Boden quickly said. He never expected Maria to be this aloof and indifferent. Her cold attitude unsettled him a little.

When Maria stopped and Looked at him, he asked, “Do you have some time? If you're not in a haste, let's have dinner together."

Dinner?

As in a family dinner?

"No!" Vivian almost blurted out.

She didn't want to have dinner with Maria! She thought all that had ended since she left the house.

Maria was just an adopted child, and Vivian didn‘t want her getting the same princess treatment she was getting.

Maria had already made her decision, but the anger on Vivian's face helped solidify it. "No, thank you."

With that, she nodded politely to Julie and walked out.

Maria got into the car and looked at Anthony silently. Anyone watching would have thought he Looked indifferent, but his eyes sent a different message; one of tenderness.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting," she said with a smile.

Anthony just smiled and glanced down at the old but neat book she was holding.

"As long as you found what you need. Let's go home.”

Home?

Maria wished he could repeat those words. It sounded so sweet and perfect. It made her feel like she belonged.

"Yes, let's go home."

In the Jenkins' villa.

Vivian was back in a good mood because Maria had left and had declined the invitation to dinner.

“Cousin Boden, I've booked a table in the revolving restaurant inside the Winston Hotel. Why don't we go there later? It's the best restaurant in Sheffield. I know we can't compare Sheffield to Broome, but I still hope you'll like it!"

Julie was looking at her daughter as though she was a stranger. Vivian was so good at acting like the spoiled child.