“Frieda? What are you just standing there for?”
As the others started walking inside, Hanley noticed his wife was still frozen in place and called out to her with a frown.
Ruby paused and glanced back, her eyes as calm and still as a frozen lake.
Staring at Ruby’s indifferent profile, a mixture of resentment and frustration began to bubble up inside Frieda. *Why does she always have that look on her face? Can’t she be more considerate, like Gennifer? Why can’t she be like other children—show me a little affection, try to please her father?*
“Let’s eat,” she said, her expression hardening as she strode toward the dining room.
Hanley, sensing her mood swing, quickly caught her arm and gave her a warning look.
Frieda realized her blunder. Biting her lip, she forced a smile. “I guess I was just so happy you agreed to come back that I got a little worked up. Come, Ruby, let’s eat. I made everything myself, including your favorite rich fish chowder.”
At the mention of the familiar dish, a flicker of emotion crossed Ruby’s face.
Fish chowder. It had been her grandmother’s specialty, a dish brimming with memories of their time together. She hadn’t expected Frieda to prepare it.
The unexpected gesture melted some of the ice in her eyes. Without a word, she gave a slight nod and followed them inside.
Hanley and Gennifer exchanged a look, a shared glint of triumph in their eyes. If they could win Ruby’s trust, getting their hands on the Steele family’s assets would be that much easier.


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