Chapter 460 Then Let's Sleep Together
Violette looked Katniss up and down, then suddenly laughed, "Katniss, you really might not understand what it means to live off past glory. Although our Banks family has fallen on hard times, we once had our glory. Are you really asking us to sell the estate?"Her tone was dripping with sarcasm, mocking Katniss for her naivety.
Katniss, undeterred, replied earnestly, "A fallen giant is still a giant. If you can't reach the top, it's better to be at the top of a lower group."
Violette shook her head and waved her hand. "Alright, alright. You've just come back, so you probably don't know much about the Banks family's history. I won't say more."
As she spoke, Violette glanced at Charlotte, noticing the disappointment in her eyes, and couldn't help but smile.
"Mom, I thought Katniss would at least be half as capable as Briar, but I never expected her to suggest selling the estate."
Charlotte lowered her eyes, her furrowed brow revealing her feelings.
Katniss remained silent, her expression indifferent.
In the afternoon, a servant reported that someone had broken down at the gate and needed to borrow some tools.
It was just after lunch, and Katniss and Violette were sitting in the garden with Charlotte, enjoying the sun.
Two well-dressed men approached, nodding slightly at Katniss before politely explaining their situation.
"Our tools are in the garage," Violette said, glancing at Nicolette. "Take them to get what they need."
Nicolette was about to leave when she remembered something. "Ms. Banks, I don't have the key to the garage."
Violette turned and went inside, returning with a large set of keys, each labeled for its purpose.
But instead of handing the keys to Nicolette, she decided to take the men herself.
"My boss isn't well, and fixing the car might take some time. Could he rest here for a while?" the younger man asked politely.
Violette looked back at Katniss and Charlotte, then at Nicolette, and nodded. "Sure, my mom can't go out much, so some company would be nice."
The man, who appeared to be in his forties, greeted Katniss and Charlotte before sitting down at the stone table.
Once Violette had left, Katniss turned to Nicolette. "Nicolette, could you get some coffee and snacks for our guest?"
After a moment's hesitation, Nicolette agreed and went inside to make coffee.
As soon as Nicolette was out of sight, Katniss spoke quickly. "Daryl Fields, right? Thank you for coming."
Charlotte, who had been watching quietly, was taken aback when Daryl extended his hand. "Mrs. Banks, let me check your health. Please cooperate."
Charlotte looked at Katniss in surprise.
"Grandma, this is my friend. Since you can't go to the city hospital, I asked him to come here to check on you." Katniss patted Charlotte's arm. "Please cooperate. We don't have much time."
Charlotte's eyes showed a hint of excitement as she placed her hand on the table, allowing Daryl to examine her.
"Mrs. Banks is quite weak, but there's nothing seriously wrong. With proper rest, she'll be fine." Daryl observed Charlotte's complexion and her wheelchair, looking surprised. "She shouldn't need a wheelchair."
Katniss looked at Charlotte and then at Daryl, puzzled.
Was Daryl's diagnosis off, or was there something Charlotte wasn't saying?
Charlotte lowered her head, a faint smile on her lips, and pulled down her sleeve. Before she could say anything, Nicolette returned.
She carried a tray with various snacks in one hand and a coffee pot in the other, hurrying over.
Seeing the three of them sitting there without speaking, Nicolette sighed in relief and placed everything on the stone table.
"Please, help yourself," Katniss said politely, pouring Daryl a cup of coffee.
Nicolette stood aside, occasionally glancing at the three of them.
About an hour later, the car was fixed, and Violette returned with the other man.
Daryl took the opportunity to stand and say goodbye.
Charlotte suddenly sighed. "When you get old, you become useless. I can't even leave the house anymore. You young ones should go out and enjoy yourselves."
"That's true," Violette said, sitting down and smiling at Katniss. "You haven't had a chance to explore Northern Grassland City since you arrived. I'm worried about your grandma, and your dad and Atticus are busy with work. Why don't you go to the city and have some fun?"
After a moment's thought, Katniss said, "Since things are so tight at home, maybe I should find a job."
Charlotte and Violette were both taken aback.
Charlotte spoke first. "I told you to go have fun, not to get a job."
"Yeah," Violette added quietly. "How long do you plan to stay in Northern Grassland City? Why get a job?"
"I don't have any money to have fun," Katniss said with an embarrassed smile.
Violette immediately offered, "I'll give you some money. Go stay in the city for a while and enjoy yourself. No need to work."
Despite her usual claims of being broke, Violette handed Katniss $20,000, telling her to have fun in the city.
Feeling a bit awkward, Katniss accepted the money and thanked her, saying she'd head to the city the next morning.
Using this as an excuse, she suggested spending the night with Charlotte.
"No, your grandma has Nicolette. You can't take care of her."
"It's fine. I'll just sleep in the same bed as Grandma. If Nicolette needs anything in the middle of the night, I'll call her." Katniss linked arms with Charlotte. "Is that okay, Grandma?"
Charlotte beamed. "Of course."
Violette glanced at Nicolette but didn't object. She just reminded her, "Be alert tonight. Don't let Katniss cause any trouble for my mother. She doesn't know her way around."
"Understood," Nicolette replied quickly.
As night fell, Katniss took a bath, put on her pajamas, and went to Charlotte's room.
When she entered, she saw a blanket laid out on the sofa. Nicolette, holding a pillow, said, "Ms. Grey, I'll sleep at the foot of your bed tonight. That way, if Mrs. Banks needs anything, I'll hear her."
Katniss raised an eyebrow. "When I'm not here, does she have to shout for you to hear her?"
Nicolette paused, then quickly waved her hand. "No, that's not what I meant. Usually, Mrs. Banks can call me louder, but I don't want to disturb you. So I'll sleep closer."
Katniss nodded in understanding. "You're very considerate, Nicolette. Let's all sleep together. I brought some milk. Have a cup."
She pointed to the table, where two empty cups and one full cup of milk sat.
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