Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 345

Although Amanda claimed she wouldn’t go for airport farewells, her affection for Phoebe won her over, and she arrived at the airport just as Camilla answered a call on her phone.

"Kieran, think of something to make her stay," Amanda said, her eyes softening as she gazed at Phoebe.

Kieran frowned, offering no promises. After all, Camilla had her flight booked and her mind set on leaving. She was eager to return to her boyfriend. It wasn’t their place to stop her.

After a brief conversation, Camilla hung up and rejoined the group.

"What's up?" Julie asked, noticing Camilla's odd expression.

Camilla managed a smile and shook her head, "No worries. Simonson had to fly back to Britain on short notice. Can't pick me up at the airport, so it'll be a week or so before he's back in Switzerland."

"Oh?" Amanda perked up, "So, you're saying you don't have to rush back to Switzerland to see Simonson?"

"Grandma, she's already got her ticket," Kieran interjected, realizing what Amanda was thinking.

Camilla nodded, "Yeah, Amanda, my ticket's all set. In about a fortnight, I should have my internship placement. I’ve applied to several firms, both home and abroad, but haven't heard back yet."

"What does that matter? The Hernandez family isn't going broke over a plane ticket, Camilla. Just listen to grandma and extend your stay. I'll have Basil book you a flight for next week. Stay and have some fun! As Kieran mentioned, your family's in Singapore, and your boyfriend’s back in Britain. Why return to an empty home with just Phoebe?"

Amanda's tone left no room for argument. Immediately, she turned to Basil and commanded, "Quick, go book Ms. Stewart's flight for next week."

Basil, upon receiving the order, went off to purchase the ticket.

"Amanda, really, it's not necessary..."

"Just listen to me this time. I promise, after a week, I won't hold you back," Amanda said, pulling Camilla along as they headed back.

Despite her advanced years, Amanda's grip was surprisingly strong, and Camilla had no choice but to be led away, looking utterly helpless.

At the airport, Julie couldn't help but smile wryly, then patted MoMo's adorable little head, "No more tears, sweetheart. Your little buddy's staying with us for another week!"

MoMo's tears halted abruptly, her face lighting up with hope, "Really? What you said is true?"

Julie replied, "With Camilla whisked away by Amanda, could it be otherwise?"

Julie and Kieran, with the children in tow, had just entered the house when they heard Daphne' excited voice, "Congrats on finally seeing Camilla off. I've prepared some red velvet cupcakes to celebrate your escape from that delicate drama queen!"

Daphne proudly held up a bag filled with red velvet cupcakes, and Julie was speechless.

Daphne had naively assumed Julie was there to say goodbye to Camilla and the children at the airport, but she hadn't expected that not only had they failed to depart, but they were also ushered back home, with Camilla and Amanda standing right behind Julie and Kieran.

Even Amanda, who genuinely liked Daphne, couldn't help but feel a twinge of awkwardness at her words.

It took a few seconds of suffocating silence before Julie forced a smile, took the cupcakes from Daphne, and asked a question she probably shouldn't have, "Daphne, what brings you here?"

Daphne was at a loss for words. Was the answer not obvious? The red velvet cupcakes were meant as a celebration of Camilla’s departure. Now, the celebration had turned into a faux pas, and she might have even upset Amanda!

The burning question remained - why had someone who was supposed to leave suddenly decided to stay? Daphne, pointing at the cupcakes in Julie's hand, offered, "Want to try one? They're best enjoyed warm."

Julie, unable to expose Daphne's true intentions, simply went to the kitchen for a plate to serve the red velvet cupcakes.

Ivan and MoMo, the little foodies, rushed over excitedly, each grabbing a cupcake to offer to Phoebe in a show of harmony.

Daphne's awkward comments had peaked the tension, and Amanda, looking to defuse the situation, handed Camilla a cupcake, softening the moment for her and Daphne.

Under normal circumstances, Camilla might have taken offense to Daphne’s words and refused the cupcake. But she graciously accepted the treat, thanked Amanda, and then turned to Daphne with a playful retort, "It seems I've left quite the impression of being too delicate on you, Ms. Daphne."

With a bite of the red velvet cupcake, she complimented, "This is truly the most authentic taste I've had. Ms. Daphne, your baking skills are remarkable."