Chapter 266: Chapter 266: Aunt Kenway Is Too Good to Me

Chelsea Raines’s face grew hot. She couldn’t believe Jared Woods had asked such a moronic question. Then it occurred to her that he rarely used cash. He’d been so pampered growing up that he had no concept of money.

“A bottle of water can’t be that expensive. Go on.”

The words had barely left her mouth when the assistant director interjected. “No, you can’t do that. The rules state you’re not allowed to spend money from your wallets or bank cards.”

Chelsea Raines was parched. She was annoyed at herself for not bringing enough water, thinking it would be too heavy. “But we haven’t even reached our destination yet, have we?”

“But the show has already started.”

Chelsea Raines could only put her money away, inwardly fuming that the production team was being so difficult.

After a short wait, a bus with the “Super Mom” logo pulled over to the side of the road. The guests boarded one by one. The air conditioning inside provided some relief from the sweltering heat.

The bus carried them away from the bustling city and toward a remote village. They arrived at their destination about half an hour later.

The local homes in Xylia Province were exceptionally unique. Influenced by the region’s religion, the residential houses were single-story, timber-framed structures with dense ribbing. Their walls were adorned with floral and geometric patterns, making them look like exquisite works of art from a distance.

The guests disembarked one by one into the same scorching heat, which was over 40 degrees Celsius. It wasn’t long before they were drenched in sweat.

Musical instruments began to play as several women with graceful figures started to perform a dance. They had high-bridged noses and deep-set eyes. As they twirled, their silken robes fluttered in the wind. It was a true visual feast.

A sweet fragrance suddenly wafted by. One of the dancers had moved gracefully to stand before Naomi Kenway, inviting her to join their dance. Naomi promptly set down her suitcase and joined in. She had already memorized many of the moves while watching them perform, and she looked surprisingly skillful as she danced along.

The drumming stopped, the dance ended, and applause broke out all around.

The lead dancer’s Mandarin had a slightly nasal quality. “You’re a very good dancer,” she praised.

“Thank you,” Naomi said.

The tour guide, Dalton, applauded before raising his bullhorn. “Our lovely local ladies and our guest all danced so beautifully!”

The young women smiled, bowed, and departed. A middle-aged man in a felt hat took their place. He had a beer belly and a beard, but his expression was exceptionally kind and hospitable. A distinct accent was audible when he spoke. This was the village chief.

Naomi Kenway returned to her spot and listened as the guide introduced their destination. The name of the village was quite long, but Naomi memorized it for the time being.

The weather was still hot, so the guests soon followed the village chief to a spacious local home. The residence covered a large area, and a stage had been set up in front. They asked and were told there would be another performance soon.

The guests took their seats in turn. An array of local delicacies had already been laid out before them: things like roasted naan, lamb skewers, dates, and grapes…

Unable to resist, Jared Woods plucked a green grape from a bunch. “Wow, this is sweet!”

Chelsea Raines glanced around before swatting his hand. “No one has started eating yet. Why are you eating first?”

“But this is how I am at home,” Jared Woods said with a pout. “Why can’t I just eat?”

The village chief said warmly, “What an adorable young man! If you like them, please eat your fill. Don’t feel you have to hold back here. There are other dishes that will be brought out in a moment.”

The words had barely left his mouth when villagers approached carrying platters of pilaf. The aroma of lamb chops filled the air, and the glistening, translucent rice looked absolutely irresistible.

The tour guide chimed in, “You’ve all had a long journey. This is a feast the villagers have warmly prepared for you. Please, everyone, dig in!”

The guests started to eat. Naomi Kenway had two children sitting next to her; Nathan Lynch had gotten into an argument with Renee Jennings and was still sitting beside Naomi.

Naomi Kenway already knew Ian Shaw’s food preferences by heart, but she wasn’t as familiar with Nathan Lynch’s. She only remembered that Mona was allergic to seafood.

She turned her head to him and asked, “Mona, what would you like to eat? This is a big table, and some of the dishes are out of your reach. Just tell Aunty, and I’ll get them for you.”

Nathan Lynch slowly shook his head. He just poked at the rice in his bowl and said he could get things himself.

Naomi Kenway had to let it go. But a moment later, she noticed that Nathan Lynch was still just poking at his rice, only occasionally picking up a lamb skewer from the plate directly in front of him. Naomi realized in a flash that he was just shy and didn’t want to bother her.

Naomi Kenway leaned closer to him and asked again, a few more times, very gently. This time, Nathan Lynch finally mentioned two dishes he wanted.

Naomi deftly put them in his bowl for him. “Is there any food on this table that you’re allergic to?” she asked.

Nathan Lynch shook his head.

Naomi then piled his bowl with many other things, adding a little of each dish.

“Try a bit of these and see if you like them.”

Looking at his bowl, which was now filled to the brim, Nathan Lynch’s eyes suddenly began to sting. Naomi’s meticulous care and attention reminded him of his own mother.

Ever since his own mother left, he had sometimes been able to draw a little bit of maternal love from Aunt Kenway.

Renee Jennings sat to one side, watching anxiously. When she saw Nathan Lynch bow his head and start to tear up, she thought, ’Finally, my chance!’ After clearing her throat a few times, Renee spoke up. “Nina, I know you mean well, but our Mona has a small appetite. He can’t possibly eat all that. Besides, he gets anxious around new people and starts to cry if he’s away from my side. It’s best if Mona comes back to me.”

Wary of something, Renee Jennings had phrased her words tactfully. As soon as she finished speaking, she stood up, planning to take Nathan Lynch back with her.

Nathan Lynch looked at her with pure rejection on his face. “I don’t want to go with you. You yelled at me earlier.” He sniffled. “I’m crying because Aunt Kenway is being so good to me, not because I miss you!”

A vein pulsed on Renee Jennings’s forehead. She never expected Nathan Lynch to be so defiant.

Ruby Preston tried to soothe her. “It’s normal for children to get emotional. Don’t provoke him. Let’s just wait a bit.”

Margaret Jennings chimed in, “That’s right. He’ll be fine once he’s calmed down a little. For now, let’s just have Mona stay with Nina!”

It’s unclear which words set Renee Jennings off, but she muttered, “Wait for him to calm down? What child is so headstrong? This is outrageous. I can’t just let him be…”

With that, she reached out to grab Nathan Lynch’s arm and drag him away.

As she pulled, Nathan Lynch stumbled and fell to the ground. He looked toward the cameras as he raised an arm to wipe away his tears.

Renee Jennings froze, stunned. She looked from her own hand to Nathan Lynch’s grief-stricken face. She couldn’t believe this six-year-old boy was so cunning.

“Why did you throw yourself on the ground?” she demanded. “Who taught you to be so deceptive? Who taught you to frame people? Mona, are you still a good boy or not?”

Naomi Kenway was beginning to understand what was happening. A part of her was relieved; Nathan Lynch was finally standing up for himself instead of just taking the abuse. Naomi turned, her sharp gaze landing on Renee Jennings’s face. “That’s enough, Renee Jennings!” she snapped. “How long are you going to cause a scene? He’s just a child!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep