Gwenda hadn't seen Olivier in three or four days, not since her last drinking episode. She was too busy to schedule a meeting, and vaguely remembered—or perhaps only dreamed—what had happened between them in the car that night. This uncertainty prevented her from summoning the courage to face him, though they exchanged occasional WhatsApp messages. She was often too busy to reply, sometimes even missing his calls.

This Friday, Olivier had lunch at the family home. Melanie, his grandmother, inquired about his progress with Gwenda. He told her the truth, which filled Melanie with disappointed frustration.

"You wooden fool!" she exclaimed. "You're always so passive! How can you possibly woo her like this?"

Olivier, unconvinced, raised an eyebrow and replied lightly, "Granny, one must be patient when fishing, or you'll scare the fish away."

"Oh, just keep talking nonsense," Melanie scoffed. "You'll never win her over!" She sighed. "Oh, I'm so upset!"

"Granny, I know my limits…"

"Oh, please, as if you do!" Melanie glared. "How about this? I'll create an opportunity. What do you think?"

Olivier looked up. "What?"

"My Uncle Jerry's daughter, Wendy, is returning from abroad tonight for a family gathering. How about we take her to the resort tomorrow? I haven't relaxed in ages."

Olivier frowned, his handsome features showing his resistance. "You're getting me to babysit?"

Melanie smacked him. "Babysit? Wendy's seventeen! She'll be an adult next year. How is she still a child?"

"She's still a child!"

"Oh, you're not willing? Then forget it!" Melanie rolled her eyes. "You don't even want the opportunity I'm offering. Serves you right for not being able to find a wife!"

Olivier remained silent. "How hurtful," he thought.

"I'll ask Gwenda out later. We'll have fun at the resort. It's up to you whether you come or not." Melanie was deliberately goading him.

Olivier smiled helplessly. "Granny, stop fooling around."

"I'll call her now." Melanie put down her cutlery and made the call.

Across town, Gwenda was working overtime when Melanie called. She'd been busy reshooting commercials with Cecilia and hadn't even eaten.

Melanie's genial voice filled Gwenda's ear. "Gwenda, dear…" Gwenda sensed unusual affection. "Granny, you're looking for me?"

"Yes, dear. Are you busy?"

"Yes, I'm still working. I haven't finished yet."

"Still working overtime? Poor dear, you must be tired. Have you eaten?"

Melanie's heart ached.

"No, but I will soon. Granny, is there something I can do for you?" Gwenda asked, confused.

"Well, I'd like to go out and have some fun, but I have no one to go with, so I thought of you. Are you free tomorrow? Could you accompany me on a two-day trip to the resort near the suburbs?"

"Tomorrow, huh…" Gwenda considered. Cecilia had a minor interview the next day, but it wasn't crucial.

"You're not free?" Melanie sounded disappointed.

Gwenda quickly denied it. "Oh, no, no, no. I'm free tomorrow. I'm free all weekend." She had no reason to refuse Melanie's personal invitation.

Melanie laughed with joy. "Well! That's settled then. I'll send a car for you tomorrow morning. We'll go to the resort together."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Melanie hummed triumphantly, returning to the dining hall. "Brat, watch and learn. It all worked out the moment I stepped in."

Olivier raised an eyebrow. "She agreed?"

"Of course!"

"Did you tell her I'm going too?"

"Didn't you say you weren't?"

"Did I?"

Melanie choked. "Anyway, I didn't tell her. If you want to go, be quick to pick her up tomorrow morning. Perform well, understand?"

"I don't need your advice on this, Granny," Olivier said resignedly.

Melanie glared. "I did it for your own good!"

Olivier was once again speechless.