Chapter 402

"What? How can this be?" Jenny asked. "I've got plans tomorrow! I'm meeting Christina. We've already made arrangements. I won't get to spend time with her anymore if you ground me!" Jenny kept protesting, and she pouted in grievance. She hadn't expected Serena to say something like that. It seemed like her summer vacation wouldn't go as she had imagined. "Christina is a college student, an academic star. Why are you trying to hang out with her? You're not even in the same circle! You should stay home and focus on your studies. Get into a good college so that your dad and I don't have to worry about you. "Besides, you upset the Sterling family today. What if they come looking for trouble? Can you handle it by yourself? What will you do if the Sterlings show up? Tell me!" Serena's expression was solemn as she spoke. To her, Jenny was still a child. Her getting involved with Hayden and the Sterling family would only create more problems. This was the only way to protect her daughter. "Hmph!" Jenny pouted, clearly displeased. But with Serena being so adamant, what else could she do? "Hayden…" Jenny turned to Hayden, her last hope. Her eyes were full of grievance as she silently pleaded for his help. However, Hayden could only shrug helplessly. "Alright. I'll tell Christina you can't make it tomorrow," he said. "If there's time later, we can invite her over to hang out with you." That was all Hayden could offer. "What? Hayden, you…" Jenny's cheeks flushed with frustration, and her breathing quickened in indignation. Her chest rose and fell with every breath, showing just how upset she was. She had hoped that Hayden would stand up for her, but instead, he had said something so disappointing. "Hmph! I'm not talking to you anymore. You're all bullying me!" With that, Jenny stormed off to her room, slamming the door behind her in a show of defiance. "Alright. Let's start cooking. She'll come out once the food's ready," Serena said calmly. She was used to Jenny's tantrums and wasn't bothered by this one. "Alright," Hayden agreed. Soon, everyone was busy preparing dinner. Before long, the table was filled with a variety of delicious dishes. "Jenny, come eat!" Hayden called out. "Coming!" Jenny excitedly dashed out of her room and headed straight for the dining table. Her face lit up with anticipation as she looked at the spread of dishes. She said with a giggle, "Everything looks so good! I'm going to eat a lot today!" Her earlier frustration was completely forgotten and was now replaced by eager excitement. "You little foodie." Hayden and the others laughed, looking at her with affection. True to form, her love of food had completely erased her earlier anger. They all sat down to enjoy the meal together. "What I said earlier was just for your consideration," James remarked as they ate. "As your parents, we only want you to do your best. But if everyone only looks out for themselves while refusing to help others and losing their sense of justice, that wouldn't be a good thing either. "The choice is yours. As long as you have a clear conscience, that's what matters most. This isn't about right or wrong," James offered another reminder.