Chapter 1985
Stella watched Jaylene, a mix of surprise and respect brewing inside her. Despite the harsh
confrontation at the Saun residence, where Stella had slapped Jaylene, she still conversed calmly with
Stella in front of Keegan. This was an unexpected show of tolerance.
Stella knew Keegan was charming, so she did not understand his slow progress in extracting vital
information from Jaylene. Her concern for his wellbeing grew. So, when Jaylene proposed they all dine
together, Stella readily agreed, "Sure. We were planning to grab a bite anyway."
However, Keegan declined, "I have to pass. Work's calling at the company."
Their exchanged glances spoke volumes, both puzzled by the other's intentions.
Stella offered a smile, "If you're tied up, don't let US hold you back, spencer and I will keep Jaylene
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtcompany."
Keegan remained stoic, his thoughts wandering, 'Spence... I recall Vermont using nicknames for his
high school girlfriend. Such terms are vague, yet so personal from those bygone days.1
Seizing the moment, Jaylene gently coaxed, "You've been buried in work all day, Keegan. Grab a bite
with US. You're still recovering, and nutrition is key for that."
After a pause, Keegan's gaze shifted from Stella to Jaylene, and he nodded in agreement. Jaylene
mistook his acquiescence as his inability to deny her, and a faint blush colored her cheeks. Observing
the duo, spencer whispered to Stella, "What's brewing between Keegan and Jaylene?"
Stella responded with a neutral expression, "Better not to delve into things that don't concern you. The
more you know, the more dangerous it becomes."
Understanding her warning, he nodded and remained silent.
Elsewhere, Aurora emerged from the restroom, finding Aldor alone. Her curiosity peaked when he
recounted the unexpected gathering. She asked," Stella and her ex were at the movies, and now
they're dining with Keegan and Jaylene?"
Aurora mused, her fingers running through her hair in contemplation," Maybe I've misjudged her. Could
she be seeking to integrate into this family rather than disrupt it?"
Aldor offered no response, his expression unreadable.
Intrigued by the potential dynamics between Stella, the formidable woman, and Jaylene, the seemingly
innocent one, Aurora convinced Aldor to discreetly follow them.
Meanwhile, Jaylene suggested Joplonese cuisine, a choice met with mixed reactions. Keegan turned to
Stella, "What would you like?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHand in hand with Coco, Stella replied, "Well have whatever Coco fancies."
Coco's eyes sparkled with excitement. She exclaimed, "Barbecue!"
Spencer chuckled, playfully ruffling Coco's hair, "The kid's got taste. The barbecue spot downstairs is
top-notch."
Keegan gave a nod of approval, "Barbecue it is, then."
Jaylene, however, frowned. Pulling Keegan aside, she expressed her distaste for barbecue, citing the
lingering scent on clothes and its lack of elegance. She preferred simple, fragrance-free meals.
Keegan listened and then made a decision. He said, "Then well have Joplonese cuisine."
Jaylene's face lit up, but her joy was short-lived. They ended up at the barbecue restaurant, with
Keegan arranging for a Joplonese meal from a nearby restaurant just for her. Jaylene found herself the
lone diner with a plate of Joplonese food, starkly contrasting the group's cheerful barbecue feast.