hapter299
Tutor?
Maxine had never seen any tutor around. Bewildered, she let out a confused “Huh?”
Seeing her reaction, Blair added: “Ask Ms. Diane Huffman to leave.”
Finally understanding, Maxine nodded.
Yet inexplicable irritation churned within her
She was treated as a maid, her daughter mistaken for a tutor…
But right now, she had no standing to object.
So she lowered her head and replied: “Understood. I’ll go now.”
As Maxine ascended the stairs, the old man couldn’t help muttering: “That maid seems slow–witted. Fire her if she’s incompetent.”
Before Bianca Watts could respond, Blair cut in: “Aunt Maxine makes excellent breakfasts. I’ve grown accustomed to her cooking. Let her stay.”
The old man didn’t insist. Yawning widely, he patted his mouth. “Enough. I’m retiring. You two should rest early too.”
Blair: “Goodnight, Grandfather.”
Bianca stood silently nearby.
The old man noticed her odd behavior but dismissed it.
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After being summoned downstairs, Diane Huffman left Harmony Residence with Maxine.
Standing by the bone–chilling roadside, Diane looked utterly exhausted.
Days spent researching at university, nights caring for Winnie Avery at Harmony Residence.
Her miserable routine brought tears to her eyes.
She remained a young woman, yet performed a nanny’s duties.
Meanwhile, Maxine had been cursing nonstop throughout their walk.
Even outside, she kept complaining: “That Bianca Watts is downright insane! Who craves Gold Inlays in the dead of night?”
They’d swallowed the humiliation while the old man watched.
Now free, resentment festered in both women.
Seeing Maxine’s fury, Diane soothed: “Mom, it’s nothing serious. Bianca’s all bark.”
Maxine finally exhaled, gritting her teeth. “One day I’ll make Bianca Watts weep as she’s thrown out of Harmony Residence.”
Diane paused, then patted Maxine’s back. “Mom, whether Bianca leaves matters little. My position suits me fine. If Blair divorces, I’ll marry him properly. If not… I’ll remain his…”
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The unspoken words hung heavy between them.
Maxine studied‘ Diane’s haggard face with concern. “You’re worn to the bone. Turn off your phone tonight–don’t let that ungrateful child disturb you. Even dogs would shake their heads at that brat.”
Diane nodded wearily. “Alright, Mom. I will.”
Back at Harmony Residence, Blair headed upstairs after Diane’s departure.
He found Winnie sprawled on her bed with a sticker book.
Hearing footsteps, the child instinctively called: “Aunt Diane!”
When Winnie saw Blair’s face, her smile faded. She quickly asked, “Dad, where’s Aunt Diane?
Didn’t she come up with you?”
Blair sat by the bed, ruffling Winnie’s hair. “Great–grandfather is staying overnight at Harmony Residence, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for Aunt Diane to stay with you.”
Winnie’s eyes filled with confusion. “Why?”
Blair offered little explanation. “Great–grandfather will be staying at Harmony Residence for some time. During this period, Aunt Diane won’t be able to accompany you.”
Winnie’s eyes instantly welled up with tears upon hearing Blair’s words.
“But Daddy, how long will Great–Grandpa stay?”
Blair paused thoughtfully before replying, “It’s uncertain. Maybe a
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week, a month, or even a year…”
Judging by the old man’s attitude, he seemed determined to live with Blair until his last breath.
Winnie didn’t blame her great–grandfather but asked anxiously, “But Daddy, what if I miss Aunt Diane?”
Blair was stumped, yet assured her, “Daddy will figure something out.”
Though he hadn’t resolved anything yet, Winnie beamed at his promise. After the old man retired to rest, Blair returned upstairs to Winnie, leaving Bianca standing alone in the first–floor living room, visibly at a loss.
Eventually, she ascended to the second floor.
Familiar with the place, she pushed open the door to the room she once shared with Blair.
