Chapter 9 Suspicions

• Upon entering the mansion, Eileen encountered Sharon, who had just finished tidying up the kitchen.
• “Oh, you're back, Ms. Eileen. I've stored the cake in the fridge. Would you like a slice now?” Sharon dried her hands on a towel, facing Eileen.
• Weary from a day's work, Eileen sank into the couch and gestured lazily. “I could use a nap first. I'll grab a piece later.”
• However, Sharon exclaimed, “Ms. Eileen, your clothes got messy from baking just now. You're going to soil the couch. Please head to your room and change first.”
• Eileen reclined on the sofa and replied mischievously, “No chance, I'm so exhausted. Let me rest for a bit.”
• “No, this is getting out of hand!”
• Sharon was on the verge of pulling her up when Eileen playfully rolled down onto the carpet. She whined, “It's my birthday today, Sharon.”
• Just then, the door swung open, prompting Eileen to turn around. She immediately furrowed her brow at the unexpected intruder.
• Didn't he head out with Vera? Why is he back so soon?
• In the foyer, Eric gripped his car key, with Vera trailing closely, head lowered, intentionally avoiding eye contact with Eileen.
• Sharon greeted with a gentle smile, “Back already, Mr. Snow?”
• Eric nodded. “My company called for an urgent meeting. I'm here to grab some documents. Let Vera hang around here for a bit. I'll be back to pick her up later.”
• Eileen promptly rose, attempting to straighten her clothes, only to realize the futility due to the baking-related smudges. Instead, she raised her gaze, meeting Eric's eyes.
• Eric quickly scanned her appearance before inquiring, “Why are you all dirty?”
• Eileen bit her lip before breaking into a radiant smile. “I got a little messy while baking earlier. Eric, Vera, would you like to try my cake?”
• Vera, who had kept her head lowered, suddenly lifted her gaze and stared at Eileen in disbelief. She then turned to Eric with a questioning expression.
• Even Sharon sensed that something was off with Eileen.
• Eileen had never shown any particular fondness for Vera. It was already a notable act of kindness for her to refrain from bullying Vera. So why, Vera wondered, would Eileen offer her cake now?
• Sharon hesitated before finally asking, “M-Ms. Eileen, are you feeling unwell today?”
• Eileen replied calmly, “No, I feel fine. I won't be able to finish such a huge cake, so what's the issue with sharing?”
• Eric, too, found himself surprised, struggling to discern Eileen's true motive. After a moment of thought, he expressed, “Thank you, but there's no need. I'm heading out after grabbing my documents, and Vera isn't particularly fond of sweets.”
• “Oh, all right then.” Eileen appeared disappointed, but deep down, she was secretly delighted. She had only extended the offer out of courtesy, never intending to share the cake with them.
• After a moment's reflection, Eric suggested, “I didn't have anything prepared for your birthday today. How about I pick up your favorite strawberry mousse cake after my meeting?”
• Eileen flashed him an appreciative smile and nodded. “Sure. Thank you, Eric.”
• Suddenly realizing, Sharon exclaimed, “Oh, I forgot about the stew I was cooking. You three carry on chatting.” With that, she rushed into the kitchen, leaving Eileen, Eric, and Vera in a slightly awkward silence.
• Eileen's gaze darted between Eric and Vera. Sensing the tension, she turned to the man, saying, “I'll go get changed first.”
• She wasn't particularly keen on facing Eric, as remnants of the past lingered, making her uncomfortable around him.
• Eric furrowed his brow, observing her hasty departure.
• Eileen appeared changed from her usual self. Previously, witnessing Eric and Vera together would trigger intense jealousy in her. However, that day, her demeanor had noticeably shifted.
• Has she truly given up on me?