Jessica cheered, “Yay!”
Lisa said with a pout, “Jessica, are you really leaving me? What about Mom and me? We’ll miss you so much, you’re my little ray of sunshine.”
She was about to say more when Vivian paused, thought for a moment, and said, “Did I forget to mention? I’m planning to find a job here in Hatholand, so I’ll be staying for now.”
These past few days, Vivian had been working on extending her visa. With her previous work experience as a reference, the approval should come through soon.
Lisa genuinely pulled a long face. After all, Hatholand was Maxine and Jessica’s hometown, so it was only natural for them to stay. But now, even her own mother was planning to remain in Hatholand. Lisa couldn’t help but feel even more left out.
Lisa pouted and edged closer, tugging at Vivian’s sleeve. “Mom, are you really staying here? What about me? I only have a tourist visa. What am I supposed to do?”
Vivian shot her a glance. “Then you’ll have to go back when your visa expires.”
Lisa suddenly realized she was the only one in the car who’d have to leave when her visa expired, the others all had long–term residency. After Urban helped Maxine fake her death, he’d arranged a new identity for her under the same name.
Vivian had a long–term visa, and Jessica was originally from Hatholand anyway.
Lisa had been really down about this, only perking up when Jessica agreed to take her out to explore the local sights and shops.
Vivian said apologetically to Maxine, “Sorry that Lisa brought Jessica here without asking you first. I should’ve given you a heads–up.”
Maxine smiled and said, “It’s okay. Jessica’s all grown up now, it’s her choice, Besides, things aren’t as dangerous as they used to be.”
Hamlin already had his hands full. With the court date fast approaching, she had to scramble to ‘find‘ any evidence she could.
Over the next few days, Jessica took Lisa out exploring. They even bumped into some of Jessica’s old friends from Hatholand, and together, the group visited a nearby cultural site.
When they got back, both of them were practically bouncing with excitement, each carrying two big shopping bags. They couldn’t wait to show off all the treasures they’d bought to everyone at home.
“Oh, and this!” Lisa exclaimed, excitedly pulling two exquisite cups from the box and handing them to Vivian. “I spotted se right away! So beautiful, real Hatholand style!”
Vivian had never seen such exquisite tea cups before. She turned them over in her hands, completely enchanted and unable to put them down. She said, “Lisa, next time you go shopping there, get two more for me!“.
“Oh, by the way,” Maxine said with a smile as she finished helping Jessica put things away. She turned to her and asked, “How’s the new job going? Everything working out okay?”
Vivian shrugged. “Pretty good. You know how it is, there are always a few hiccups, but nothing I can’t handle.”
Maxine smiled and said, “If anything comes up, just let me know. I have some connections who can help sort things out.”
“Hey,” Vivian corrected with a confident smirk, I’m tough as nails. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Maxine smiled as she watched Lisa take a sip from her cup, immediately scrunching up her face in disgust. With a mischievous glint in her eye. L eagerly turned to Vivian, offering the cup with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Mom, you’ve gotta try this!” she said.
Vivian shot her a look. “Been there, done that when I first came to Hatholand. You can have it all to yoursell
08:13 Fri, 4 Jul
Chapter 267
“Enjoy,” Vivian said with icy finality.
Lisa let out a dramatic wail.
Maxine watched them and couldn’t help but smile. ‘If only I could always stay with them, I’d be truly happy,’ she thought.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
