Chapter 348

348
Arnav sighed helplessly . “ No wonder she doesn’t even greet me when she sees me . ”
Gloria said softly , “ She doesn’t even address us . You’re just her uncle by marriage – did you really expect her to respect you ? ”
Gloria was her real aunt , and she didn’t get that courtesy .
No way an uncle – in – law could have it better than her .
Gloria felt inexplicably comforted at the thought that she was not the most unwelcome person here .
Arnav knew Aria had cut ties with the Saxon family . He nodded . “ You’re right .”
The private room was so quiet that , even though Arnav and Gloria were whispering , everyone present could hear them clearly .
Lennox felt utterly frustrated . Aria had just called him “ fake ” in front of everyone . As if that wasn’t enough , Arnav and Gloria didn’t even defend him- instead , as if he wasn’t even there , they openly discussed whether Aria ever addressed them properly .
‘ Sure enough , blood is thicker than water , ‘ Lennox thought bitterly .
Fuming inside , Lennox forced a strained smile and changed the subject . “ Aria , it’s fine if you misunderstand me . But … Aunt Gloria is your aunt , and Uncle Arnav is your uncle by marriage . How come I’ve never heard you address them properly ? ”
Aria curled her lips in a cold , sardonic smile . “ The Fletchers planning to move to the seaside or something ? Because you sure like to stick your nose into other people’s business . ”
Arnav blurted out , “ How come I didn’t know ? ”
No one answered him . Arnav turned to his mother . “ Mom , did our family really buy a house by the sea ? ”
Gloria was at a loss for words .
Lennox was speechless .
Gloria shot her husband a sideways glance . “ Just zip it , will you ? ”
Arnav finally sensed something was amiss . Scratching his nose awkwardly , he obediently shut his mouth .
‘ That was a not – so – subtle jab at him for meddling ,’ he realized .
If he kept pushing , he’d only end up making a bigger fool of himself .
Lennox gritted his teeth , swallowing his rage .
Lexie spoke up , “ Aria dear , I’m entrusting Derek to your care . ”
Aria gave a slight nod .
Lexie looked at everyone and said , “ Let’s find another room , everyone . ”
At that moment , Avery , still holding Alice’s hand , dug in her heels and refused to budge . “ Mommy , I like it here ! I wanna eat here ! ” the little girl insisted .
Lennox forced a smile and crouched down to coax his little sister . “ Avery , Aria doesn’t want to be disturbed . Let’s just find another spot – the food’s exactly the same anyway . ”
“ It’s not the same ! ” Avery pouted . “ My deskmate told me only Golden Premier Suite has the new dishes , and they’re supposed to be super yummy . ”
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Looking at Lennox expectantly , she added , “ Didn’t you promise we’d get to try them today ? ”
Lennox frowned and said , “ Avery , be good . ”
“ Can we stay and eat ? ” Avery begged , her eyes sparkling with longing as she looked up at Aria . “ I really want to try the food , Ana ”
Aria gave a faint smile . “ Like I said , anyone but him is fine . ”
Avery looked up at Lennox with innocent eyes and said sweetly , “ Lennox , why don’t you go ? Then we can stay and eat . ”
Lennox’s face twisted momentarily before his voice turned icy . “ Avery , are you seriously telling your big brother to leave ? ”
“ Avery ! ” Alice tugged at her daughter , her tone sharp . “ We’re here to celebrate your brother getting into Kanit University . Where he goes , we go
Alice , feeling utterly humiliated , couldn’t wait to get out of there . “ Let’s leave ! ” she snapped .
Just then , Fryderyk and Terry rushed in .
Terry took in the scene , confused . “ Alice , I thought we were having dinner . Where is everyone going ? ”
“ Looks like Aria’s taken the room and we’re not wanted here , ” Alice snapped .
With that , she grabbed her daughter’s hand and stormed out .
Avery’s voice trailed off as she was led away , pleading , “ Mommy , I wanna stay … Aria said it was okay ! ”
Lexie nodded at Aria and left as well .
Not wanting to appear any more awkward , Gloria and Arnav quickly followed suit .
Fryderyk and Terry exchanged glances .
They both wondered what happened .
Fryderyk couldn’t be bothered with the drama . He plopped down next to Aria and grinned , “ Hope you don’t mind me crashing the party ? ”