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Novel Catalog
Chapter 88
Elizabeth had accepted Veronica as her goddaughter because she genuinely liked her, but Veronica was determined not to take advantage of that affection. She didn’t want to become arrogant or complacent simply because of Elizabeth’s fondness.
When Elizabeth handed her the car keys once more, Veronica politely refused. “Grandma, please keep it. I can’t drive, so it won’t be of much use to me. I’ll just inform Matthew when I want to come visit you, and he can drive me here.”
Elizabeth, unfazed, nodded understandingly. “I see, you can’t drive. Alright, then, let that brat drive you here from now on.” She tapped Veronica’s head lightly and added, “But why are you still calling him by his name?”
Veronica blinked in confusion. “Huh? What do you mean?”
Elizabeth’s gaze softened as she explained, “You’re my goddaughter now, which means he’s your elder brother. I’ll be upset if I hear you calling him by his name again.”
Veronica let out a playful smile and stuck out her tongue, looking adorable as she said, “Okay, okay. I got it.”
Elizabeth turned to Matthew. “You too. Do you hear me?”
Matthew, who had been sitting on the couch with a magazine in hand, wasn’t really reading. He had been paying attention to the conversation all along. At Elizabeth’s command, he simply hummed in acknowledgment, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.
Tiffany, watching the exchange, felt like an outsider. The dynamic between Matthew, Elizabeth, and Veronica felt like a tight-knit family, while she was left on the periphery, unable to break through. She tried to keep a gentle smile on her face, though it barely hid the jealousy that bubbled inside her.
Veronica, not missing a beat, suggested, “Grandma, it’s quite cool outside today. Let’s go out and enjoy the breeze.”
“Sure, let’s go,” Elizabeth agreed, standing up and taking Veronica’s hand. They walked out together, leaving Tiffany behind.
Tiffany, feeling invisible, had initially thought to join them, but hesitated, unsure of how she might be received. Deciding to stay behind, she turned to Matthew instead, her voice soft and vulnerable. “Matthew, do you think I’m lacking in some way? Grandma… seems to dislike me,” she said, her tone heavy with concern.
Matthew barely looked up from his magazine. “You’re being too sensitive,” he replied coldly.
“I—I’m just worried that I’m not good enough in Grandma’s eyes,” Tiffany added, trying to push through the awkward silence.
Matthew’s response was distant. “You’re good enough,” he said, still focused on his magazine, clearly uninterested in engaging with her further.
Tiffany, frustrated, tried to continue the conversation, but Matthew’s indifference made it impossible to carry on.
Dinner was soon served, and the group gathered around the table. Veronica, aware of Elizabeth’s love for shrimp, noticed the plate of greasyback shrimp and offered, “Grandma, give me a moment. I’ll make you the sauce.”
“Sure, I’ll wait for you,” Elizabeth replied warmly, watching as Veronica stood up to head to the kitchen.
As Veronica made the sauce, Tiffany and Matthew sat in silence. Tiffany couldn’t help but feel the sting of being ignored. She finally gathered the courage to speak, her voice laced with uncertainty. “Grandma… do you dislike me?”
Elizabeth, who had been observing her, waved her hand dismissively. “That’s insignificant as long as Matthew likes you. My feelings don’t matter if you youngsters get along.”
Tiffany’s eyes softened as she spoke earnestly, “I want you to like me too, so that we can be closer, more like family.”
Elizabeth considered this for a moment before her expression softened. “Yeah, you’re right,” she said, a touch more warmth in her voice. The change in her attitude toward Tiffany was noticeable, especially after she’d learned more about Tiffany’s background and intentions.
Matthew, who had been quiet throughout, finally spoke up, his voice low but sincere. “Just be yourself. That’s good enough.”
Just as Tiffany opened her mouth to respond, Veronica returned with the sauce. “Grandma, the sauce is ready. Try it out.”
Elizabeth smiled, delighted by the offering. Veronica carefully placed a shrimp on Elizabeth’s plate, feeding it to her with a gloved hand, eager to hear her thoughts.
The shrimp was perfectly cooked, tender and smooth, with a rich, flavorful sauce. Elizabeth nodded in approval, her face lighting up. “I’m happy you like it. Grandma, eat more if you like it.”
Veronica grinned. “Of course! I know how much you love shrimp, so I made sure to deshell a few more for you.”
Tiffany, sitting beside Matthew, watched the scene with a mix of admiration and jealousy. While she was skilled in music and chess, she found herself feeling out of place as she watched Veronica and Elizabeth bond so effortlessly.
Matthew, sipping his wine and enjoying the meal, occasionally glanced over at Veronica and Elizabeth. His gaze, though subtle, was filled with thought as he observed their interaction.
