Chapter 15

The dinner that night was very awkward. For the first time in the past three years, the Old Master sat at a table to eat with everyone. During the meal, Emma filled a bowl of soup for him. "Dad, I asked the kitchen to specially cook it for you. It's good for your health." The old man said, "Rita also likes it." Emma then immediately filled a bowl and placed it in front of Rita. Rita paused for a moment and said, "Thank you." Seeing this, Sienna muttered, "Mom, you're partial. All the dishes you do are what grandpa and Rita like. What about me?" Emma glared at her. Sienna immediately became quiet and lowered her head to eat obediently. Rita also noticed that the dishes on the table were her favorites. The Old Master was thrilled that Rita had returned. "Rita, eat more. You've lost weight. You must have suffered a lot outside these years, haven't you?" As he spoke, he shot an unfriendly glance at Nelson. If it weren't for this brat, how could Rita have been out for so many years? Nelson had long gotten used to the Old Master's gaze. He didn't raise his head and ate silently. The old man looked away and continued to speak to Rita, "It's okay. I'll ask your mother to make it up to you in the future." Mom? Did Grandpa mean Emma? Rita's heart skipped a beat; she wasn't used to hearing such kind words. Emma had never treated her like a daughter-in-law. Though she used to regard her as a mother-in-law, now... she didn't want to show any respect for her. It was obvious that Emma wasn't accustomed to the Old Master's words. She paused for a moment before saying, "Dad, don't worry. I'll make sure she gains weight just like before." Rita, "..." Why did she get the feeling she's not entirely sincere? She glanced at Nelson out of habit. When they got married, she used to look at him for support whenever she had bad terms with Emma. The old habits die hard. Although she knew he wasn't on her side, she still did that. She was about to avert his gaze when he turned his head back, and their eyes met. Rita's heart skipped a beat, and then she quickly looked away. Nelson's eyes darkened in silence. His gaze fell on her, unwilling to let go. The dinner ended shortly after. Rita wanted to find an excuse to leave, but the Old Master kept chatting with her, preventing her from doing so. They talked until late at night. After tucking the Old Master in bed, she headed downstairs to leave. But to her surprise, she ran into Emma, who usually went to bed early. After a moment of silence, Rita took a few steps forward, not planning to greet Emma and intending to leave immediately. As they were giving each other a shoulder rub, Emma suddenly spoke up. "It's not safe for a girl to go home alone at night. Sienna told me you live by yourself? It's a bit dangerous. Old Master is worried about you. I've tidied up a room for you here. You can stay with us from now on." Rita immediately declined. "No, that's not appropriate." Emma frowned slightly. "You keep saying that you're filial to the old master, but now you don't even want him to feel at ease? He has been waiting for you for three years. Can you save him the trouble?" The retort that came to her lips was swallowed by Rita again. She had seen his current condition and estimated that he didn't have much time left. If possible, she would have liked to stay at home to take care of him, but... While she was hesitating, Emma changed the subject. "Are you free tomorrow?" Rita did not respond for a moment. "Huh?" Emma explained, "There's a party tomorrow. You can come with me." Party? Come with her? Rita said, "That's not a good idea, don't you think?" As soon as she entered the door, Emma said that her return had caused a lot of trouble for the Wallis family. Now that the two of them had to go to the party together, there might be more problems. Emma replied nonchalantly, "The old master didn't agree with your divorce. You're still husband and wife. There's nothing wrong with going together. Get a nice dress tonight." Without waiting for Rita's response, Emma walked away. Rita was still dazed when Nelson suddenly appeared in front of her. He's still here? "I underestimated you." There was sarcasm in his tone. How could Rita let him gain the upper hand in front of her? She smiled and said, "Then you should overestimate me in the future, so as not to lose to me." Although she spoke confidently, she was still confused. Her grandfather had always doted on her, but why was Emma acting this way? Nelson didn't show any anger at her words. Instead, he smiled faintly and walked away without saying anything.