"Well..." Terence hesitated.
"Please accept it." Mandy joined their conversation. "This is Jean's way of thanking you. If you don't
accept it, she won't be at ease.
Ever since she was young, I've always spoiled my daughter. If it weren't for you, she wouldn't have had
a place to live in. Please, accept this gift. You deserve it."
"Then... I'll take it." Terence nodded, respecting their wishes. Jean knew from before that he was a man
who loved to drink, so she spent a lot of money just to purchase these two bottles. She knew that it
would satisfy him.
Jean let out a sigh of relief when he finally agreed to take it. She happily poured him a glass of wine
and smiled. "Please, try it."
"It's good wine." Terence sipped it and looked around, realizing that there weren't any servants in the
house. He frowned in confusion. "Why does the villa look deserted? Where are the servants?"
"They—" Before Jean could say anything else, Mandy interrupted, "Let's not discuss what they're
doing. Let's just eat."
"Mom..." She gave Mandy a disappointed look and directed her gaze at Terence. "Since you were
coming here today, I decided to give them a day off. That way, we can eat our meal freely. They
informed me that they went out to shop, but I'm sure they'll be back soon."
Terence nodded and commented, "It must be easier for them to serve you."
"Don't tease me. Just taste the food I cooked." Jean grinned at him. "I made this meal especially for
you. You must eat more."
"Okay, I will," Terence said as he readily looked at the meal in front of him.
When he tasted it, he silently grimaced. Jean's food didn't taste as good as it looked.
It wasn't like the food cooked by Julia Although the dishes cooked by Julia didn't look that great, they
tasted delicious and home-made.
"How is it? Is it delicious?" Jean asked with a hopeful smile.
Terence saw her eyes gleaming, and out of courtesy, he replied, "It's delicious. But don't just stare at
me, you should eat as well."
"Okay." Jean cheerfully nodded at his comment.
As they chatted about business over dinner, Terence was surprised by Jean's insightful suggestions.
"I didn't expect that you would know so much about business," Terence remarked with satisfaction.
"Oh. Me? I was just talking nonsense." Jean blushed and lowered her head. "You know what I do.
Although I write fiction novels, I must do research to make it mirror reality. My suggestions were simply
based on a book about business administration. I didn't know whether it would help you or not, but I do
hope that you don't mind."
"You are too modest." Terence smiled at her. "I have worked hard in the business sector for many years
just to gain experience. Do you still have the book? Can I take a look at it?"
"Sure." Jean nodded in agreement. "Since I just moved here, I might not be able to give it to you right
away because I'm still unpacking. How about this? When I find the book later on, then I'll send it to
you."
"Sure," Terence replied. "When you find it, just let me know. I'll be the one to pick it up."
"Okay." Jean grinned at him. "By the way, my book is going to be adapted into a TV show. We have just
begun shooting. If you're free, would you like to visit?"
"Me?" Terence doubtfully looked at her.
When Jean saw him hesitate, she quickly added, "It's alright if you don't have the time. I'm not going to
force you."
"No, thanks." Terence shyly scratched his head. "I'm not really interested in it."
"I see." Jean slightly frowned with disappointment. "That's alright. I'm also working with Julia, so it's
okay with me if you don't come. You might feel awkward if you see her around."
"Julia?" Terence's face contorted into a frown when he heard her name. "Why is she there?"
"I introduced her to the director," Jean explained. "Ever since my mother caused that scandal, she
hadn't been able to find work. I saw an opportunity and decided to help her. Even though all those
things happened, she still deserves a good life, right?"
"You are too kind," he coldly muttered. "She is such a vile woman. You should have just left her to her
fate. Why did you help her? She won't even appreciate your kindness."
Terence was full of resentment when Jean mentioned her sister's name. He hadn't seen her since the
day she left his house.
Jean sadly smiled, "She is still my sister and I should help her if I'm given the chance to.
You may not know it, but she works very hard. Her performance is just outstanding."
Mandy, who had been quietly sitting next to Jean, decided to interfere. "She can definitely act well.
Look at how she's been deceiving me all this time."
"Mom..." Jean gave her a warning look. "What kind of nonsense are you spewing out now? Terence is
here."
"Why? Did I say something wrong?" Mandy looked at Jean with dissatisfaction. "Everything I said in
front of the press was true. She is ungrateful and I won't cover up for her. Even though she's my
daughter, I won't cover up for her."
"Enough!" Jean slammed down her chopsticks on the table. "If you continue to talk this way, I will have
to ask you to leave."
Mandy gaped at Jean's threat. Without another word, she shut her mouth.
Jean sighed and turned to face Terence. "I'm really sorry. My mom is such a character. Please don't
listen to her."
He laughed grimly and pursed his lips. "She isn't wrong. I know Julia better than anyone else."
He gently looked at Jean and added, "You are kind-hearted, but she won't appreciate your help."
"I know." Jean pursed her lips. "Let me get you some more food."
Jean got up and went to the kitchen to retrieve a bowl of rice. When she came over to where Terence
was sitting, she suddenly fell and the rice scattered all over the table.
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