Chapter 35

Ashton had no idea what was going on between the adults. After playing his puzzle game for a while, he noticed that Noelle was still inside the room and hadn't come out yet. So, he went and knocked on the door. She pulled the door open, and they exchanged a few words. By the end of it, she shot a quick glance at Cassandra. Then, she pouted, and her cheeks puffed up in anger. At this time, Gregory called out, "Elle, come wash your hands. It's time to eat." Only then did Noelle step out of the room reluctantly. In the dining room, Steven sat at the head of the table, with Gregory and Christina seated to his immediate left and right. Beside Christina sat Gretchen, and Ashton was seated next to Gregory. Usually, Noelle would sit beside Ashton, but she was still upset with him. So, she climbed up into the seat beside Gretchen instead. "Aunt Gretchen, I'm sitting next to you today," said Noelle. Only Cassandra sat at the far end of the table like an outsider. She quietly turned to the