Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Cheap

"Only surprise, not joy," Alan said.

Blanche nodded in agreement.

"How annoying," Leslie said sweetly in front of Alan. "Alan, I have good news for you today."

"What good news?"

"At the last family dinner, I saw Declan had returned. I mentioned it to Uncle, and he said that Declan is back to seek his and your consent to stay here from now on, apparently because his wife is ill."

Blanche felt a stir in her heart upon hearing this; it seemed that Declan hadn't lied to her—his wife was indeed gravely ill.

Alan scoffed, "They're dreaming."

Blanche was taken aback. What? Alan didn't want them to come back?

Leslie added, "Yeah, I figured you wouldn't want them back, so I had my father help out discreetly. They can't come back for now."

Alan remained silent, but it seemed he appreciated that Leslie hadn't made things worse.