Chapter 813: Inviting Her Home

She immediately walked over to the far end of the balcony and answered her phone. "Hello, Mom."

A gentle female voice came through the speaker. "Ann, are you having fun with your friends?"

"It’s pretty good," Annie York replied. "We’re eating right now."

Mrs. York laughed. "My daughter is so promising to have made such impressive friends. When will you bring them home? We need to give them a proper treat."

Annie lowered her eyes slightly, a flash of insecurity in her gaze. "Mom, there’s no need. I’ll treat them to a meal. You aren’t in good health, so don’t worry about these things."

"How could that be the same?" Mrs. York argued. "It’s better to have them come over; it shows more sincerity on our part. Is there one you’re closest to? You always call her Chloe. Is she a wealthy heiress?"

Annie’s heart inexplicably sank. "Mom, why exactly did you call me?"

Mrs. York’s tone took on a hint of complaint. "You child, why are you speaking to me in that tone? Are you doubting me? You ran off to hang out with other people during the New Year. Can’t I just be worried about you?"

Annie immediately bit her lip in self-reproach and said softly, "I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to sound like that..."

"I know you’re defending your friend, but I don’t have any bad intentions either. I just want to meet her. When I was hospitalized back then, wasn’t she the one who helped us?" Mrs. York added smoothly.

"Yeah," Annie replied.

"Then that settles it. We definitely need to thank her properly," Mrs. York said with a smile. "Invite her over whenever she has time. I can move around now, so I’ll cook my best dishes for her."

Not suspecting a thing, Annie agreed. "Okay, I got it, Mom. I’ll pass the message along."

"It would be best if it were in the next few days," Mrs. York said happily. "We don’t have any relatives left anyway. If she isn’t busy, invite her over so our home can be a bit livelier."

"Mhm."

"Alright, you kids go back to having fun. I won’t bother you anymore," Mrs. York said. "But make sure you come home early tonight. A girl needs to be careful when she’s out and about."

"I know, Mom. I’ll head back soon."

"Okay."

After hanging up, a solemn expression surfaced on Annie’s face. Her mother had never been such a nagging person, yet she seemed incredibly urgent about inviting Chloe over. There was definitely something wrong.

Taking a deep breath, Annie turned and walked back inside. She looked at Chloe Reed and said, "Chloe, it’s getting late. My mom is home alone, and I’m worried about her, so I’m going to head back first."

Chloe stood up. "In... such... a hurry?"

Annie curled her lips into a smile. "I’m really happy I got to spend today with you all. Happy New Year. I’ll be leaving now."

Chloe typed on her phone to say, "It’s New Year’s Day. There are absolutely no ride-hailing cars available. I’ll have someone drive you back. Don’t refuse me. It’s very remote here, and I wouldn’t feel safe letting you go back alone."

Annie nodded. "Okay."

Chloe called for a driver and walked Annie out to the front door. Annie waved goodbye to everyone before turning and getting into the car.

Sitting in the backseat, watching as the vehicle drew closer and closer to her home, Annie could only hope that she was overthinking things.