Chapter 349

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Aria arched an eyebrow , casting a scornful glance at Lennox , who stood frozen in place .
Hearing Derek’s words , Lennox froze mid – step , his eyes wide with shock . He turned to Fryderyk and explained , “ Fryderyk , Aria doesn’t wastusta Ray for
dinner . We’ll need to switch to another room . ”
“ Hey ! ” Derek rapped the table with a sneer at Lennox . “ What’s this about ‘ Aria doesn’t want us to stay for dinner ‘ ? She made it clear only you can’t stay Everyone else is welcome . Don’t twist her words . ”
With the elders gone , Lennox dropped his usual well – behaved act , his voice dripping with sarcasm as he sneered , “ Derek , everyone’s here to celebrate me . If I’m not staying , do you really think Grandma and the others would ? ”
The light fell on Lennox’s face , the sneer playing on his lips looking particularly jarring .
Fryderyk’s head snapped up in surprise .
Standing at a distance , Terry cast a cool , assessing glance at Lennox .
He stood in the shadows , his gaze obscured , thoughts unreadable .
Realizing Fryderyk and Terry were still present , Lennox’s smile froze for a moment before he quickly recomposed himself with practiced ease . With measured politeness , he said , “ Fryderyk , if you’re planning to stay , I’ll go inform Grandma right away . ”
Fryderyk was the eldest among the younger generation of the Fletcher family , yet remained single .
Lexie kept nagging , hell – bent on setting Fryderyk up on blind dates .
But every time a blind date was scheduled , Fryderyk would excuse himself by claiming he was busy with work .
Fryderyk was handsome , and with the Fletcher family’s prestige , he was near – perfect – if one ignored his aloofness .
Many families vied for the Fletchers ‘ favor , and since Fryderyk finally made time for a visit , Lexie wasn’t about to let this golden opportunity slip through her fingers .
The woman arranged for the blind date this time was the elder sister , of Lennox’s classmate . She would also be attending Lennox’s celebration banquet , where Lexie planned to introduce her to him .
If Fryderyk didn’t show up , he’d be standing her up again .
Fryderyk said coolly , “ Alright , tell her . ”
Fryderyk impassively picked up the coffee cup and took a sip . Noticing / ennox still rooted to the spot , he asked coolly , “ Still here ? Planning to stay ? ”
Lennox seethed with suppressed anger , but facing Fryderyk , he didn’t dare talk back . Swallowing his pride , he ground out , “ I’m leaving now . ”
Turning around , he saw Terry still standing there . Managing a strained smile , he asked , “ Terry , are you planning to stay as well ? ”
Terry wasn’t as thick – skinned as his Fryderyk . Since he wasn’t close with Aria , sticking would probably just kill the vibe .
Besides , he was curious to see what kind of explanation Lennox would give their parents .
Terry gave Aria a gentle smile , took out an exquisitely wrapped box from his pocket , bent down , and placed it before her . “ We haven’t met often . I’ve brought you a small gift to congratulate you on joining Mandino University .”
Aria said , “ Thank you , Terry . Let’s catch up again soon . ”
As the saying goes , it’s hard to refuse a friendly gesture . Aria was a bit surprised by Terry’s gift , but she nodded and said , “ I should mention I haven’t
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signed the contract yet – so I’m not officially employed . ”
Terry smiled , “ It’s only a matter of time , I’ll head over now then . Take care , Aria . ”
“ See you , ” Aria replied .
“ Seriously ? ” Derek muttered under his breath . He cursed inwardly , “ Damn , Terry actually prepared a gift in secret behind my back
With Terry gone , Lennox felt too awkward to stay .
In the lobby , Alice was negotiating with the manager , insisting on a private room just as good as Golden Premier Suite .
The manager wore an apologetic expression as he politely explained , “ Mrs. Fletcher , Golden Premier Suite is already the best .
Alice frowned . “ Give me a rundown of all your premium suite . ”
The manager maintained a professional smile . “ I’m afraid our premium , deluxe , and executive suites all require advance reservations and are fully booked at the moment . Mrs. Fletcher , the only option available now is a standard suite .”
Alice’s face darkened . “ We had reserved Golden Premier Suite , but now Aria has taken it over . Doesn’t Amour Bistro have any contingency plans for this ?
“ What if this happens again ? How would you handle guests who reserved Golden Premier Suite in advance ? ”
The manager’s eyes lit up with sudden understanding . “ So that’s how it is ,” he said .
“ Mrs. Fletcher , Amour Bistro has encountered similar situations before and has established a clear policy : guests are allowed to reserve Golden Premier Suite along with another private room at the same time . Should Golden Premier Suite be available as scheduled , we will provide a full refund for the alternate reservation .
“ May I ask which private room number you’ve reserved , Mrs. Fletcher ? ”
Since Lennox had made the reservation , Alice had no idea which room it was . Scowling , she pulled out her phone to call him . Turning to the manager , she said curtly , “ Hold on , let me check with him . ”
Not far away , Lexie sat on the sofa with a sulky Avery munching on snacks beside her .
Arnav and Gloria sat to the side , quietly observing the scene without intervening .
Gloria gave her husband a reproachful look . “ If Aria hadn’t stepped in just now , were you really going to hit Derek in front of everyone ? ”
Arnav looked sheepish , but his tone remained defiant . “ Didn’t you hear what that brat said ? ” he retorted . “ He made me sound completely worthless .”
Gloria shot back expressionlessly , “ And who do you think gave birth to all three kids ? ”
Hearing this , Arnav’s expression immediately softened . He reached out and took his wife’s hand , saying placatingly , “ Need you even ask ? Of course you’re the one who brought them into this world . You’ve been through so much . ”
Gloria turned her head and asked coldly , “ Have you ever even spent a single day looking after the kids ? ”
Arnav couldn’t help but feel a wave of helplessness , “ Just my luck , ” he thought bitterly .
Every time his wife went into labor , he always found himself caught up in some urgent work he simply couldn’t refuse .
It was the same with all three kids .
Sometimes he’d be gone for just a couple of months ; other times , it stretched to a whole year .
Even though Gloria had her mother and professional caregivers by her side during childbirth , as her husband , Arnav should have been constantly there for her – yet , frustratingly , he was absent every single time .
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Arnav looked down , guilt written all over his face . “ No , I haven’t ,” he admitted quietly .
Gloria pressed sharply , “ Have I ever spent a single cent on this family ? ”
The Fletcher family was rolling in money . Arnav thought to himself , ‘ My measly salary is hardly worth mentioning – might as well just pive it all to
Arnav’s head sank even lower . “ … No , ” he mumbled .
Gloria demanded , “ Then tell me , which word our son said was wrong ? ”
Arnav nodded vigorously , then muttered under his breath , “ He’s right , but did he have to say it in front of everyone ? How am I supposed to keep my dignity ? ”
Gloria scoffed coldly , “ I wasn’t embarrassed lying naked in the delivery room giving birth , but you’re ashamed just because our son told the truth ? ” :
Arnav said , “ It’s not the same ! When you were in labor- ”
Arnav tried to explain , but his words only made Gloria angrier . She sprang to her feet , cutting him off with a furious shout . “ Arnav ! ”
Gloria’s furious shout instantly silenced the lobby .
Terry and Lennox arrived in the lobby just in time to witness the explosive confrontation .