Falling For My Billionaire Savior - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Jennifer's face turned stormy. She pinched Oliver hard and walked off to the kitchen without a word.
A massive embroidery filled with flowers hung on the wall. Pieces like this didn't require much technique, but they were brutal on the eyes.
After one of her class reunions, Amelia kept gushing about how her classmate's daughter-in-law was so hardworking—holding down a full-time job and doing embroidery at night to help with the bills.
Trying to please my mother-in-law, I wanted to work too. But both Oliver and Amelia shut that down immediately, saying a housewife like me should just stay home and behave.
So I started doing embroidery. This one on the wall took two full years and ended up being Amelia's go-to showoff piece.
Once Jennifer left, Oliver visibly relaxed. But he didn't want to answer my question. He gestured instead. "Please, have a seat, Ms. Gordon."
I walked over to the couch and sat down, figuring Amelia would be back any minute now.
She always went grocery shopping around this time, since produce was usually cheaper than in the morning. And Amelia never let me go with her, claiming she was afraid I'd pocket the change.
Jennifer came out of the kitchen carrying a steaming pot of chamomile tea, smiling as she poured me a cup, "Here you go."
I smiled back, "Sorry, I never drink tea like that. Would you mind brewing a cup of coffee instead? It has to be fresh ground from southern Marcate beans. No milk, no sugar. Thanks."
There was no way I'd drink the tea she made. When Oliver asked Jennifer to help me put on the slippers earlier, I caught something nasty in her eyes. Who knew what she might've slipped into the pot?
"We don't have any," Jennifer finally snapped, her tone flat and cold. She turned and went straight to her room. The door slammed shut behind her with a loud bang, loud enough to make her frustration clear.
I shrugged and opened my hands in a gesture of helplessness. I said, acting innocent, "Looks like your cousin's mad. I should probably get going. Seems like I'm not a very welcome guest."
I made a show of standing up to leave, but Oliver immediately stopped me, saying, "No, please don't be upset, and don't go. I'll have her come out and apologize right now."
Oliver went into the room, and I had no idea what the two of them said in there. But sure enough, Jennifer eventually came out and apologized. "I'm sorry, Ms. Gordon. I was rude just now. Please forgive me."
I was about to press further when I heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. Amelia was home.
Jennifer rushed forward with a bright smile. "Amelia, you're back."
"Yeah." Amelia set her grocery bag aside and spotted my heels. "We have a guest?"
"She's Olly's boss," Jennifer replied.
"Alright." Amelia changed into her slippers. She came over to greet me, her tone humble and eager to please, "Hello, I'm Olly's mother. I didn't expect his boss to be so young and beautiful. With your looks and brains, you're definitely going places."
Oliver and Amelia were exactly the same—kissing up to whoever seemed useful and stepping on whoever didn't.
I didn't respond to her flattery. Instead, I played dumb. "Mrs. Cooke, if Jennifer is Mr. Cooke's cousin, why is she calling you by your first name?"
Amelia's expression went stiff. She was completely at a loss for words. She turned and shot Jennifer a sharp glare.
Jennifer avoided her eyes and tried to sneak back into the room, but of course I wouldn't let her off that easily. As she neared the door, I added, "Would it be alright if I took a look around the house?"
Watching the three of them looking like they just swallowed a lemon, I was beyond satisfied. I asked, "Would that be okay? I really like your home's style and want to redecorate my room."
"Of course, please do," Amelia said, forcing a smile.
Oliver wanted to stop me, but Amelia had already agreed. I went from room to room, checking out Amelia's bedroom and their study.
When I pushed open the door to the master bedroom, I saw that my wedding photo was gone. In its place was a wedding portrait of Oliver and Jennifer.
I opened my mouth wide in mock surprise. "Oh my goodness, Mr. Cooke. You share a room with your cousin? And you even took a wedding photo? That's just unbelievable."
As soon as I finished speaking, I turned to leave. Oliver followed behind me, explaining nonstop, "Ms. Gordon, it's not what it looks like. It's really not like that."