As expected, the moment Jacqueline's call came through, it was to summon me home for dinner. Deep down, I knew the dinner was just a pretext; she definitely had something else up her sleeve.,

"Jacqueline, I've already had a taste of those pies you sent over, but getting home lately has been a bit of a stretch. The amusement park project is on a tight deadline, and I'm swamped night and day. I'll swing by when I catch a break,

" I declined but made a vague promise.,

"Ah, this Conrad, why would he put on you such a tight deadline? I'll give him a piece of my mind,

" Jacqueline feigned anger.,

"Jacqueline, it's not his fault. The project's timeline was set in stone from the get-go,

" I explained., Business is business, and Conrad never hassled me at work for our personal grudge.,

"Alright then, work comes first,

" Jacqueline hung up, her disappointment and discontent clear as day., But it couldn't be helped. Work was pressing, and even if it wasn't, it's not like I could just drop everything and head over to the Wagner's on a whim., Perhaps with time, she'd come to accept that., Life's all about hellos and goodbyes. There was a time with my parents, then with Conrad, and now, with the Wagner family., During breakfast with Deborah, Ernest was nowhere to be seen.,

"Huh, wasn't Mr. Collins supposed to join us for the trip to the amusement park? Why'd he leave early?

" Deborah mused., I stayed silent, but Deborah nudged me with her shoulder.

"Felicia, Mr. Collins really cares about you, you know. He specifically asked me to come over last night to check on you after you drank. Were you drinking with Mr. Collins?

",

"No!

",

"Then how'd he know?

" Deborah was full of questions.,

"He saw.

",

"Oh, I see.

" Deborah eyed me, trying to read between the lines.,

"Don't bother, there's nothing going on between Mr. Collins and me,

" I gave her the answer she was too embarrassed to ask for., Deborah chuckled,

"It's okay if there is something. I mean, I find Mr. Collins dreamy, but it's just admiration, like how I feel about movie stars.

" Her head was clearly on her shoulders.,

"Let's just admire him together then,

" I ended the topic and quickly finished our breakfast to head to the amusement park., Ernest was already at work when we got there, and Deborah greeted him,

"Mr. Collins, you got here early. Why didn't you wait to come with us?

",

"It was easier this way,

" Ernest replied, making Deborah stick out her tongue., We dived into our work, making swift progress., By noon, as Deborah was about to order food, a luxury car pulled up., I recognized the car; it was Jacqueline's., Seems she really had something to discuss. If I wouldn't go to the Wagner's, she'd come to me.,

"Go ahead and eat,

" I told Deborah and walked over to Jacqueline., She stepped out of the car, and the driver opened the trunk, revealing several food containers.,

"Felicia, I brought lunch for everyone,

" Jacqueline announced, catching me off guard.,

"Jacqueline, you shouldn't have gone through the trouble,

" I felt genuinely embarrassed.,

"Eating takeout every day isn't good for you. It's neither tasty nor nutritious. Call them over to grab some,

" Jacqueline gestured towards my colleagues., Ernest was still working, and Deborah was busy with her phone, likely ordering food., I couldn't shake the feeling that Jacqueline's gaze lingered on Ernest.,

"Deborah, Mrs. Wagner brought us lunch, so no need for takeout,

" I called out to her., She paused, then ran over and said,

"Thank you, Mrs. Wagner. We're blessed to enjoy the queen's feast.

", Deborah always knew how to lighten the mood., Jacqueline smiled, amused.

"Glad you like it. I'll have to send food over more often.

",

"Oh, no need,

" Deborah tactfully declined,

"An occasional treat is more than enough for us.

", Jacqueline then approached Ernest, with me following close behind. She looked around,

"So, this project's got you all tied up recently.

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