The three of them finally found a quiet place nearby to rest. Huffing and puffing, Chloe dropped all the bags on the table and slumped on the chair. "That's it. I'm done. I'm even sweating on such a cold day."
Ashley rolled her eyes at Chloe and said, "I thought you said you wanted to shop around a little longer? I thought you would never feel tired."
Ashley had warned Chloe earlier about having to carry a lot of bags if she didn't stop buying things. However, Chloe somehow convinced Ashley that she had it all under control and now they were facing exactly what Ashley had feared.
Although Ashley's words might have come off as a bit harsh, she couldn't hide the fact that she cared about Chloe. She poured a glass of water for her and said, "Here, have some water."
Ashley poured a glass of water for Richard as well.
Chloe grabbed the glass quickly and gulped it down in an instant.
Glancing at Ashley with dissatisfaction, Chloe said, "Hey, I was only thinking for Richard. He's just moved into your place. A little boy like him need a lot of things, so we have to prepare a lot beforehand. Moreover, right now you're going to need all the help you can get. I was just trying to be helpful.
And here you are, blaming me for being such a good friend." As her voice trailed off, she cast Ashley an aggrieved look.
Chloe feigned outrage, making it look like Ashley had done something unforgivable.
Ashley, however, responded with a baffled, speechless expression.
Staring back at Chloe's puppy dog eyes, Ashley finally decided to compromise. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you."
"Well, I forgive you this time," said Chloe with a grunt of arrogance. "Just wait here. I'll ask for Nolan's men to come here and help us with all these bags. There's no way we will be able to carry them all."
Chloe fished her cellphone out of her handbag as she spoke.
Ashley sprang up to stop her, but Chloe had the agility of a nim
Suddenly, Richard went over to Ashley, eyes fixed on the empty glass.
Ashley affectionately caressed Richard's head. When she noticed the boy staring at the glass, Ashley smiled and asked, "Do you want some water too?"
Soon, she went back to the kitchen and came back with another glass of water.
Richard drank the entire glass of water the same way Chloe did.
Amused by the boy's antics, Chloe burst into laughter, "Ashley, did you see what Richard just did? He's so adorable! I want to squeeze his cheeks."
Chloe's eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, reaching out with her claws towards Richard's face.
Frightened, the boy ran and hid behind Ashley, furtively peeking at Chloe.
Although Richard thought Chloe was nice, Ashley was definitely much nicer in his heart.
When she failed to catch Richard, Chloe frowned and looked at Ashley with disappointment.
"What happened? We were really getting along just now. Why is he running away from me now? Did I do something wrong?"
Ashley smiled, shaking her head deliberately as she knew that Chloe was just pretending to be upset.
Rubbing her fingers over Richard's head, she said to Chloe, "Don't mind him. He's just a little shy. I'm sure he'll come around soon enough. You've been very nice to him, he certainly knows that."