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Tue, 15 Apr
Back to My Worst Birthday and Starting Anew
Chapter 413 Quite the Contrast
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Finished
Fear washed over her as her face drained of color. She felt her heart racing uncontrollably.
Her thoughts were a whirlwind, but then, out of nowhere, an idea struck her.
Pretending to glance casually, she lit up her phone screen. After a quick look, a smile formed on her lips.
“Dad, Mom, Maxwell has news! He finished his mission in Howdenland and can join us today!”
Her words hit Olympia and Valda like a thunderclap.
“What? That boy went to Howdenland without telling us? They’re at war over there, it’s chaotic and dangerous–what was he thinking?” Olympia’s voice trembled, nearly breaking into tears.
Willard and Jonah had only received Maxwell’s message about two weeks ago. He’d told them in case something went wrong.
Relief filled both men’s chests as they sighed deeply.
Willard gently supported his wife. “He went to Howdenland to protect our people and help with the evacuation. It’s part of his duty as a soldier. We need to understand that he’s just doing his job.”
Olympia was still angry. “You all knew about this?”
“Maxwell didn’t want to cause you or Grandma any worry,” Jonah explained. “Luckily, he’s safe and sound.”
Willard’s pride swelled. “Not only is he safe, but as the commanding officer, completing his mission like this, he’ll surely earn a second–class merit!”
Leah smiled warmly, as if a thought had just dawned on her. “I’ve heard that an artifact may get damaged while protecting its owner from danger. So, Maxwell’s safe return must be the blessing from God.”
Olympia’s face brightened with understanding. “That’s exactly it! The bracelet broke, and then Maxwell’s news came, saying he’s safe–it all makes sense!”
With this explanation, Willard and Valda seemed to relax considerably.
Valda, still trembling with excitement, wiped her palms. “The bracelet breaking is a good sign, not a bad one. The most important thing is that we’re all safe and together.”
Willard glanced at Leah, admiration and affection shining in his eyes. “Looks like I was right–the ‘return to the original position‘ was meant for Leah. I’m glad it went to her. If it had gone to someone else…”
He shuddered, not daring to entertain the thought.
Leah, ever humble, smiled. “It’s all because Maxwell is brave and clever. I don’t deserve the credit.”
“You always think of others first,” Olympia said, her voice full of tenderness for her daughter’s quiet
sacrifices.
Leah smiled naturally. “We’re all family, so there’s no need for ‘you‘ and ‘me.”
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Tue,
Chapter 413 Quite the Contrast
Leah’s eyes sparkled. “Yes, let’s go!”
Watching the warm, harmonious scene before him, Zayn’s lips twitched into a tight line.
He used to be part of this family.
Now, standing at the sidelines, he couldn’t help but feel disconnected.
Is Maxwell’s safe return really due to Leah’s actions?
Finished
Once in the car, Charmaine’s cold hand gradually warmed.
Emyr flickering with guilt in his eyes muttered, “I shouldn’t have made you wait outside.”
Charmaine dismissed it with a wave, unfazed. Back when she lived with the Reads, she wasn’t even allowed to use hot water to wash dishes because Sophie thought it was a waste of money.
In winter, the water felt like ice when she had to wash dishes at night.
But she was slightly surprised. “I didn’t expect you and the Abbot could talk so easily.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well … you two seem like you’re from completely different worlds, right?”
Satan and a high monk … Quite the contrast!
Seeing her playful, knowing smile, Emyr could probably guess what was running through her mind.
He lightly tapped her on the head. “I just had a question. I went to the Abbot for some advice.”
Eh? Charmaine leaned in, more intrigued. “What kind of question could be so tough that even you couldn’t figure it out? Want me to help you with it?”
Meeting her clear innocent eyes, a fleeting dark glint passed through Emyr’s gaze.
“It’s nothing. Just a small matter.”
Evidently, Emyr didn’t want to discuss it further. With a quick shift in tone, almost forcefully, he changed the subject. “I have a meeting later, and I’ll be busy for a couple of hours. What do you want to do? I can keep you company.”
Charmaine pouted, not pressing him on it. “Celeste will probably be at the hotel in about two hours. I saw some snacks in the mall downstairs. I’ll buy some and wait for her in the room.”
“Alright.”
After leaving the parking lot, Charmaine and Emyr took the elevator up to the mall in the building.
This place was known not only for its roasted chicken but also for its wide variety of desserts and snacks, all
Lichl.mminad h..
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17.03
rue, 15 АРГ
