But then, why the change of plan, and why discard the unexpired, costly formula-over a thousand dollars for such a small can?
Ruby’s gaze followed the car as Justin drove away, her curiosity piqued about the destination of those packages. However, her main concern was not Fiona’s actions; her objective remained fixed on ensuring Joy Chaucer paid for her parents’ demise. With Joy engaged to Quinlan Aubrey, shaming Joy had become a considerably tougher endeavor. Furthermore, Ruby had yet to find Bianca’s daughter and fulfill her vow of revenge.
—
At Merrydale Estate, the rain finally ceased.
Justin, laden with bags and boxes, arrived at Meredith’s door to offer apologies and thanks. Meredith wasn’t truly upset; it was only that she had been too busy recently to visit Justin.
She went to the door herself, her belly noticeably larger now-it had been over four months. “Let me help you with that,” Meredith offered, reaching for the bags. “Why did you buy so much?”
“I’ll carry them. I was a bit harsh last time, Meredith, please don’t take it to heart,” Justin replied.
“Am I that petty?” Meredith laughed, then quickly changed the subject. “How did you settle them in? Mr. Thatcher is out, isn’t he?”
Justin, somewhat embarrassed, explained, “They’re staying in the apartment I rented for my mom. They’re behaving this time. Let’s not talk about depressing things.”
As they moved to the living room, Justin unpacked the bags. “These are clothes for the baby. I got two sets for both boys and girls, and these calcium tablets, and this maternal milk powder. Pregnant women need a lot of nutrients, and this should help. The shop owner told me it sells well, you should have it twice a day. If you like it, I can get more.”
Meredith took the maternal milk powder and inspected it. “I’ve heard of this brand before; my doctor recommended it too. You chose well.”
“That’s great,” Justin smiled, “You can try some now; there’s a scoop inside, just three scoops per serving.”
“I didn’t eat much this morning and I’m a bit hungry now. I’ll have Mrs. Wooten make some,” Meredith said and called over Mrs. Wooten, handing her the milk powder. “Mrs. Wooten, could you please prepare a bowl for me?”
“Of course, it’ll be ready in a moment,” Mrs. Wooten said with a smile, taking the milk powder away.
Meredith invited Justin to sit and rest. “Have some fruit. How’s your injury now?”
“Much better,” Justin touched his head. “I’m getting the stitches removed next week.”
The recovery was slow since it involved stitches, but he didn’t need to stay in the hospital continuously.
“That’s good to hear,” Meredith replied just as a familiar voice approached.
“Charlotte, Charlotte.”
Gramma Sterling arrived bustling with excitement. To Meredith’s surprise, Stella was with her. What was so special about today?
Meredith was astonished because Stella, along with the butler, brought many items. “These are all for your body,” Stella declared haughtily. “Don’t think I’m doing this for you. I’m doing it for my granddaughter you’re carrying. You have to give me a granddaughter, and you must eat all these on time. I’ve instructed Mrs. Wooten to keep an eye on you. If you dare throw them away or skip them, I won’t forgive you.”
Stella spoke harshly but her words were kind-it was all about keeping up appearances. As a mother-in-law, she maintained a stern facade even while delivering gifts.
Gramma Sterling, holding Meredith’s hand and winking, chuckled, “Stella is just like that, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. She dragged me here to see you. She was too embarrassed to come alone. She personally picked out all these items.”C0ntent © 2024 (N/ô)velDrama.Org.
Stella, unable to maintain her composure, retorted, “Mom, I didn’t come to see her.”
Meredith, barely hiding her amusement, simply said, “Thank you.”