Defying Fate: The Unstoppable Eileen novel Chapter 290

Terrence paused, a hint of concern in his voice. "I heard you got hurt, kiddo. Come here, let me take a look."

Isabel took a couple of steps back.

Terrence sighed, a touch of helplessness in his voice. "Isabel?"

With the speed of a sprinter, Isabel dashed to Eileen's side, using her as a shield. She peered out from behind Eileen and said with a pout, "I'm not going anywhere."

Poor Eileen was on the verge of a panic attack!

She was already nervous, and although her brother Terrence hadn't noticed her before, Isabel's sudden dash had drawn his attention straight to her.

Oh boy, what should she say? How should she greet him? Would "Hey Terrence" be too forward? But then, "Mr. Lopez" might sound too distant.

Maybe just go with "handsome"? Eileen's thoughts were a whirlwind of indecision.

Egbert, sensing Eileen's discomfort, cut in with a practical solution. "Let's eat first."

Soon, the four of them were seated around the dining table.

Eileen kept her head down, unable to utter a single word.

Terrence, ever so gentle, turned to her and said warmly, "Eileen."

Eileen looked up cautiously, nodding hesitantly as she replied, "Hello, sir."

Terrence chuckled softly. "No need to be formal, we're all family here."

Not sure how to respond, Eileen's fingers nervously fiddled beneath the table, tugging at Egbert's shirt.

Understanding the cue, Egbert took her hand with his left and served her a slice of roast beef, trying to ease the tension. "Let's enjoy the meal and chat later."

Terrence observed the discreet exchange between Egbert and Eileen, hiding a knowing smile as he picked up a slice of beef and took a bite.

Next second.

Terrence nearly choked on the meat, washing it down with a gulp of water, he asked, "Did Eileen cook this?"

With her ears turning a bright shade of red, Eileen quickly said, "Yes, I did."

Terrence nodded in approval. "It's delicious."

Eileen breathed a sigh of relief and, with a newfound confidence, ate the slice of beef Egbert had given her.

Next second.

Eileen sputtered, grabbing a napkin to spit out the meat. She was in shock, suddenly remembering that while she had been on the phone with Terrence, Egbert had taken over the cooking for a while.

Eileen felt like her brain had stopped working as she asked Egbert, "Did you add salt?"

Egbert, a bit startled, looked at Eileen's expression and then back at the dish, finally saying with a straight face, "Believe it or not, I saw the salt jump in by itself."

Eileen was at a loss for words. She pushed the beef to the side and awkwardly suggested to Terrence, "Try something else, please."

Terrence smoothly picked up another dish, tactfully moving past the culinary mishap.

As the meal progressed, most of the conversation was between Egbert and Terrence.

Midway through the meal, Egbert glanced at Isabel, who was being spoon-fed by Eileen, and said to Terrence, "Did you come to pick up your daughter?"