In the Rodriguez family''s eyes, Trevor was now first and foremost Jordyn''s father.


    And since he had previously helped Isabelle find a doctor to treat her illness, he was also considered a benefactor of the Rodriguez family.


    Because of that, everyone treated him quite politely.


    Still, with Trevor present, the atmosphere at the dining table was inevitably a little awkward.


    During the meal, Celeste spoke very little. Jordyn, on the other hand, was in high spirits—Celeste had made many of her favorite dishes.


    As for Trevor, although Celeste hadn''t known in advance that he would being, she still observed basic courtesy and hastily made two dishes that he liked.


    Trevor seemed to notice. After sitting down, he looked at Celeste and said, "Thank you."


    Celeste replied calmly, "It''s only right."


    Seeing that Celeste didn''t seem inclined to talk much with Trevor, Ivan stepped in and deliberately changed the topic.


    Trevor followed along and began chatting with Ivan instead.


    Not long after, while Trevor and Ivan were deep in conversation, Celeste''s phone rang.


    It was a call from Caleb.


    Celeste paused. Before she could react, she noticed that Trevor had happened to nce over.


    She didn''t look at him. Holding her phone, she stood up and said to the others, "I''l take a call."


    She walked a little farther away before answering. "Hello."


    On the other end, Caleb''s voice carried a smile. "Happy New Year."


    "Happy New Year," Celeste replied.


    "Do you have timeter? Want to go out for a walk?"


    Celeste answered the call out of consideration for their past ties, but there was no way she could agree to his invitation. "I need to stay with my daughter, so I can''t get away. Sorry."


    It was an expected answer.


    Caleb fell silent for a second, but didn''t seem bothered. He smiled and said, "Alright, I understand."


    Then he asked, "Have you eaten?"


    "We''re eating now."


    "Okay, then I won''t interrupt your meal. I''ll contact youter."


    After hanging up, she turned and went back to the dining room.


    When she returned, Trevor didn''t ask who had called and continued chatting with Ivan.


    Jordyn, however, asked curiously, "Mom, who was it?"


    "One of my friends," Celeste replied as she sat down beside Trevor.


    "Oh," Jordyn said, and didn''t ask further.


    Celeste picked up her spoon, about to continue eating, when her phone rang again.


    She nced at the screen-it was Kieran.


    She paused, then had no choice but to stand up again and step outside to take the call.


    "Happy New Year," Kieran said.


    Then asked the same question Caleb had earlier, "Do you have any ns tonight? Got time to go out and have some fun?"


    "I already have ns tonight. Sorry."


    As she spoke, she remembered that Kieran''s family lived overseas, and that he was probably spending the New Year alone. She added, "Have you eaten?  t?


    "Yes. I ate out with friends."


    "I see..."


    "What about you?"


    "I''m eating now."


    "I see..."


    From the fact that she had asked whether he''d eaten, Kieran could tell she was concerned about


    He


    was quite happy content


    Now that he knew she was having a meal with her family, he didn''t want to disturb her and said then I wort interrupt your family time. Happy New Year."


    "Happy New Year."


    After hanging up, Celeste went back and sat down.


    Jordyn said, "Mom, you''re getting so many calls."


    Celeste smiled, picked up a piece of meat for her, and didn''t say anything.


    Trevor watched quietly and also said nothing.


    At that moment, however, his own phone rang as well.