?Chapter 384:


    Marissa darted out of the house and almost collided with Arabe.


    Arabe had set her rm and woken up early, eager to share breakfast with her. Seeing Marissa hurrying off, Arabe called out, “Sweetie, where are you headed?”


    Marissa didn’t stop, waving to Arabe with a smile. “Grandma, something urgent came up, so I can’t join you for breakfast. I’m sorry!”


    As she spoke, she was already out of the yard.


    Arabe watched her go, disappointment etched on her face. Mumbling her grievances, she made her way into the house, heading straight to the dining room to find Connor.


    Connor was just as perplexed about Marissa’s sudden departure. But knowing he couldn’t control her, he let it be. Seeing Arabe, he immediately stood to assist her.


    After sitting down, Arabe pouted. “What on earth is Tiffany rushing off to do? She couldn’t even stay for breakfast? I got up early just for her.”


    Connor, while helping her with some dishes, smiled and reassured her, “She must have something really important to handle. Please understand. Didn’t she spend a lot of time with youst night?”


    “Will she be back tonight?” Arabe asked.


    “Yes!” Connor replied confidently.


    Feeling a bit smug, he recalled how Marissa didn’t sleepwalk for a second with him by her sidest night. He was the world’s best sleep aid for her, after all. How could she note back?


    However, he also harbored a smallint. She had promised to start treating his brother’s legs today, but she had run off early, likely forgetting about it. What could be so pressing?


    Hearing Connor’s answer, Arabe brightened a bit, but thevish breakfast spread had lost its appeal.


    With a sigh, she told Connor, “You silly, stop piling on more food. I’m not eating.”


    Connor, concerned, asked, “What’s wrong, Grandma? Are you feeling unwell?”


    “No,” Arabe sulkily said. “Just that without Tiffany here, nothing tastes good.”


    Connor raised an eyebrow, momentarily speechless.


    He was a little bored with the breakfast too, but he was afraid to admit it for fear of upsetting Arabe.


    Now, despite his efforts to remain cheerful, Arabe had lost her appetite.


    This household had been significantly influenced by the little vige girl, Marissa. Before she came, he and his grandma ate every meal on time. Although not overly happy, they never felt down.


    But now, without Marissa, neither he nor his grandma could enjoy their meal.


    He couldn’t resist grousing in his head. What a pesky little devil!


    She not only haunted him but also had an impact on his ny-year-old grandmother.


    Unaware of Connor’s grumbling, Marissa was in a hurry to meet rissa.


    As she left Daniels Manor, she saw Xander’s car arriving and got in.


    Xander, in the driver’s seat, was brimming with excitement.


    He drove off as soon as Marissa got in the backseat and said excitedly, “Chief instructor, how’s my brother’s new car? Isn’t it amazing?”


    Marissa curled her lips. “It’s not even your car. Why are you so excited?”


    “Such a fancy car is beyond my budget,” Xander shrugged.


    He sighed andined, “My grandpa and brother keep an eagle eye on my finances. Every month, right after I get my sry, they snatch away 80% of it. As a member of the Hoffman family, my wallet is emptier than a beggar’s cup. I’m living a wretched life!”


    Marissa couldn’t help butugh. “Why do they control your money so tightly?”


    Xander gritted his teeth. “They say I do nothing but stir up trouble and if I had money, I’d just cause more. They think keeping me broke is safe.”


    The more Xander spoke, the more his frustration grew. He mmed his fist on the steering wheel. “Chief instructor, isn’t that ridiculous? Aren’t they worried I’ll snap and rob a bank?”


    Suddenly, there was a deafening bang, and the car veered into a roadside drainage ditch


    .


    .


    .


    .