Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 337

"Daphne?" Julie let go of Camilla, grinning at Shannon, "What brought her over here?"

"She's made some rice pudding, and wants to drop it off to Amanda herself," Shannon replied with a chuckle.

Kieran had already carried Phoebe inside, leaving them outside. Amanda's eyes crinkled with amusement upon hearing about Daphne's rice pudding delivery. "She is just too delightful and naughty. Last time, I mentioned how adorable her rice pudding looked in her social media posts, and she actually took it to heart. She shouldn't be fussing about like this, especially when she's pregnant."

As Amanda made her way inside, she called out to Basil, "Hurry up and get Camilla's things inside."

Basil, carrying Camilla and Phoebe's suitcases, headed in. Amanda turned back to Julie, "Keep Camilla company to help her find a room she likes."

"Sure." Julie actually wanted to join Daphne for rice pudding, but of course, she wouldn't be tactless to say so.

After Basil had moved the luggage to the living room, Julie led Bertha around, introducing her to the house, "We've got rooms on both the first and second floors. The first floor is more accessible, while the second floor is quieter. Kieran, the kids, and I are on the second floor, and Grandma stays on the first. Maybe Shannon could help you pick?"

Camilla waved her off quickly, "No, any room will do. I'll just stay on the first floor. I've been having some trouble with my legs, and I don't want to be clomping up and down the stairs with a cane and disturbing you and Kieran."

"No problem." Julie smiled, patting Shannon's shoulder, "Shannon, if you wouldn't mind..."

Shannon happily took Camilla to choose a room, while Amanda was in the sitting room with Daphne. Kieran had put Phoebe in the playroom.

The playroom was filled with Ivan's toys, ranging from electronic gadgets to puzzles, cluttering up the entire room.

Ivan had gone for his piano lessons and hadn't returned. Kieran squatted in front of Phoebe, pondering how to engage him in conversation.

Julie knelt down beside Phoebe, reaching out to gently touch his head, but to her surprise, he plopped down on the floor, legs up in the air.

"I'm so sorry. I won't touch you again," Julie quickly raised her hands in surrender, looking apologetic for startling Phoebe.

Phoebe, however, seemed fine. He rolled on the floor like a roly-poly toy and then sat up, composed as if nothing had happened, sitting still.

"Where's Grandma and Camilla?" Kieran inquired.

"Camilla's picking out a room. Grandma's having rice pudding with Daphne."

Kieran affectionately grazed Julie's nose, "You little foodie. Why aren't you having rice pudding then?"

"Grandma asked me to help Camilla with the rooms. I didn't want to make her feel awkward with me there, so I sent Shannon. I'll go over once she's settled. Daphne's sneaky, coming over without a heads-up. Do you think she'll save me some? Her rice pudding skills are all from her godfather, and they taste amazing."

He pinched her delicate chin and planted a light kiss, "You little glutton. Call me honey and I'll make you rice pudding tomorrow."

"You're just teasing me. I don't believe you," Julie said, sitting on the plush carpet, hands propping her chin, gazing at Phoebe lost in his world, her brows furrowed in concern.

"By the way, Harding should be here soon." Kieran seemed to understand Julie's worries. He wrapped her in his arms, whispering close to her ear in a tone low enough to keep Phoebe from overhearing, "Once Harding takes a look at Phoebe, we'll figure something out."

If Harding was willing to help, that would be best, being a prominent figure in the medical community with extensive connections. If he could assist Phoebe, it would be more than ideal.

As Kieran looked down, Julie looked up into his gaze.

He couldn't help but kiss her on the forehead, and as she nestled into his embrace, she playfully reached up to touch his long eyelashes.

Their cheerful moment was interrupted by Camilla's voice at the door, "Phoebe, Kieran, are you..."

She hadn't finished speaking before appearing at the door, spotting Julie in Kieran's arms, leading to an awkward pause. She collected her thoughts before smiling at them, "Grandma sent me to bring Phoebe downstairs for a snack."

Julie quickly got up from Kieran's embrace, straightening her clothes, having forgotten that there were others in the house besides her and Kieran.

However, Kieran saw no issue and tenderly helped her fix her hair before reaching for Phoebe.

Daphne's rice pudding was indeed a legacy of her godfather's craft, deliciously authoritative. Julie nearly devoured her taste buds in appreciation.

Phoebe observed the pudding intently as if scrutinizing whether it was edible, completely absorbed in thought.

It wasn't until Ivan returned from school, brought back by Noah, that anyone noticed the gathering in the sitting room. Curious, Ivan approached the box of white, soft-looking treats that seemed quite appetizing. He was about to reach for a piece when Kieran's stern voice halted him, "Did you wash your hands?"