Chapter 140 I Won’t Cook for You
What a ridiculous mess.
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Still, there were more important things at stake, and now wasn’t the time for a blow–up with Caroline. Alaina forced a sweet smile and said, “You know how your brothers are–they’re spoiled by your cooking and can’t stand anyone else’s food. Just yesterday, Fabian and Liam were still talking about how much they missed your meals! Sure, you’ve had a few disagreements, but at the end of the day, you’re family. Why not let it go and whip something up for them? Who knows, if they’re in a good mood, maybe they’ll even start treating you better.”
Caroline saw straight through the act but didn’t bother to call her out.
“I’d love to come back and cook for you all,” she said casually. “But unfortunately, I just don’t have the time. I’m out making deliveries right now, and stepping away means getting docked.”
She even let out a sigh, like she was really tied up in work.
Alaina, catching onto the money issue, quickly said, “How about this–come back and cook, and I’ll make up whatever you lose from delivery.”
How much could a morning of food delivery really earn?
Maybe 100 bucks?
She could drop that kind of cash without even noticing.
It was way cheaper than hiring a cook.
She thought Caroline would jump at the offer. After all, cooking a quick meal was easier than hustling around town delivering takeout.
But to her surprise, Caroline replied, “No can do. It’s not just about losing money–my ratings take a hit too, and that affects how many future orders I get. I’d be looking at more than just a few dollars.”
Alaina hesitated. “Okay… then how much do you want?”
She was willing to negotiate, so long as the price wasn’t ridiculous.
Caroline said breezily, “Between the pay and the ratings? I’d say at least 20,000 dollars.”
She wasn’t expecting Alaina to actually agree–just trying to scare her off.
But hey, if Alaina really was that generous and wanted to pay that much for one meal, Caroline wouldn’t say
- no.
After all, who turns down easy money?
Alaina was livid. She raised her voice, “Twenty thousand dollars? Do you think I’m an idiot?”
She’d heard that delivery drivers made like two or three bucks a run. Even doing it every day for a month might barely bring in 4,000 dollars.
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But Caroline stayed calm and said, “No one’s calling you an idiot. You asked me to come back, so I told you what it’d cost me. If you’re not interested, don’t waste my time. I’ve got deliveries to make
Before Alaina could say another word, she heard the telltale beeping of a call ending
She yanked the phone away from her ear and stared at the screen. The call had been cut off. Her face darkened with rage, practically black as the bottom of a burnt pån.
“That brat! A little praise and she’s already walking on air!”
So she’s good at cooking, big deal!
With money, I could hire a chef who makes Michelin–starred meals.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly with anger, and her sour expression didn’t go unnoticed by the two people lounging in the living room.
Jamie Wagner nudged Helen and asked, “Looks like your mom’s upset. Shouldn’t you check what’s going
on?”
Helen gave a knowing smirk. “It’s nothing serious. Let her be.”
She already knew exactly what had happened–Caroline had refused to come back and cook, and her mother was furious.
But honestly, it was her mom’s own fault.
Did she really think a few sweet words would get Caroline to drop everything and come back?
If that ever happened, pigs would fly.
Jamie looked relieved. “Good, good.”
Helen gave him a teasing look and patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Uncle Jamie. No matter what happens, it won’t mess up your big night. You’ll get your bride, I promise.”
Jamie had been feeling a little unsure, but her words were like a shot of confidence. “This is all thanks to you and your mom,” he said, his voice full of gratitude. “If I can really marry Caroline, I’ll make sure to thank you properly.”
He was over 30, and aside from his mom and sister, he’d never been close to another woman.
Not for lack of trying–he’d dated, even gone on blind dates–but none of it ever worked out.
Now, his cousin didn’t mind the age gap and was even willing to set him up with Caroline. It felt like winning the lottery.
Helen raised a brow and grinned. “Just stick to the plan, and you’ll get what you want.”
As for that promised reward? She wasn’t counting on it.
Jamie was flat broke. What could he possibly offer?
The real prize was Caroline herself. If she married him. that would be all the thanks she needed.
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Chapter 140 I Won’t Cook for You
twisted satisfaction.
No expensive gift could ever top that.
Meanwhile, Caroline had no idea a trap was being set just for her.
She had planned to swing by earlier, grab her bracelet, and leave right away.
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But now, after Alaina’s little ploy about cooking lunch, she realized if she showed up too early and refused to cook, Alaina might find a way to keep the bracelet from her.
