"Coming," a soft voice announced and a moment later, the door was opened. A young woman stuck her head out and smiled when she saw Claire. "Mrs. Blakely, you are here. Please come in and have a seat."

“Hey, Shirley, you finished school early today? Are you doing Laundry?"

As Claire walked in, she saw the working washing machine, which prompted her question. She sat down on the sofa and looked at Shirley with a smile.

While pouring water for Claire, Shirley replied, "There is only one class this afternoon, so I came back to clean the house. Have some water, please."

"Thanks. I'm not thirsty yet. How is your father doing now?"

"He's fine. He likes his job." Shirley smiled and added, “By the way, I made some cookies. I will get you some.”

Shirley's father had almost made a full recovery, but he was still taking medication. Shirley was anxious about leaving her father alone in their hometown, so she rented an apartment with two bedrooms.

Shirley's father was not the kind of man to sit still. Although he still had some savings, he preferred to do something instead of staying at home all day. Consequently, he was currently working as a janitor.

Upon returning to school, Shirley worked hard to maintain good grades while caring for her father. She took on part-time jobs during the weekends to help support them both financially.

Moments later, Shirley emerged from the kitchen, a plate of cookies in her hands. With a small smile, she placed the cookies in front of Claire.

“It's yummy! I have to take some home with me. Shirley, you are really talented at this. I wish I had a daughter Like you.

Unfortunately, I have only one son, and he takes delight in pissing me off every day," Claire declared as she happily ate the cookies.

"Mrs. Blakely, your son is so excellent. Many people should be jealous of you," Shirley assured, smiling at Claire.

Shirley had heard from Claire that her son worked in the Blakely Group.

“Stop defending him," Claire grumbled, staring around the living room.

The small apartment was clean and tidy, and there were a few pots of green plants on the balcony, adding vitality to the place.

Shirley excused herself, went to her room, and returned with a stack of cash which she handed to Claire. "I planned to bring it to you tomorrow, but since you are here, I don't have to make the trip."

A short while later, Claire took her leave, and Shirley helped her pack up the cookies.

As Claire left the house, she happened to see a bottle of folic acid on the table.

Frowning, Claire couldn't help but suspect something. She glanced at Shirley's flat stomach and shook her head. Perhaps she was overthinking it.