Chapter 266: Becoming Enemies
After school, Daisy picked up Josie. As soon as the car door slammed shut, Daisy eagerly questioned her. "How did it go? Did you do it?"
Josie timidly nodded.
She had attempted the deed but hadn't succeeded.
Daisy was thrilled, albeit disappointed that she missed the chance to witness Caroline's embarrassment.
Daisy had given Josie something that was meant to upset Caroline's stomach.
It was a perfect task for Josie. If it went undetected, it would serve as a simple lesson for Caroline, but if caught... Caroline would surely grow to despise Josie.
Daisy wanted them to become adversaries.
It seemed Josie's action had gone unnoticed, for which Daisy felt a tinge of regret.
Back home, Daisy rewarded Josie with some delicious cooking, a sweet treat for her effort. After all, even a well-behaved dog deserves a reward.
Josie nervously realized her mother didn't seem angry, which was a huge relief to her.
During dinner, she pondered how to broach the topic of inviting her classmates over during the weekend.
Her mother would certainly disapprove.
She never allowed other kids to come over to play, nor did she permit Josie to play with anyone else.
Suddenly, Nicholas arrived home earlier than expected, much to Daisy's delight as she greeted him warmly.
"Nick, why are you home so early today? Are you not feeling well?" asked Daisy, trying to hide the worry in her voice.
Nick ignored her, his gaze searching the room until he located Josie in the dining area.
"Nick, have you eaten yet?" she asked, trying to make conversation.
He motioned for the servant to bring him utensils and sat down opposite Josie.
"Dad," Josie greeted him.
"Uh-huh," Nick replied, only half-present.
Josie felt a spark of joy inside her; she remembered how, after she expressed a desire to learn the violin, her dad had immediately found her a teacher. Would he be supportive if she asked to invite a classmate over to play? She desperately wanted to have Emma over.
For a long, tense moment, she struggled to find the courage to speak. "Dad, can I invite a friend over this weekend?" As soon as she finished the question, she lowered her head, afraid to look at her father.
Daisy chimed in, "You silly girl, just invite them. Why bother asking your dad? He’s so busy..."
"It's fine," Nick said, his normally cool voice warmed just slightly as he looked at his daughter, and the ice in his eyes thawed a bit. He was still new at being a father, unsure and uneducated in the ways of parenting. By the time he had gotten his bearings after Josie's birth, she was already talking and walking.
He didn't know how to relate to his daughter and was somewhat afraid to try. But he always wanted to fulfill her requests.
At Nick's approval, Josie felt so elated she thought she might take flight, but years of restraint taught her to conceal her excitement. However, the light in her eyes didn't escape Nick's notice. Something stirred in his chest.
Nick planned to spend some time with Josie after dinner, curious about her evening routine at home, but a phone call ensnared him again. By the time he finished his business in the study, Josie had gone to sleep.
He called for the nanny, Mrs. Mary.
"Is Josie in need of anything?"
Mrs. Mary responded with due formality, "The young lady lacks for nothing, sir. Miss March has taken care of everything superbly."
"This weekend, when Josie's friend comes over, make sure they are well-attended to and have a good time," he instructed.
"Yes, sir!"
Upstairs, Daisy nearly clawed her own fingernails to pieces in frustration. Whenever Nick wanted updates about Josie's life, he never sought her; he always asked Mrs. Mary.
Despite living in the Watson family home for many years and taking care of Josie tirelessly, Daisy still hadn't won Nick's affection. If it weren't for her influence over Josie, she feared Nick might have already sent her away. Daisy harbored a deep resentment.
She turned and went back to her room, making her routine call to Nicholas's parents.
...
Sophia wasn't holding out much hope for the outcome of her appeal. The fact that Randall could extend his influence so far suggested he had some skills and connections of his own.
Compared to Randall, she felt like an ant that could be crushed at will.
Three days had passed with no response to her appeal.
Sophia felt powerless and considered giving up.
In the morning, an official announcement suddenly revived Sophia's hope.
It stated, “Due to concerns about the impartiality of certain judges, the scores are under question. A special investigative team has been formed to uncover the truth, after which further notification will be provided.”
Two days ago, an anonymous complaint appeared in the inbox of the relevant department. After a series of inquiries and discussions, it was discovered that judge Randall indeed had issues.
Sophia's appeal had finally received a response.
This brought more than just Randall under scrutiny; all the judges were to be investigated, including Stark Arya.
Stark Arya was supposed to return to the U.S. today. Her business here was wrapping up, and as she was preparing to leave, the authorities informed her that she couldn't go just yet; their investigation required her cooperation.
Stark Arya understood and reluctantly asked her son to take the luggage back out of the car.
Seeing that Colin's status showed he was still in the city, Sophia sent him a message on WhatsApp.
Sophia: "Mr. Colin, weren't you on today's flight?"
Colin: "Flight's been canceled. I have to stay in the city for a few more days."
Sophia: "Why don't you and Mrs. Arya come over for dinner tonight?"
Mrs. Arya and Colin were staying at a hotel, dining there three meals a day. Although the food was delicious, it lacked the feeling of a homemade meal.
She remembered Colin mentioning that his family enjoyed home-cooked meals, but they were hard to come by in the U.S. The cooks they hired just couldn't replicate that feeling.
Sophia was confident. If Granny Jekyll loved her cooking, perhaps Mrs. Arya would too?
Before leaving work, Sophia ordered groceries online, and they arrived just as she got home.
She busied herself in the kitchen while the little ones lay sprawled on the living room coffee table, doing their homework. Caroline had gone out to meet someone.
The doorbell rang.
Ethan stood up, peered at the visitor through the digital camera, and seeing Uncle Colin, he opened the door.
"Uncle Colin," he chirped, then noticed a kindly-looking lady and politely greeted her, "Hello, ma'am."
Aunt Arya couldn't stop smiling at being addressed so sweetly by such a young child.
"I'm your Aunt Colin's mother, you should call me Grandma now."
"Ethan, Grandma looks so young."
Stark Arya's laughter grew even more boisterous, bending down to pick up Ethan, almost failing to lift him. She thought to herself that she needed to hurry up and urge her son to get married and have kids, or else she wouldn't be able to lift her grandkids in the future!
After stepping inside, she discovered two other adorable little darlings.
"Wow, what a beautiful lady," said Emma. "Auntie, are you made of flowers?"
Stark Arya felt like her heart was blooming with joy as she lifted up Emma. The child was so soft and smelled so lovely, she was utterly enchanting.
Stark Arya felt that if these were her grandchildren, she would be overwhelmed with happiness.
Then there was another who couldn't speak, but their eyes shone brightly, and even at their tender age, they had an already elegant and distinguished air.
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