Chapter 317
Chapter 317
Hank shot Liberty a disapproving glance and asked, “Didn’t I wire you five hundred bucks p>
Chelsea quickly stood up and strode over to intervene. “Liberty, did you take Hank’s money? You told me he only gave you three hundred, which means you can’t afford the larger shrimp and crabs p>
Without looking up, Liberty continued to feed her son and replied to Hank in a flat tone, “I mentioned that you should be paying for the groceries and cooking for your mother and sister. If you want me to do it, you’ll need to pay me two hundred dollars for my labor p>
“I don’t owe you anything. Yet I have to cook for you and receive nothing but criticism and lectures in return p>
Liberty had endured thankless tasks in the past.
Hank was left speechless.
From Hank’s expression, Chelsea realized that Liberty was speaking the truth. She sheepishly returned to her seat on the sofa.
However, she couldn’t hold back and chastised Liberty, “You and Hank are married. How can you keep track of who does what? Besides, my mom and I are your in-laws. You joined our family, so you’re part of it too. Why are you charging Hank to cook for his family p>
“Hank might as well take us out to eat; at least we would get better food p>
Liberty raised her chin to look at her husband and sister-in-law before returning her focus to feeding her son. “That’s what splitting costs means. We handle our own responsibilities, so nobody owes anyone anything p>
The Browns were left speechless.
They had hoped Hank would suggest sharing expenses, not household responsibilities.
Yet Liberty seemed to take it a bit too far. They had no retort, especially since Hank was the one who initiated the whole idea.
“Next time you come, you can have meals at a hotel if you don’t want to pay me for labor costs. It saves me the hassle.” Liberty was not keen on serving this unpleasant family.
Hank glared at his wife for a moment before choosing not to pursue the topic any further. He turned to his mother and sister, saying, “Mom, Chelsea, let’s eat.” He headed straight to the kitchen to bring out the dishes Liberty had prepared for dinner.
The table was set with a plate of shrimp, a plate of crabs, and no vegetables in sight. Hank asked Liberty, “Why are there no vegetables p>
“You gave me three hundred dollars to buy seafood. There wasn’t any extra for vegetables,” she replied.
Hank was momentarily speechless. He typically scrutinized every cent when she requested her allowance, never hesitating to criticize her for any perceived overspending. Now it was Liberty’s turn to examine every expense closely. She intended to spend only what he had allocated without adding her own funds.
“It’s fine, Hank. Your sister and I don’t mind skipping the vegetables. The shrimp and crabs are enough,” Liberty said.
Noticing the escalating tension, Mrs. Brown quickly intervened to ease the situation. Hank took a few deep breaths to steady himself before returning to the kitchen to serve roasted potatoes onto three plates. After placing the baking tray in the sink to soak, he brought out the plates of potatoes.
“It’s time to eat, Liberty,” Mrs. Brown called out politely while Chelsea and Hank settled at the dinner table.
“Go ahead with dinner. I’ll eat after I finish feeding Sonny,” Liberty responded, as was her daily routine. Since the arrival of Sonny, the…
The Browns would have their fill, while she could only eat after feeding the child. Serenity would leave some food for Liberty while she was still living here; otherwise, there would be no leftovers for Liberty by the time she finished feeding her son.