“Okay, well, let me know how everything goes!"

“Okay, bye!

After hanging up, Chantel stood up from the toilet, tidied herself up, and walked out of the bathroom.

The first thing she saw downstairs, however, was Gifford coming towards her.

Gifford hadn't come back in a long time. Seeing him suddenly appear,

Chantel stopped in her tracks, and even took a step back. A guilty conscience weighed on her.

Her weird reaction to Gifford's presence made him frown. He didn't think of himself as a frightening or intimidating person.

Before either one of them could speak, Blair emerged from the kitchen, two plates of toast in her hands.

“Oh, Gifford, I forgot to tell

Chantel you were coming back," she explained, seemingly oblivious to what was going on between them.

"Both of you, come and have breakfast."

With a final glance at the young woman, Gifford silently strode into the dining room.

After watching him a moment, Chantel trotted up to the table and grabbed two pieces of toast.

"Auntie Blair, I have something to deal with at school. I'm leaving now!"

Blair didn't doubt her; this wouldn't be the first time the girl left home earlier than usual.

"At least have a glass of milk first."

Chantel's eyes flitted to Gifford, who was busily eating at the table.

Shaking her head, she said, “No, this is fine. I have to go. Bye!”

With that, she practically ran to the door of the living room.

Watching her go, Blair shook her head helplessly and sighed.

"She really is a tough girl. She sometimes goes to practice dancing and piano at four or five o'clock in the morning. Gifford, she's like a sister to you; you should at least bring some food to her Later!"

Without raising his head, Gifford refused, "No, I'm afraid I can't.

There's something I have to do later today.”

“The New Year is coming. What's got you so busy? Can you at Least be home on New Year's Eve?"

Gifford paused to think, then nodded.