Cedric’s calls came in one after another, but Eugene did not answer<i>. </i>


    This dinner felt somewhat dull to Mnie.


    Putting down her fork, she asked Eugene coldly, “Can you leave now?”


    Eugene paused, and his phone beside him continued to sh even though it was on silent mode. Calls and messages kepting one after another.


    “You’re disturbing me,” Mnie said.


    The TV show reached its climax, bringing with it excitement and apuse. It matched the sudden ringing of bells outside.


    Eugene froze as he looked at Mnie. His eyes were squinted. After a while, he asked her, “Do you think I’m disturbing you?”


    “Isn’t it obvious?” Mnie put down her fork expressionlessly.


    “You said you came for work, so I relented. Today is Christmas Eve, and out of courtesy and tradition, I didn’t wish to argue with you. But you’ve disrupted my dinner, so I hope you can leave.”


    Mnie emphasized each word, her attitude firm and resolute.


    Eugene’s and Mnie’s locked eyes for a moment. Mnie’s gaze fell on Eugene’s phone, which lit up again. She further steeled her attitude.


    Emotions were churning in Eugene’s deep–set eyes, and the chill emanating from him increasedpared to when he entered the house.


    Only when another message popped in did Eugene stand up.


    Taking his phone, he looked deeply at Mnie. She sat upright, expressionless.


    The old house had poor sound instion, and the door lock needed to be more secure. The sound of Eugene mming the door was loud.


    The old door swayed for a moment, responding to the echoing sound from the m.


    Mnie sat at the dining table, lowered her head for a moment, and then slowly resumed eating with


    her fork.


    Snowkes swayed gently in the wind outside the window. Eugene stopped and looked at his phone screen for a while, a hint of annoyance flickering in his eyes.


    He answered the call<b>, </b>and the person on the other end seemed surprised that he picked up. After a


    do you


    still brief pause, a stern voice echoed. “Can’t you even <b>stay </b>home on Christmas? Eugene, respect me as your father?”


    Cedric’s angry voice came through the speaker. Eugene’s expression turned gloomier. He stood in the


    212


    shadows and nced at the brightly lit window, saying, “Oh, I thought it was a business party you organized.”


    “You!” Cedric raised his voice instantly as if wanting to reprimand Eugene. However, upon realizing something, he quickly lowered his voice,


    He scolded Eugene, “I don’t care what you’re up to, but Peyton and Evelyn are at home now. You’d bettere back soon, or don’t me me


    Before he could finish his sentence, someone interrupted him. Cedric sternly warned Eugene a while more before hanging up.


    Eugene did not say much. His ck coat blended into the night, making his silhouette hard to detect.


    After Eugene left, Mnie’s dinner became more peaceful.


    She watched the programs alone, ate some toffee, and chatted with Yvonne and others in the group chat before getting to bed.


    Mnie did not have many visitors. Only a few neighbors who were once close to her grandfather dropped by. It was now the third day after Christmas, and Mnie had already spent two quiet days at


    home alone.


    When Liana called, Mnie was sitting by the window and reading a book. Liana asked, “Is it alright for us to pick you up at 5:00 pm tomorrow?”


    Liana had previously mentioned that Mnie and Xander would attend Xander’s father’s birthday party together.