Chapter 192
Chapter 192:
“Then sit down and eat,” Vance said, softening his voice.
Helen took the seat opposite Kristine. Neither woman spoke. The air grew tense and oppressive. Vance also remained quiet. Soon, the only sounds left were the soft taps of forks against plates.
After dinner, Kristine stayed briefly. Seeing no sign that Helen intended to leave, she stood and said her goodbyes.
“I’ll walk you out,” Vance said, picking up a washed thermos and a bag of fruit.
Downstairs, he placed them carefully in the passenger seat, then straightened and said, “I’m sorry about Helen’s remarks. Don’t let them bother you. I didn’t care for ravioli before because the ones at home had thick wrappers. Yours are different — the skins are thin, and the filling is generous. They’re really good.” He scratched his head awkwardly. “I’m glad you came today. Did I talk too much p>
Kristine smiled and shook her head. “If you dislike something, just say so next time. You don’t need to pretend p>
Vance smiled back. “Okay p>
𝗔𝘥𝗱𝗶𝘤𝘵i𝗏е 𝘀𝗍𝗼𝘳іe𝘴 o𝘯
“Then… see you.” Kristine started the car and drove away.
Only after the vehicle disappeared did Vance turn and head back inside, his figure shrinking in her rearview mirror.
Kristine’s lips curved faintly.
In the past, she had always been the one left behind, watching Colton walk away. Now, someone else was standing there, reluctant to see her go. She hadn’t realized until this moment how comforting that felt.
As she thought of how Vance had claimed to enjoy ravioli simply because she had made it, her smile deepened.
Then it slowly faded.
Helen disliked her. She hadn’t noticed it before, but today it was unmistakable. Colton’s words echoed painfully in her mind — in marriages, clashes between a wife and her mother-in-law were often the hardest to resolve, with friction between sisters-in-law close behind. Yet the true cause almost always traced back to the man.
Just like before. Victoria and Luna’s constant oppression had only continued because Colton never intervened.
Kristine lifted a hand and pressed her temple. The openness she had just begun to feel quietly withdrew.
Back at the condo, Vance found Helen sprawled on the couch watching television. He walked over and switched it off.
“What’s wrong with you today p>
“Vance,” Helen called out cautiously, startled by his expression. “Why are you upset p>
“You really have the nerve to ask that?” His voice was cold. He had grown up with Helen and believed he understood her, yet today she felt like a stranger. “Why were you picking on Kristine p>
“I wasn’t,” Helen denied immediately.
“Then why did you say I don’t like ravioli? You were clearly trying to embarrass her p>
“I didn’t mean it that way,” Helen replied quickly. “I’m sorry. You know I speak without thinking. There was no other intention p>
Vance hesitated. “Is that true p>
“Yes.” Helen nodded earnestly. “I swear p>
“Forget it,” Vance said with a sigh. “Just don’t do it again p>
“Alright.” Helen agreed, then glanced at him carefully. “Vance… are you and Kristine together p>