Chapter 88 A Big Misunderstanding
Tiffany exclaimed, looking at her with watery eyes. "Ah?"
Aurelia rubbed her head. "I'm not afraid of them, but I'm afraid they'll trouble you. Don't get too close to me, silly girl."
The colleagues in the company avoided too much interaction with Aurelia, fearing retaliation from Chelsea. Tiffany, however, was an exception and spent every day with Aurelia. Despite being a newcomer and having fears about passing her probation, she chose to befriend Aurelia.
Tiffany pouted. "I understand, but I feel like I can relate to you better. I dislike people in the workplace who are very scheming."
"It's unavoidable in the workplace. Be careful," Aurelia advised.
After a brief chat, they returned to their dull workstations.
Aurelia glanced at Chelsea, who was leaning back in her chair with slightly swollen eyelids as if she had been crying.
By the end of the workday, the design department had not received an explanation from Chelsea.
Aurelia, as usual, headed to the yoga studio after work. Changing into her yoga attire, she noticed a visible increase in her waistline. Lately, she had been avoiding wearing tight clothes and opting for loose outfits when going out.
Her growing belly couldn't be hidden for much longer.
The people at the Heilbronn Villa called her to come back for a visit.
After leaving the yoga studio, Aurelia made a detour to buy some sugar-free snacks. Reed loved a particular brand that was only available at one specific store in the city.
After a brief delay in traffic, she arrived at the Heilbronn Villa well past dinner time. As she parked her car and entered with a delicate box of snacks, she was taken aback.
Several people were seated in the hall. Reed, dressed in formal attire, sat in the center of the sofa, facing a distinguished gentleman who appeared to be around the same age as Nathaniel's father, Matthew. Seeing the person seated next to the gentleman, Aurelia was startled.
Caleb playfully greeted her, giving off the impression of being very familiar friends.
Aurelia was momentarily stunned but managed a polite smile in return.
Reed beckoned her. "You are back. Come here. Let me introduce you. This is Mr. David Sinclair. The young man next to him is Caleb Sinclair, the heir of Sinclair Media."
Aurelia respectfully said, "Hello, Mr. Sinclair." She then nodded politely towards Caleb as a form of greeting.
While others were distracted, Caleb winked and raised his eyebrows at her. Aurelia coughed lightly, avoiding eye contact.
"Do you know Caleb before?" David chimed in.
Aurelia replied, "We've met at an auction before, but we're not close."
Caleb interjected, "Of course, we know each other!"
The simultaneous remarks from both of them led to an awkward atmosphere in the living room.
David then chuckled. "Young people are always interesting."
He glanced at Aurelia. "No worries, you'll be family soon. We may not be close now, but we will be in the future."
Reed joined in with a smile. "Yes, we'll all be family in the future!"
From the moment she entered until now, Aurelia couldn't comprehend what they meant by 'we'll be family in the future.'
She felt out of place and unable to join the conversation, so she thought of an excuse to slip away, noticing the gleaming coffee table.
"Grandpa, Mr. Sinclair, please continue your conversation. I'll go wash some fruits." Aurelia smoothly escaped, feeling extremely nervous as she made her way to the kitchen. She sensed two pairs of eyes staring at her back.
Seeing the array of valuable gifts at the kitchen entrance, Aurelia's confusion deepened. Betty was doing some housework when Aurelia softly asked, "Betty, what is Mr. Sinclair here for this time?"
Having been married to Nathaniel for three years, their home often hosted guests. However, she had never heard of the Sinclair family having such a close relationship with the Heilbronn family. The president of Sinclair Media, who was visiting with his son and bearing gifts, indicated that something significant was being discussed.
Betty cautiously replied, "Mrs. Heilbronn, it seems like the Sinclair family is here to discuss marriage matters with Miss Ashley. I don't know the details; I just overheard a few things while working."
Aurelia realized. "Where's Ashley? Why don't I see her?" Typically, as the main character in such a business alliance, Ashley should have been present.
Betty sighed. "It's a bit regrettable. Miss Ashley went to the countryside villa with Mr. Matthew Heilbronn and Mrs. Beatrice Heilbronn. She won't be back until tomorrow."
"That is indeed regrettable," Aurelia casually responded. As she washed grapes and oranges, she couldn't help but wonder if David and Caleb now considered her the young daughter of the Heilbronn family. After all, as soon as she entered, she addressed Reed as 'Grandpa,' yet he neglected to introduce her identity.
Aurelia felt a sense of unease as she pondered the situation.
She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice the water in the fruit bowl overflowing.
Carrying two plates of washed and sliced fruits, she returned to face the two pairs of eyes fixed on her. Fortunately, David and Caleb seemed to have finished their conversation and were preparing to leave.
Before departing, David scrutinized Aurelia once more, his gaze resembling that of a satisfied and benevolent father-in-law. "You can come visit us when you have time. Let Caleb come pick you up."
Aurelia forced a smile. "Mr. Sinclair, when I have time, Nathaniel and I will visit you together."
David chuckled. "Sure, you young people should spend more time together."
Aurelia felt a tingling sensation on her scalp. She had mentioned Nathaniel, yet Uncle Sinclair seemed oblivious to the misunderstanding he had caused.
As David and Caleb rose to leave,
Reed instructed Aurelia, "Help see our guests off."
Aurelia was tasked with seeing off David and Caleb. With each step she took, she resolved to clarify the misunderstanding before the day ended.
David exchanged pleasantries and then directly got into the large SUV parked in the yard while Caleb leaned against the car door, smiling mischievously at her.
"Caleb, I'd like to talk to you," Aurelia said.
Caleb casually remarked, "Surprised, aren't you? Blocking me won't work; I can find your home."
With that, he got into the car, leaving the window open. David, sitting in the back seat, stifled a laugh, looking quite proud of his son.
"Caleb, let me explain. I'm not..." Aurelia's words were cut short as Caleb shook his phone and said, "This weekend, wait for me!"
"Hey, you..." Aurelia watched the departing car in frustration. Caleb hadn't given her a chance to speak. The misunderstanding today could have serious consequences if Nathaniel found out.
Aurelia felt a headache coming on just thinking about it.
She returned to the house, where her grandfather was still enjoying his coffee in the living room.
"Aurelia, have you eaten dinner yet?" her grandfather inquired.
Aurelia was not overly formal with her grandfather and treated him like her own. She shook her head. "Grandpa, I haven't eaten yet, and I'm a bit hungry!"
Reed interjected, "If I do not oversee your consumption adequately, you shall go hungry." He then called out to the kitchen, "Betty, cook a bowl of pasta and prepare some fresh dishes."
Reed was well aware of Aurelia's tastes.
As Aurelia anticipated the delicious dishes Betty would prepare to accompany the pasta, she sat on the sofa, leaning against Reed, and playfully remarked, "Grandpa, you always spoil me."
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