Julie frowned, more annoyed than flattered.

She hadn't talked to Patricia for so long. Why was Patricia trying to butter her up now? She felt nauseous.

Patricia witnessed Julie's reaction with some tension. Of course Patricia knew that Julie hated her.

However, Patricia smiled disparagingly and continued, “A few days ago, when I was shopping, I saw you from a distance. I was so happy that I wanted to rush over and say hello. But when I saw that you were on a date with a mysterious man, I held my horses. I didn't want to spoil your date by imposing on you."

Julie's expression hardened when she heard this well-timed remark. Before she could reply, she heard a cold snort from Bill.

“Mom! How could you?" Vivian also yelled in surprise.

“You and Dad aren't officially divorced yet. How could you..." Julie clenched her fists in silent anger.

Her mood darkened as she looked at the dramatic expressions on the faces of the threesome.

If this scene had played out in the past, the ineloquent Julie would have probably shied away from a response and would have suppressed her sadness.

But since she had been Living with Anthony and Maria, the youngsters seemed to have affected her in a positive way. She was no longer reserved and timid. She had learnt to speak her mind.

Julie picked up the cup again.

She slowly took a few sips of tea and began to sort out her messy thoughts and carefully analyze the current situation before replying to her impatient listeners.

“Patricia, the man you mentioned is Professor Ian Navarro. I did have an appointment, not a date, with him a few days ago. You probably know that when my father was still alive, he used a hibernation pod, and Professor Navarro is the principal expert in the research and development of the hibernation pod. I had several questions for him regarding it. That is the reason you saw the two of us together in a public place," Julie enunciated clearly and reasonably.

What she said was largely true. That day, she and Ian did only chat about the use and maintenance of the hibernation pod.

The only thing she did not tell them was that it was Ian who had asked to meet her.

Julie would never cause trouble to a friend like Ian just because of her personal affairs.

“Your father has passed away. What do you still need to discuss with the so-called expert?" Bill muttered jealously.

Julie glanced at him disinterestedly and said, "Because my daughter, Maria, is also a user of the hibernation pod. As a mother, I have to take an interest in my child's well-being.

She is my priority."

“Well, I suppose..."

Bill didn't know what to say. Julie's explanation was irrefutable.

Patricia hurried to play the role of a mediator, “All right. Point noted. Anyway, I think it's a good thing that Julie made a new friend. Let's not overreact unnecessarily."

With those words she finally ended the topic she had personally provoked.

Patricia took a sip of her coffee and smiled.