"Oh, yeah? But I don’t live in your house anymore, so watch your tone, Aunty." Noah said calmly, putting extra emphasis on the word ‘aunty’ as he tilted his head in amusement. He knew that Rachel would hate having any connection to him. Stuart, standing a step behind him, was ready to pop off at this harpy. But before he could react, Noah gestured for him to stop. He wanted to handle this on his own terms… he had spent a lot of time hearing Rachel's taunts and working hard to tutor her useless children, only to be berated when they didn't score good marks– as if that was his fault too.But today, she herself had approached him, like she wanted him to settle their old accounts. Meanwhile, hearing these words from Noah's mouth made Rachel's blood pressure shoot up."So what, if you don't live in my house anymore! A parasite will always be a parasite, and I know you very well! You have been born to leech on others, and that's what you have been doing with my family all these years.”

Rachel couldn't believe her ears after hearing whatever Noah had just said. Although she had pretended to leave the store, she and Julia had been lurking around the storefront, trying to hear what was going on.It was Rachel's idea to leave and walk out from their sight, so that she could find out what was really going on. There had to be something fishy, she could smell it already!There was no way, in her mind, that the roadster had somehow gotten a job, and also enough money to buy expensive jewelry, and that too from a high end jewelry shop. Even the cheapest piece from this shop was out of his budget, and would be for the next seven lifetimes. She was completely sure that he was pulling an act just to tease them, and make them believe that he was doing well even after being kicked out. But she was way smarter than him and knew him, in and out!!But now, after what she had heard, she was sure that the matter was much more complicated. It wasn't just something fishy that she was

Eliana's hands acted faster than her mind could process this conflict, and her thumb hurriedly moved towards the screen, disconnecting the call. Her eyes then halted on Noah's face, looking at him in complete surprise. Noah realized that unknowingly, his mother in law had helped him out by initiating the topic of him being at the mall; although she would die a thousand deaths if she knew that her accusations had the opposite effect. He would not get a better chance than this, to tell her the truth. He could see everything fall into place– even though it wasn't like he planned, but it was all that he needed.He shifted closer to Eliana and started to speak in a measured tone. “She was telling the truth, I was in a jewelry shop. To be precise, I was in Lotus Jewels–”“Noah, you don't have to explain anything because of my mom. I know you might have your own reasons or some work for going there. So you don't have to say anything in your defense, I trust you.”But when Noah had finall

“You… you have brought gifts for us? How… how did you get money for this?”Otis whispered in disbelief, when Viola screamed out at the top of her lungs.“Oh, Noah! You are getting me all wrong, I didn't mean to offend you. It was just that, your aunty was trying to make this serious situation a little humorous with the in- laws' joke. You didn't need to buy anything, my poor nephew!”Viola continued, laughing along forcibly.“I mean, seriously! You must have spent your months of salaries to buy some cheap souvenirs for us… Noah, I know you have left the house at a very young age, but I haven't expected you to forget all the luxuries you have been born with. And the fact that these cheap souvenirs wouldn't even be used by our staff–”“So dear aunty… are you trying to say that you aren't interested in seeing what I have bought for her?”Noah interrupted, knowing how his aunty's words, narration and expressions were going to change the moment she would see the gift boxes and things that

As soon as she heard Noah's question, Viola’s face showed some hints of panic, followed by disappointment… but all the unpleasant emotions were replaced by a formal smile, just as quickly. "Of course, dear. I have already gotten a room cleaned up and ready for you, and I will happily give you the tour, in a bit. But won't you finish your dinner first?"Noah gave her a curt smile, shaking his head. "No, thank you. I’m quite tired, and my wife and I would like to rest in our room now."Viola’s gaze flicked to Otis, and the two of them exchanged a quick glance before they both rose from their seats. She turned to Agatha, her voice sharp– not completely hiding her annoyance. “Agatha, clear the table, please."Meanwhile, Eliana looked like a poor deer caught in headlights. Not only was she feeling completely out of place here, but on top of that, Viola’s overly sweet tone and Otis’s silence were also putting her on edge and making her uneasy.Mentally thanking Noah for this, she got up