Chapter 264

"Well, there seems to be a special connection between us," Ruby said.

"Mrs. Xenos, we certainly do share a connection," Shirley replied. "You're my idol. A board with your photo and achievements is still hanging on the wall at Roncrity News Network."

Shirley had done her research. She knew Ruby had been the star reporter at Roncrity News Network before leaving the country. Shirley even visited the network and confirmed Ruby's photos were still displayed in a hallway.

Ruby chuckled modestly. "That was years ago."

Seeing Ruby in a good mood, Shirley asked, "Why did you quit journalism? You had so many achievements. You would have headed Roncrity News Network if you'd continued." Ruby looked embarrassed for a moment, and Sam felt helpless.

Ruby had been a journalist for years, even working as a war correspondent in dangerous areas. She'd uncovered numerous global underground operations and helped countless homeless orphans. Her face frequently appeared in international news, and she was a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Shirley's questions, however, revealed her unfamiliarity with Ruby, despite claiming her as an idol.

The fourth Xenos son, Keith, entered and overheard their conversation. He teased, "Head of the network? Do you know how many TV stations my family owns?"

Shirley stiffened. Justin fumed, glaring at Shirley. Selena struggled to lighten the atmosphere, but Shirley's words ruined the effect. Fortunately, Ruby didn't mind and invited everyone to dinner.

Ruby looked much younger than her age; her graceful, free spirit contrasted sharply with other wealthy women confined to their homes. The Xenos family was clearly happy. Sam adored his wife, agreeing with everything she said and looking at her lovingly—a gaze he didn't bestow on his sons.

The four Xenos sons were impeccably mannered. Their table manners were textbook perfect. Shirley found them pleasant to watch, particularly Lev, whose aloofness reminded her of Jonathan.

However, Shirley was puzzled by Justin and Selena's failure to mention, or even joke about, a marriage alliance. She couldn't bring it up herself, but she had a plan.

Once everyone had finished eating, Shirley produced a small wooden box from her bag. Handing it to Ruby as if it were a precious treasure, she said, "Mrs. Xenos, I specially prepared a gift for you. I hope you like it."

Ruby opened the box to reveal neatly arranged incense sacks. The sandalwood scent was refreshing, instantly clearing her mind. Ruby's eyes lit up; she liked it. Shirley smiled, pleased with herself.

"It's called Laron Floral Essence," Shirley said. "I made them myself, immersing roses in sandalwood incense and adding some herbs to help with relaxation and sleep." (She hadn't, of course; she'd stolen them from Cynthia's workshop.)

Cynthia had been into quirky crafts since childhood. At the Jones residence, she'd transformed a storage room into a studio. After Cynthia left, no one had entered until Shirley accidentally discovered several treasures, including the box of incense.

Shirley recalled Cynthia using the incense at Susanna's birthday party, where it had been highly favored—even more so than Shirley's three-million-dollar necklace. It seemed wealthy people valued different things.

Shirley had secretly brought the incense hoping to win Ruby's favor, and it seemed to be working.

Ruby sniffed an incense stick. "It smells wonderful. I really like it. Thank you so much." Ruby's approval made Shirley smug, and even Justin felt relieved. He thought, Shirley finally made a smart move.

Shirley seized the opportunity. "Mrs. Xenos, the first time I saw you, I felt a special bond. I know you lost your daughter. I was born on the same day as her. If you feel it too, I could be your daughter. I'll treat you like my mother."

After Shirley finished, Justin felt the world collapsing. Sam had warned them not to mention this to avoid upsetting Ruby, but Shirley had forgotten. Justin looked at Sam and saw coldness and disdain. He realized their visit was pointless.

After Shirley spoke, Ruby began scratching her hand. "It's so itchy!" Sam rushed to her side. "What's wrong?"

Ruby looked up. "I don't know. My skin itches after touching these sticks." Everyone noticed the rash on her hands and face. Sam pushed the box away. "Ms. Jones, what are these made of?"

Ruby's itching intensified. She was clearly having an allergic reaction. Shirley was stunned. How could she know? Susanna had handled them without incident. Justin and Selena stood up, visibly anxious.

"I have no idea," Shirley said. "It's just regular incense."

Hector examined the incense. "You mentioned adding herbs. What kind?"

Hector touched the incense; a rash quickly appeared on his hand. "The incense is the problem."

Keith glared. "My mother never offended you. Why did you do this to her?"

Justin panicked. He believed Shirley had made the incense, not Cynthia. "Shirley, tell us exactly what you added!"

Shirley felt helpless. "How would I know? Cynthia made it, not me."

[SEND GIFT]