Chapter 1031: A New Plan
"Aunt, let me help you." Audrey followed into the kitchen, smiling gently. "How's business going at the company? It seems to be going well; you look quite cheerful."
"Well, it's not bad," Bethany replied with a smile. "I'm thinking of opening two more branches in the city. This way, operating costs can be reduced, and we can expand our influence. I just applied for a loan at the city's commercial bank yesterday. It's tough to get loans approved nowadays. I even reached out to Angus; he used to be a colleague of Kevin's father and is now the director of the Education Bureau in Starfall Town. You must have heard of him."
"Yes, I know him," Audrey nodded while peeling onions, thinking about what Angus had mentioned on the phone earlier. He was promoting an exchange program for teachers at different levels, optimizing educational resources for maximum equity. There were twenty slots available for exchange, with an opportunity to transfer to the top high school if one performed exceptionally well. Despite the tempting offer, Audrey declined, wary of potential future requests.
"By the way, Director Chang is quite friendly. Since you're in the education system too, if you ever need anything work-related, I can help you get in touch with him. Being the Education Bureau Director can be quite influential," Bethany said with a smile, showcasing a shift in her perspectives and methods since starting her business.
"I understand," Audrey sighed inwardly, realizing Bethany's kindness, a favor not easily granted to others. Reflecting on her ambiguous relationship with Kevin, she felt a sense of guilt toward Bethany.
As they prepared the food, engaging in casual conversation, they appeared like a harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair. After a while, Bethany glanced towards the door, lowering her voice. "Audrey, do you know how Kevin is faring with that girl, Laura?"
Audrey paused, shaking her head. "I'm not sure; I haven't asked him."
Frustrated, Bethany expressed her concerns about Kevin's increased independence and secrecy in decision-making, especially regarding relationships. Audrey hesitated but reassured Bethany about Kevin's maturity, hoping for the best.
"If that's the case, I'll be relieved," Bethany sighed. "You don't know; the other day, I found his underwear sticky and dirty. I didn't dare ask how it got that way. Audrey, as his cousin, please talk to him about life matters, don't let him go astray."
Blushing, Audrey nodded, knowing she would play a crucial role as Kevin's cousin in guiding him. These thoughts weighed heavily on her, especially considering the intimacy they shared.
Thirty minutes later, the steaming hot dishes were ready, and Kevin, unable to contain his hunger, devoured two large plates. His indulgence left him groaning with satisfaction on the sofa.
"You can't control yourself, akin to a starving ghost come alive," Bethany couldn't help but laugh at her son's voracious appetite. She gently massaged his bloated belly, instructing Audrey to find some digestive pills from the drawer beneath the TV.
As Audrey bent over to search, Kevin couldn't help but notice her curvaceous behind swaying before him. Recalling their illicit encounter in the fitting room earlier, his lower abdomen heated up, his manhood stirring.
Bethany, massaging her son's stomach, inadvertently came into contact with something rigid. Realizing it was his erection, she recoiled, her face flushing in embarrassment, excusing herself to the restroom.
Frazzled by the unexpected encounter, Kevin sought solace in his room. His mind replayed the intimate moment, unable to shake off the lingering sensation.
Soon, Audrey returned, holding a thermos. "Kevin, your mom mentioned how tough it is on Caroline to work alone in the store. Take this box of food to her; it'll be good to stretch your legs after overeating."
"Sure, I'll go now," Kevin agreed, eager to step out for a breather. As he left, hoping to avoid any further awkward interactions, he crossed paths with Doris at the intersection.
"Kevin, you took something of mine by mistake last night. Give it back to me," Doris demanded, frustrated by Kevin's absence. She worried that he might have taken a contraceptive as a toy, a misunderstanding she hoped to clarify.
"What did I take?" Kevin feigned ignorance.