?Chapter 622:


    “When did these rumors start circting?” Eileen finally broke the silence, ncing at Ruby. “You knew about this all along. Why didn’t you tell me?”


    Ruby sighed and responded, “It started quite some time ago, but then there was the incident with Gabri and Bryan. After Bryan’s ident, they kept quiet for a while, but recently, the gossip started up again.”


    The women involved were older than Ruby, and many of them, living in close quarters, were engaged in business dealings and forming alliances. To avoid troubling Eileen, Ruby had ignored the gossip.


    Today, upon hearing the rumors being spread about Eileen, she feltpelled to intervene.


    “Eileen, don’t let it bother you too much. It’s just gossip. They won’t have the nerve to continue after today,” Ruby reassured her.


    “Mom, I’m just worried about you. You shouldn’t have to endure these unfair usations, and…” Eileen hesitated, her words trailing off.


    Based on Ruby’s timeline, the gossip had started after Denise’s visit. Eileen suspected that Denise was somehow involved in the spread of the rumors. However, after Bryan’s ident, Denise had behaved sensibly and had note to visit again.


    Roderick, on the other hand, had made regr visits to Eileen’s ce, bringing various tonics and food. Although Roderick was not particrly eloquent and struggled to findforting words, it was clear he genuinely wanted her to visit his small restaurant instead of staying home all day, which, he believed, wasn’t good for her.


    “Let’s get out of the car and head inside,” Eileen said. She got out, changed into morefortable attire at home, and proceeded to her office for a meeting.


    The meeting concluded at eleven in the morning. After passing the documents to the secretary, Eileen went straight to Roderick’s restaurant. It was a busy workday, and during lunchtime, Roderick’s restaurant was bustling with activity. Not only were all the seats upied, but there was also a long line of people waiting to ce takeout orders.


    Judie was handling the orders at the front desk, while Denise was cleaning. Observing the scene, Eileen joined the queue and waited for about ten minutes until it was her turn.


    “What would you like to—” Judie looked up, recognized Eileen, and was momentarily taken aback. “Eileen, why didn’t you let me know you wereing?”


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    “It’s okay. Just give me a serving of spaghetti,” Eileen replied with a smile. “I didn’t get to try Roderick’s spaghetti during myst visit. Please order me the best one he has.”


    Judie quickly selected the most expensive option. “This spaghetti is our specialty. Adding a few extra pieces of meat will bring the price to over fifty dors.”


    After saying this, Judie printed the receipt and handed it to Eileen, offering a smile but remaining silent.


    Eileen examined the receipt for a moment, then reached into her bag to take out some cash.


    Upon seeing the money, Judie smiled brightly but refused to ept it. “There’s no need for you to pay; we’re family. This one’s on the house.”


    “Eileen makes plenty of money herself. Does she really need you to cover this?” Denise, noticing Eileen, hurried over and took the money from her. She then handed it to Judie. “You’re pregnant now, so you should save more. You’ll need itter.”


    At this, Eileen nced down at Judie’s belly.


    There was no noticeable change, but it was clear that Judie had gained some weight.


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