Read More

Chapter 234

At this point, Stella and Franklin had already heard the full story from David.
Stella turned to Maria, asking, “Did you not see what happened?”
Maria, who had been distracted by her phone, said, “I wasn’t paying attention, so I didn’t notice if what he said is true.”
Stella thought for a moment before saying, “I believe David isn’t lying. It’s possible that he really did see your niece’s mom, but it could also be that he saw someone who looks like her.
After all, if Maggie had time to go watch a movie, she would’ve returned home instead of staying away.”
Everyone had assumed that Maggie must have been busy with something important, which made it hard for them to believe she would take the time for a movie. But now, hearing David’s words, doubts began to stir.
David couldn’t stand being accused of lying. When Stella comforted him, his mood immediately improved.
On the other side, Isabella stopped crying upon hearing this. Right, it was possible that David had just mistaken someone else for her mom.
Thinking this, her mood lightened considerably. However, she then recalled how Maggie had once praised Tommy for being very cute. They also seemed quite familiar with each other.
Isabella thought for a moment, her tears still unshed, and then reached into Franklin’s pocket. “Dad, phone.”
Franklin, having heard Stella’s words, had an idea of what had happened. He gently wiped away her tears with his thumb and handed her his phone.
Isabella quickly dialed Maggie’s number.
By then, Maggie had finished watching the movie. She was now at the arcade next door, playing games. When she saw a call from Franklin, she immediately hung up without a second thought.
Isabella, with her eyes still red from crying, sighed, “Mom didn’t pick up.”
“She’s probably busy,” Franklin said, trying to reassure her. “Let’s not disturb her. How about I take you out to eat tonight?”
Franklin’s mention of Maggie being busy made Isabella feel that her dad also thought that David had made a mistake. This reassured her, and she responded, “Can we invite Aunt Julie too?”
Franklin smiled. “Of course.”
Feeling better, Isabella, climbed down from her father’s lap and was about to return to her puzzle. However, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling of unease. She picked up the phone again and dialed the
The teacher was surprised to receive the call. In her impression, Isabella didn’t like Tommy very much. Although she wasn’t outright mean, their relationship hadn’t been particularly close.
But Isabella was persistent, and after some pleading, the teacher agreed to help. She first contacted Tommy’s mother to ask if Tommy was available. After receiving permission, she shared Tommy’s contact details with Isabella.
Isabella quickly initiated a video call.
Tommy answered right away, clearly surprised, “Isabella, you’re looking for me? Do you want to play
with me?”
Though Isabella hadn’t been particularly kind to her in the past, Tommy had always liked her. She thought Isabella was bold, confident, and a bit cool, which made her admire her.
“Mm,” Isabella replied, her lips pressed together. “Where are you?”
“At home,” Tommy cheerfully swung the camera toward her family. “My grandparents came over, and they’re making cookies with Mom. Do you want some?”
Isabella saw the pile of cookies in the background, and the fact that they were clearly at home made her feel more at ease. She asked, “You didn’t go watch the movie with my mom, right?”
Tommy shook her head. “No, I haven’t seen Aunt Maggie in a long time.”
Hearing this, Isabella felt be
worries ease completely. “Okay, you go ahead and make your cookies.”
With that, she was about to hang up, but then paused. After a moment of discomfort, she muttered, “Goodbye.”
Tommy, who hadn’t expected the abrupt end to the call, awkwardly replied, “Oh, um, goodbye…”
In the living room, Franklin returned, and Felix asked, “Is everything alright?”