Chapter 63: Old Comrade

Jared brought Hilda home to find Chloe still chatting with his parents. He'd planned to let Hilda compose herself before returning her, but they'd been seen together.

Chloe and Gary were surprised to see them arrive. Only Hannah, who was blind, remained unaware. "Jared, you're back?" she asked. "Why so late?"

Gary quickly tugged Hannah's hand. "Jared's with Hilda. They came home together." He beamed.

Hannah's face lit up. "Jared, you could have told us you were seeing Hilda! No need to be secretive. A surprise?"

Jared started to explain, but didn't know where to begin. Chloe, however, noticed Hilda looked distraught, as if she'd been crying. Frowning, she asked, "Hilda, did you work late? Why are you crying? And you smell of alcohol."

Overwhelmed, Hilda was speechless.

Jared quickly fabricated a story: "Mrs. Wallace, Hilda wasn't working late. She was drinking with colleagues, some of whom tried to get her drunk. I happened to be there and brought her home."

Chloe immediately stood and checked Hilda. Worried, she exclaimed, "What kind of colleagues are they? Making you drink knowing your low tolerance? That's awful!"

Seeing her mother's concern, Hilda broke down again, hugging Chloe.

Chloe comforted her, "Hilda, if you're unhappy at work, quit! Especially with those terrible colleagues." Chloe assumed Hilda had been bullied. New employees often faced such treatment.

Hannah reassured Hilda, "Stop crying. Quit your job. Gary's getting a friend to help Jared find work tomorrow. We'll help you too. As a graduate, finding a job shouldn't be hard."

Gary added, "I'll ask him tomorrow. Shouldn't be a problem; he's an old comrade."

The more they consoled her, the harder Hilda cried. Only Jared knew the real reason.

Helpless, Chloe took Hilda home.

Hannah sighed, "Jared, sleep early. Tomorrow, we'll take you to Mr. Saunders' to find you a job, and ask him to help Hilda. She's had it rough. You should treat her better instead of bullying her."

Mr. Saunders, Franklin Saunders, was Gary's former military comrade. After their discharge, Gary became a civil servant, while Franklin started a successful business with his pension.

"Mom, I—"

"Enough. Go to sleep." Hannah left.

Jared was in a difficult position. He considered Hilda a sister, not romantically, but didn't know how to explain this to his parents.

He resignedly returned to his room. He couldn't return to Dragon Bay for fear of angering his parents.

The next morning, Hannah yelled, "Jared, get up! Look presentable! Mr. Saunders took the day off for us."

"I know," Jared replied, opening his eyes.

After a quick breakfast, they hurried to Franklin's house by taxi.