Jesse's Gift!

Something was now going on between Marissa and Jesse. But the two of them were very good at pretending otherwise. No one noticed anything strange.

Jesse smiled. "No problem, Mrs. Howard. You were tied up in the abandoned factory for so long, and there would have been so much dust there. You should indeed wash up. Anyway, my grandfather drank last night and will wake up late today. I'll call him in an hour."

Marissa gave a faint smile. "Thank you."

Lauren helped to pick up Marissa's luggage. "Mom, I'll help you choose your clothes."

"Okay."

With that, Lauren brought Marissa back to her room.

...

An hour later.

The Howard and Steele families gathered in the dining room.

Charleston smiled at Marissa. "Mrs. Howard, is this breakfast to your liking?"