Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 36

After school.

On her way back to her apartment, Amber passed by Grace Diner. Predictably, she saw her father with an apron tied around his waist, bustling around.

Her dad was just like in his past life. Even after catching Grace on a blind date with another man, he had never stood his ground.

Back then, he had said, "We're getting older, and she and I aren't legally married. If she wants to get dinner or tea with a friend, that's her right. Besides..." Amber remembered the tears in his eyes. "As long as you and Lucian are happy together, that's all that matters."

Her father had wasted his entire life catering to that woman.

"Dad, take a break. Let me handle these dishes. You go home and cook dinner, and I'll take it to the hospital for Grace once I'm done here. When I get back from evening study hall, you can go keep her company. You can get some decent sleep until then."

Amber took the dirty dishes right out of his hands.

Arthur looked surprised. "Amber, are you done fighting with Lucian?"

Amber smiled warmly. "Dad, I'm not fighting with him. I just realized you were right. Our families have taken care of each other for so long. Bickering is normal, but we can't just abandon them."

"Go on, do what I said. Grace will be thrilled."

Arthur knew it. His Amber was such a good, filial daughter.

They had lived like this for twelve years; there was no point holding grudges now.

"No, you head home. I'll finish washing these and then I'll be right behind you. Your only focus right now needs to be on your exams. I can handle this." Arthur tried to grab the dishes back, flashing a weary smile that broke Amber's heart.

"Dad, just consider this my way of apologizing to Grace. Go on, don't waste time! I'll have these done in a flash. If Grace knows you cooked dinner and I brought it to her, she'll be in such a good mood her back will heal in no time. Go, go! In the time we're arguing, I could have finished already."

Amber gently pushed her father out the door.

Arthur hesitated for a moment. "My Amber really has grown up. Alright, I'll head back. I'll make some pork ribs for you; my girl needs her nutrition for the exams."

"Sounds great. Thanks, Dad."

Amber watched her father leave. The corners of her mouth curved into a sharp, calculating smile. She pulled out her phone. "Hello? Loretta, yes, it's Amber. Let's stick to the plan. Come on over, my dad just left."

Less than two minutes later, a sturdy woman named Loretta Leavitt appeared, already wearing protective sleeves and an apron.

"Amber, I'm here! Just these dishes, right? Leave it to me. Give me half an hour and I'll have 'em spotless."

With that, she rolled up her sleeves and started scrubbing.

Amber pulled up a stool and sat by the diner's entrance.

Lucian, oh Lucian, you really have some thick skin. Her dad told you he wouldn't help, and you actually just walked away? Your mom is in the hospital, and my dad is the one taking care of her. Your mom can't run her diner, so my dad runs it for her. School lets out, and instead of coming to help wash dishes, you take Joanne out to an all-you-can-eat buffet? And tonight, my dad is the one cooking and staying at the hospital to look after her.

You really are the son of the year.

She sent one final text: [You have until 10 PM tonight to bring me my money, or else... I'll make sure you don't even graduate high school.]

After hitting send, she threw her phone onto the hospital bed.

That little tramp was a real headache.

"Grace! Are you feeling any better?"

Loretta, having finished the diner dishes, strolled in carrying the dinner Amber had prepared.

She was beaming, which completely confused Grace. Before she could ask why she was there, Loretta spoke up. "Joanne sent me. She said she felt terrible about you being in the hospital, so she hired me to bring you some food and give you a massage. Don't worry, Joanne's footing the bill. You don't have to pay a dime."

Grace was stunned. "She won't pay me back, but she's spending money to hire you to massage me?"

"I wouldn't know anything about that, Grace. All I know is she's paying, and you're enjoying. She still owes you that money, but free service is free service, right?" Loretta said.

These lines had all been fed to her by Amber.

Grace was cheap, and Loretta was known around the neighborhood as someone you didn't mess with. Both women were well aware of each other's reputations.

Grace thought about it. *That little bitch must be trying to suck up to me.* "Listen to me. You go back and tell her that even if she's trying to play nice, she still owes me my money."

Standing outside the hospital room, Amber smiled, sent Loretta a quick text, and headed back to school.