?Chapter 1081:


    “Aurora’s friend had an ident overseas. It’s serious. She’s on her way to the airport now.”


    A friend. Abroad. And Aurora rushing to their side without a second thought. Joelle’s mind immediatelynded on one name—Rickey.


    “Dunn, is it Rickey?” she asked.


    Dunn nodded once. Molly’s breath caught. “Is Rickey okay?”


    Rnd, who had heard Rickey’s name before but never paid much attention, frowned. “Who exactly is Rickey?”


    Molly leaned in and whispered, “Aurora’s best friend. They’ve been inseparable since childhood. I used to think he had a crush on her. But he went abroad right after graduation.”


    At that, Fred’s expression darkened. Gracie, everposed, discreetly pressed a hand against his arm—a silent caution.


    The Finch family remained poised, but tension coiled beneath the surface, a quiet storm brewing.


    Joelle cleared her throat, steering the conversation away from the undercurrents of difort. “Aurora knows how to handle herself. If there’s anything serious, she’ll inform us. Dunn, let’s eat.” Dunn gave a slight nod, signaling the waiter to bring the dishes.


    The meal went smoothly, with the atmosphere rtively peaceful.


    Afterward, both families departed in separate cars.


    On the drive home, Joelle turned to Adrian. “Adrian, don’t you know Rickey’s father?”


    “Yeah, I’ve met him a few times.”


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    “Could you call him? See if he knows anything about Rickey’s condition?”


    “Of course.”


    Joelle exhaled slowly, rubbing her temples. Anxiety still coiled tight in her chest. “Molly, next time, think before you speak. Throwing around words like ‘crush’ in front of the Finch family—it’s reckless.”


    Molly scoffed, unbothered. “What’s the issue? I said Rickey had a crush on Aurora, not the other way around. If she had feelings for him, they would’ve been together.”


    “Ages ago. It wouldn’t be up to Dunn.” Joelle stared at her, momentarily speechless. Frustration simmered beneath her calm facade.


    Rnd, sensing the storm brewing, intervened. “Rx. The Finch family wouldn’t dare make things difficult for Aurora.”


    Joelle turned to him sharply, exasperation ring in her eyes. “And you!” She was already on edge, and remembering Rnd’s personal life only made her headache worse.


    Adrian’s patience had worn thin. He shot the two a sharp nce through the rearview mirror. “You two are going to give me grey hairs.”


    Molly and Rnd exchanged nces, then promptly turned to stare out their respective windows, suddenly very interested in the scenery.


    Meanwhile, in the other car, Dunn took the wheel, his expression unreadable.


    In the back row, Gracie and Fred exchanged looks, each waiting for the other to speak first.


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