Mr. Johnson had reached that age where nothing much could ruffle his feathers. What he said came out bluntly, without a hint of embarrassment.

Besides, he was a doctor; it wasn't in his nature to keep things under wraps.

"You've been burning the candle at both ends, need some time off to recharge your batteries," he advised.

"And Mr. Smith, don't think you can keep pushing yourself just because you're fit as a fiddle. Take a breather."

It was all adult talk, nothing to misunderstand here.

Mr. Johnson spoke with such nonchalance, yet Dailey felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.

Discussing such matters openly did carry a tinge of shame.

"Ahem, noted," he cleared his throat, adding, "Thanks, Mr. Johnson."

Mr. Johnson got up, picking up his little cushion, "No other issues. Just watch out for allergies, and since you've had a bit of a scare with that swimming incident, your lungs are still recovering. Stick to easy-going meals, rest up." Christine and Dailey saw Mr. Johnson to his car.

Jane and Gregory trailed behind.

After bidding Mr. Johnson farewell, Christine suggested to Jane, "No time like the present for a meal, right?"

Bella and Raleigh had already taken the kids back to Elmwood Villas.

Mainly to keep the kids from catching anything at the hospital.

Plus, for Bella, waiting there wasn't any different from waiting at home.

Jane texted her an update, then linked arms with Christine as they got into the car.

This time, Dailey was driving.

Before getting in, however, Gregory couldn't resist a jab, "I know you've just started enjoying the finer things in life, but consider the lady's health too." Dailey ignored him, bending to get into the car.

...

Considering Christine's dietary restrictions, the group chose a Southern-style restaurant.

A girl played the guitar, singing blues, adding to the ambiance.

The quaint, rustic decor and tranquil water feature set a relaxing mood.

Previously, Gregory was the only one peeling shrimp at the table; now Dailey joined in.

Christine winked at Jane, who smiled back.

Midway, Dailey's phone buzzed. He cleaned his hands before picking it up, glanced at the caller ID, and answered. "Mom."

Christine immediately fell silent, her posture straightening a bit.

Jane found it amusing, whispering with Gregory.

But Dailey suddenly stood up, "Mom, please stay out of this."

ло

On the other end, Dailey's mother Jayne tried to reason with him, " don't want to interfere, but you're throwing away a lifetime of friendship for a fling?"

"And your girlfriend, she's just a novelty. Dai, you know better than anyone she doesn't fit the Smith family standards. If she can make it, why didn't I fight for Nelly to be my daughter-in-law back in the day?"

"Dai, we can't let Nelly be sent abroad again. She's been alone too long. We can't be that selfish."

Dailey responded coolly, "If you really cared about her, why didn't you plead with Grandpa not to send her so far away? Any place closer to home would've done."

"Mom, deep down, you're still

concerned about the Smith family's image. You're not as passionate as Dad was. We, the Smiths, always put family interests first. Anything that threatens that gets dealt with calmly." FindNovel

Christine watched Dailey head towards the restroom.

on

She whispered to Jane, "That call was probably about me, maybe Nelly too."

Otherwise, Dailey wouldn't have excused himself.

It seems both men and women have a radar for romantic rivals.

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