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 company."
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?"
Hand 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.