chapter118
Fortunately, the heating was on high in the house, otherwise Darlene would probably catch a cold.
“You’re awake? Go put on your shoes and wash up before coming for breakfast.”
Claudine didn’t fuss over Darlene like she used to; after saying this, she went back to the kitchen.
Darlene was delighted to see Claudine.
She wanted to run over and hug Claudine, to smell her sweet scent.
Her mother’s words echoed in her ears.
Before she could figure it out, Claudine had already returned to the kitchen.
Darlene pursed her lips, holding back her tears.
By the time Claudine brought out breakfast, Darlene was already sitting at the dining table.
Claudine was a bit surprised by Darlene’s current ability to take care of herself.
It seemed Audrey was indeed better at raising children than she was.
“I made you beef noodles. If you don’t like it, just eat a little. Angie will come to pick you up soon.”
Claudine didn’t say much, just placed the breakfast in front of Darlene.
Darlene had always been picky about breakfast. Back at Belmont Villas, Claudine had to ask her a day in advance what she wanted to eat, otherwise Darlene wouldn’t eat it even if it was prepared.
Now, Claudine naturally wouldn’t do things the way she used to.
She thought Darlene would throw a tantrum, but unexpectedly, Darlene picked up her fork and started eating.
She seemed to be enjoying it.
Claudine didn’t pay her any more attention and lowered her head to eat her own breakfast.
After a short while, a small bowl appeared in front of Claudine.
She looked up and saw Darlene on the other side, looking a bit embarrassed.
Claudine was surprised. “You want more?”
Darlene nodded.
Claudine was quite surprised.
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Darlene had never had a big appetite. Claudine thought she wouldn’t even finish the small portion, but today her ap- petite was unexpectedly good.
But considering Darlene’s weak digestion, Claudine didn’t let her eat too much, only gave her some vegetable noodle
soup.
Soon after, the doorbell rang.
Claudine got up to answer the door; it was Angie, coming to pick up Darlene.
“Mrs. Barrette.”
Angie now lived at Willow Creek Villas. Damian had arranged for her to take care of Darlene and Audrey.
Claudine opened the door and let her in.
“Just call me ‘Ms. Hogan.””
Angie hesitated, then simply sighed.
She followed Claudine into the house, clicking her tongue at the furnishings.
Claudine had always been so low-key and easygoing at Belmont Villas that Angie almost forgot Claudine’s family was the Hogan family from Reedport!
“Darla?”
Claudine didn’t see Darlene in the living room and found it odd.
She had just been here!
Angie saw two bowls of noodles on the dining table; the smaller one must have been Darlene’s.
“Mrs. Barrette, did Miss Barrette have breakfast this morning?”
Claudine frowned slightly at the way she was addressed.
Thinking Angie was probably just not used to it yet, she didn’t say anything.
“I made her some beef noodles. She ate quite a lot, but since her digestion isn’t good, when she wanted a second bowl, I only gave her some noodle soup.”
Angie sighed.
“Mrs. Barrette, you don’t know, that Ms. Lavigne really doesn’t know how to take care of children.
“She eats simple, bland meals every morning and won’t let me cook for Miss Barrette, saying what I make is too oily and unhealthy, and gives Miss Barrette bread every morning.
Miss Barrette already has a poor appetite, and after two months with her, she’s lost so much weight. It breaks my heart to see it.
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Mrs. Barrette, if you ask me, you’re the one who truly cares about Miss Barrette.”
Claudine just listened to Angie’s words without responding.
No matter what, Audrey was still Darlene’s mother.
Besides, Damian and Darlene didn’t mind, so as an outsider, she had even less right to say anything.
Seeing Claudine unmoved, Angie wanted to continue.
She really couldn’t stand Audrey.
Damian had asked her to take care of Darlene, but Audrey made her look after that dog every day.
Anyone who didn’t know would think the dog was Audrey’s child!
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“Mrs. Barrette, do you know? That Ms. Lavigne even made Miss Barrette get close to that dog, saying Darlene’s aller- gies were because she never had desensitization training as a child.
“My goodness, you have no idea, that dog is even taller than Miss Barrette. Every time I see it, I’m terrified it might hurt her, but Ms. Lavigne still says…”
“Angie!”
Claudine interrupted her.
“Darla is in the bedroom. Take her back.”
Claudine didn’t let Angie continue.
Claudine understood what Angie meant by saying all this in front of her.
But Darlene had truly broken her heart.
She felt sorry for the child, after all, she had raised her for five years.
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