Chapter 6

Hendrix returned just before dinner. Ophelia was naturally all smiles when she saw her grandson. She held Hendrix's hand and asked him about his day.

"Look at you. You've lost weight again," Ophelia said with displeasure. "How is it that you've gotten even thinner after getting married? How has your wife been taking care of you?"

Her criticism was directed at Noelle.

Before Noelle could respond, Sandra spoke up, "Grandma Ophelia, please don't scold Noelle. She's been very busy lately. I heard she has another comic that is about to be published. Didn't you notice that she's also lost a lot of weight? I felt so bad for her when I saw her yesterday."

Sandra's words seemed to be in Noelle's defense, but something about them felt off. Of course, only Noelle could fully grasp the hidden jab in them.

After hearing what Sandra said, Ophelia's displeasure deepened. "Bah, comics! Those worthless things can't even be called art. You—"

Ophelia was about to lecture Noelle when Hendrix interrupted her, "Can we eat now?"

"Hendrix, you—" Ophelia began, but Beatrice stepped in and cut her off, "Mom, Hendrix is a grown man. He knows how to take care of himself."

Since she put it that way, Ophelia could only swallow her reproaching words. She then turned to Sandra and said, "Sandy is always the best—so sensible and caring. If only…"

Ophelia's voice trailed off because she realized she was about to say something inappropriate again.

Beatrice changed the topic swiftly, saying, "Noelle, are your parents still abroad?"

"Yes."

"It's not very convenient for Sandra to stay at your place for such a long time. I think it would be better for her to stay here for a while. After all, didn't you just say you wanted to spend more time with my mom, Sandra?"

As soon as Beatrice made that suggestion, Sandra's expression faltered. "I—"

Beatrice didn't give her a chance to object. She went on, "Besides, I've found a few promising young men for you. This would be the perfect opportunity for you to get acquainted with them."

"That's not necessary," Sandra muttered, her eyes beginning to redden.

But before she could say more, Ophelia interjected, "Sandra is still young. Her parents aren't exactly in a rush to marry her off, either."

"That's not true. Matilda and I spoke about this before. She asked me to help introduce some good prospects to her. Recently, I've come across—"

"I don't want to!" Sandra shrieked. Her shrill voice startled everyone in the room.

Sandra realized that she had reacted too strongly. She bit her lip and added, "I… I don't want to think about marriage just yet."

Beatrice didn't say another word. She merely narrowed her eyes as she studied Sandra.

Sandra couldn't bring herself to meet Beatrice's gaze. So, she turned to Hendrix instead. "Rix, I… I don't want to consider marriage right now. Help me…"

"Rix, huh?" Noelle scoffed inwardly. She felt a sudden urge to laugh upon hearing that nickname.

But before the smile could reach her lips, she heard Hendrix's response.

He said, "If Sandra isn't ready yet, then let's leave it for now. We'll discuss this another time, Mom."