Chapter 69 “Aurelia! You silly child! Why didn’t you tell me such an important thing?” Linda didn’t hit Aurelia. Instead, she embraced her tightly and whispered, “How was that for acting?” At a loss, Aurelia almost choked on the pastry in her mouth. ‘Aurelia, you’re not hurt, are you? If you feel uncomfortable, I will take you to the hospital for a comprehensive check–up. Don’t keep it to yourself.” Linda doted. “Mom, I’m fine,” Aurelia laughed. Now, Kimberly couldn’t sit still any longer. “Auntie, did you misunderstand? Aurelia lied to you!” “I already knew.” Linda shrugged indifferently at Kimberly. “I’m relieved that Aurelia stayed away from men from such families. She’s so sensible to marry my son; it’s our family’s good fortune. I’m more concerned about her than anything else. Why would I blame her?” She continued, “As for you, as Aurelia’s colleague, you don’t seem happy for her. Instead, you mentioned her ex–boyfriend in front of me, her mother–in–law. What are you trying to imply? “Oh, I see. Are you secretly in love with Aurelia’s ex–boyfriend? Some people are a perfect match for each other.” Linda’s counterattacks left Kimberly’s eyes almost popping out of her head. Panicking, Kimberly said, “Auntie, even if you knew about Aurelia’s ex–boyfriend, did you know that she deliberately eats vegetarian dishes in the office to make people think yo mistreat her?” Aurelia immediately retorted, “I eat vegetarian dishes because I like them. When you’re dieting, don’t you eat vegetable salads? Does that mean you’re being mistreated? Also, when did I ever say that my in–laws mistreated me? “Kimberly, how you speak can sow discord, but I trust you wouldn’t do that. So, who told you this? Point them out, and my mom and I will confront them!” Linda chimed in, “That’s right, don’t believe in rumors, and don’t spread them. This kind of thing seriously affects the harmony of my family. Reporting it to the police wouldn’t be too much. Miss, please quickly identify the source.” Left speechless, Kimberly’s expression shifted. She certainly didn’t dare to accuse anyone unless she wanted to be drowned in a torrent of spit from others. Even those who usually adored her were now keeping their distance. People usually acted this way. When it doesn’t concern them, they distance themselves. Kimberly could only change her tune and say, “So it was a misunderstanding. Misunderstandings happen, and we’re all so happy it’s resolved.” “Yeah. Let’s all eat. We don’t have much time for lunch break left,” Aurelia intervened, exchanging a knowing look with Linda. They were close friends, and their understanding was evident. Linda glanced at Kimberly and approached her with a plate of pastries. “Have a piece. Your complexion doesn’t look too good.” Kimberly’s mood worsened, but she gritted her teeth and said, “No, thanks. I’m on a diet and am tired of their food anyway” Linda maintained a polite smile and gave Kimberly a once–over before nodding thoughtful I see. You should definitely lose some weight. Your stomach bulge is starting to show in your dress.” What happened next almost made Aurelia burst out laughing, Kimberly suddenly sucked in her stomach. The sight was genuinely amusing In truth, Kimberly wasn’t overweight, at most, she could be considered curvy Linda offered her the pastry to maintain appearances. But since Kimberly wanted to act superior, blame Linda for her sharp tongue She shouldn’t Linda awkwardly said, “Since this young lady is on a diet, I’ll call the coffee shop and ask them to make one less coffee to avoid wasting ” Aurelia immediately interjected, “Mom, no need to spend money. We have a coffee machine in our office.” Linda mused, “I heard you young people like that coffee called what was it?” Millie swallowed her pastry and cautiously said, “Auntie, could it be the Beanless Brews coffee shop where people wait in line for over three hours? The owner is a handsome blond guy, and The coffee is just like him, authentic.” Linda nodded at Millie, “Oh, you really know your stuff. Yes, that’s the one. I have a friend who knows the owner of that place, and I had him make 20 cups of coffee for me. I’ll treat you all to afternoon tea today. But this young lady on a diet has saved me some money. Hearing that it was the famous Beamless Brews coffee shop with the owner personally making the coffe other colleagues immediately chimed in. “Auntie, I’ll have some. I’m not on a diet, and I’ve wanted to try it for a long time.” “Thanks, Auntie.” “Thanks, Aurelia, you’ve blessed us.” “Hehe, you’re welcome,” Aurelia replied with a shallow smile. These same people had been waiting to see her fail in the morning, but now, they had changed their tune. Indeed, the workplace was ever–changing.