Chapter 438

Michelle did not push further, concluding with a simple, "Thank you."

Caught in a tangle of feelings, Jonathan was unsure how to react to her. Shirley, on the other hand, considered Michelle as nothing more than an acquaintance due to their past. Polite small talk sufficed. She had no interest in any further idle chatter.

Looking out into the courtyard, she wondered when Cynthia and Mandy would finish their discussion. After their previous incident, Shirley's reference to Mandy had shifted from 'Aunt Mandy' to 'Madam Mandy', a formal and detached title.

Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard, Cynthia and Mandy sat on outdoor chairs, separated by a small round table. Mandy seemed more formal, her words polite and reserved, "What did you want to discuss?"

She initially wanted to call Cynthia by her name. However, considering Cynthia's clear rejection, she decided to stick to the topic at hand.

"There's a minor matter I want to discuss. As it's just the two of us, I'll get straight