Flash Marriage With Mr. Sheffield: Go Away, Cheap Man!-Chapter 208: Anabelle Is Returning to Ardendale

Chapter 208: Chapter 208: Anabelle Is Returning to Ardendale

Hanging up the phone, Clara turned to Yvonne Sterling and said, "Mom, I’m going out for dinner with some friends tonight, former colleagues I met at Sheffield, two girls."

Yvonne nodded, "Alright, go ahead, be safe and don’t drink alcohol."

"Okay," Clara replied, "My friend will come to pick me up later."

Yvonne smiled, "Do you want to invite her up for a bit?"

"I’ll ask her."

Clara opened WhatsApp and sent a message to Anabelle Spencer.

[Care to come up for a cup of tea?]

Anabelle didn’t reply immediately; she must be driving.

Clara chatted with her mom for a while.

When it seemed like the time was right, she stood up to change her clothes.

Clara often visited her mom here, occasionally staying overnight.

Yvonne kept a room for her, filled with clothes for all seasons and some daily necessities.

Once she changed, her phone chimed with a message.

Anabelle replied: [I came empty-handed this time. Next time, I’ll bring something to visit Auntie. I’m at the entrance of your complex; you can come down now.]

[Alright.]

Clara put on a black fitted maxi dress, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, the ends naturally curved, a few stray strands by her cheeks adding a touch of effortless ease.

She wore no makeup, her face naturally porcelain-white, with eyebrows that curved naturally, not sharp or dull.

The clean look without makeup and the simplicity of her outfit gave her an elegant charm like a cool breeze on a summer night, captivating anyone looking at her.

As soon as Clara got in the car, Anabelle praised her, "Haven’t seen you for a few days, Clara, and you’re looking prettier!"

"Don’t mention it. I’ve been busy with experiments lately. Going home at night to burn the midnight oil reading, I’ve got dark circles under my eyes."

"What dark circles? I can’t see any," Anabelle laughed, "You’re gorgeous even without makeup!"

Clara fastened her seatbelt in the passenger seat, "Where are we going for dinner later?"

"Hotpot," Anabelle said, "There’s a famous hotpot place nearby."

"Great, haven’t had hotpot in a long while; I’ve been craving it."

Anabelle started the car, "It’s very close, just a five-minute drive."

Five minutes later, the car stopped in front of a place called "Kymer Classic Hotpot."

As Clara stepped out, a rich beefy aroma mixed with the pungency of peppercorns and chili instantly washed over her, making her nose tingle.

At seven-thirty in the evening, the hotpot place was bustling.

The two followed the waiter into a private room.

Anabelle glanced at her phone, "Lisa said she’s caught in traffic. We should order first and get extra meat; she’s not picky."

Clara pulled out a chair and sat down, "Okay."

Waiter: "You can scan the code to order."

Clara scanned the code on her phone to place the order.

Anabelle is from Ardendale, not fond of spicy food, so she ordered a half-and-half pot.

Lisa Holloway and Clara both love spicy food.

After all the dishes were served, they waited for a few more minutes before Lisa Holloway finally showed up.

"Sorry, sorry, caught in traffic," Lisa quickly walked over and pulled out a chair.

"Glad you’re finally here. Another five minutes and we’d have started without you," Anabelle said, though her tone was without a hint of blame, "Ordered your favorite tripe and shrimp paste; see if you want to add anything, scan the code to add dishes yourself."

Lisa glanced at the table, "That’s enough, all my favorites."

Red chili oil bubbled and brewed in the pot, with chili and peppercorn floating with the bubbles, the heat and steam painting the cheeks of the three girls a subtle blush.

"Dig in, dig in!" Lisa was the first to grab a slice of beef, dipping it into the red oil pot.

They all started cooking with their chopsticks.

Clara dipped a slice of beef, savoring it, closing her eyes contentedly, "This place has really good flavors."

"See, I told you," Lisa laughed while cooking, then asked, "Didn’t you recently visit President Sheffield’s grandmother? How was it? Is President Sheffield’s family easygoing?"

"Everyone’s great," Clara answered, "My uncle, aunt, and grandma were very welcoming. If not for rushing back to the lab, I’d have stayed a few more days."

"That’s nice," Anabelle added, "It’s good they were welcoming."

"By the way, did you know Anabelle resigned?" Lisa asked.

"Yeah, she mentioned it," Clara looked at Anabelle, "But you didn’t say why you resigned."

Anabelle’s tone was calm: "I originally came here for Julian Hawthorne, and now that he’s gone, there’s no point in staying. I’m planning to return to Ardendale."

"Return to Ardendale?" Clara and Lisa were both momentarily stunned, their chopsticks pausing in midair.

Anabelle seemed to have anticipated their surprise. She smiled, picked up the water kettle, and poured some into their cups.

"It’s not a sudden decision; I’ve been thinking about it for a while. Veridian is great, and you both are dear friends, but I..." Anabelle paused.

"Remember I once mentioned I had someone I cared about? He’s in Ardendale, and I want to go back to pursue him."

Lisa was instantly intrigued by the gossip, "Wow, so that’s it? Just who is this mystery man who has you so captivated?"

Anabelle’s lips curled into a gentle smile.

But then, the smile turned into a bitter one.

"He’s a business partner of my dad, ten years older than me..." Anabelle lowered her gaze, "To him, I’m just a kid. He knows how I feel but never took me seriously..."

Anabelle’s voice was soft yet carried an unprecedented determination, "I want to go back and give it a try. No matter the outcome, I owe it to myself to be brave for my own happiness."

Clara saw the sparkle in Anabelle’s eyes, and a surge of indescribable emotions rose within her.

She thought of her past self.

The insecurities that stopped her from confessing her feelings to Silas Sheffield, even going so far as to deliberately keep her distance and avoid meeting his gaze.

Lacking the courage to be brave for her own happiness.

Thus, they drifted apart needlessly for many years.

Anabelle might seem pampered and is well-known as a wealthy heiress from Ardendale, often speaking and acting with a casual air, but deep down she had a persistent, stubborn spirit.

Clara knew, Anabelle’s decision to quit and return to Ardendale was definitely not impulsive; it was to pursue her heart’s deepest wish.

"That’s great," Lisa said, raising her glass, "Wishing you swift success, and to win over the guy soon! When you get married, don’t forget to invite us to Ardendale for the wedding!"

"Of course!" Anabelle smiled, clinking glasses with her, and turned to Clara.

Clara raised her glass too, sincerity shining in her eyes, "We’ve got your back, go for it! No matter what, keep in touch, and come back to Veridian when you miss us, or we’ll come to Ardendale to visit you."