Love Rents A Room
Chapter 70: The Unexpected Visitor

Chapter 70: The Unexpected Visitor

When Joanne pulled into the driveway, she was surprised to see Fiona’s car parked outside. A slight frown creased her forehead. Why is she here?

Her first instinct was wariness. Fiona wasn’t exactly known for patience, and Joanne wouldn’t lie—she was a little apprehensive that trouble might be brewing after Liam’s visit in the morning.

But as she unbuckled the kids from the truck, Fiona stepped onto the porch, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, kids! Want some cookies?" she called, holding up a glass jar filled with golden, homemade cookies.

Hannah gasped in delight and rushed toward Fiona without hesitation. Timmy followed, more cautiously, but his eyes were fixed on the treats. Even little Lizzy, cradled in Joanne’s arms, perked up at the sight, her tiny fingers curling as if reaching for one.

Joanne watched, bemused, as Fiona effortlessly won the children over. Who would’ve thought?

Once the kids were settled at the table with milk and cookies, Joanne stepped into the living room, arms crossed as she observed Fiona standing by the dining area, watching the children with an unexpectedly soft expression.

"It’s good that you’re giving them goat milk," Fiona remarked, finally turning toward her.

Joanne arched a brow, waiting. She knew there had to be a reason for Fiona’s visit.

Not one to waste time, Fiona got straight to the point. "I talked to Susan—their aunt from the mother’s side."

That got Joanne’s full attention. She scooted closer, lowering her voice so the kids wouldn’t overhear. "And?"

Fiona’s expression was uncharacteristically serious. "She’s willing to take them in until their father gets better. The only reason she hesitated was financial issues, so... Liam and I have decided to support her. We’ll help her raise them."

Joanne’s eyes widened. "That’s... amazing."

It truly was. She had planned to approach Susan about taking the kids in, but to her surprise, Fiona had taken the initiative on her own.

"You can’t be the only generous person in this town, you know," Fiona smirked.

Joanne chuckled, shaking her head. But beneath her happiness for the kids, there was a small ache. A selfish part of her had wanted to take care of them herself.

"How many kids are you sponsoring now?" Fiona asked curiously.

"Nine," Joanne replied without hesitation.

Fiona’s jaw nearly dropped. "Nine? That’s a lot! You’re practically running an orphanage!"

Joanne laughed. "Not really. Three of them are in high school and already working part-time to save for college. The rest are responsible kids and doing well in school. It’s not as hard as people think."

She once was a kid with ambitions but not the means. She had depended on the goodness of others to succeed. She wanted to repay what she was given by this means.

Fiona shook her head in disbelief. "One who waters will himself be watered," she murmured, admiration flickering in her gaze. This must be the reason Joanne’s businesses prosper. She had a good heart.

Joanne didn’t miss how Fiona made herself comfortable, lingering as if she belonged there. When she followed her into the kitchen to prepare dinner, Joanne raised a brow. "Shouldn’t you be heading home?"

Fiona merely rolled up her sleeves. "Shouldn’t you be glad for the help?"

Joanne sighed but smiled. She wouldn’t argue. If Fiona wanted to stay, so be it. Besides, she was pregnant—morning sickness might make cooking unpleasant for her.

And Joanne loved cooking for others.

So, with quiet joy, she continued preparing dinner, letting Fiona stay exactly where she wanted to be.

Fiona stayed for some time but then went to play with the kids. Joanne was surprised to see how good she was with the kids, especially the youngest. Fiona truly was full of surprises. But then again, she was the woman Liam chose to marry. She wouldn’t be that vain and vapid.

Just as Joanne slid the meatloaf into the oven, she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and reached for her phone. JD hadn’t returned yet, and he usually let her know if he was going to be late.

She frowned as the call rang.

It wasn’t JD who answered.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end was unmistakable—Veronica.

Joanne’s breath caught. A thousand possibilities raced through her mind.

Why was Veronica answering JD’s phone? Had something happened to him? Was he sick? Had there been an accident?

Her fingers tightened around the phone, but the truth was something else entirely.

"I’m questioning him," Veronica stated flatly.

In the background, Joanne faintly heard Jason’s voice, panicked and exasperated. "She’s holding a knife at JD! She seized our phones! Save us, Miss Smith!"

Jason is there too?

Joanne exhaled slowly, rubbing her temple. Oh, Ver...

"Ver?" she asked, her tone even.

"Jo! This guy is worse than Brian Cooper! He actually thinks he’s you and—"

"Pass the phone to JD," Joanne interrupted, her voice brooking no argument.

There was a moment of silence, then a huff.

"Now, Ver," Joanne pressed.

Mumbling something under her breath, Veronica handed over the phone. JD’s voice came through a second later, calm but slightly amused as he explained the situation. The raids, the inspections, and the suggestions he had made—things that had somehow offended Veronica on Joanne’s behalf.

Joanne sighed, already knowing what had happened. "That’s not a real knife. It’s a prop—the kind they use in movie sets," she said. "Ver’s terrified of blood. She wouldn’t even hold a real knife, let alone use one."

JD chuckled softly on the other end. "That explains why she wasn’t exactly threatening. Jason’s the one shaking in his boots..."

Joanne shook her head. Veronica...

"You can leave now. Ask Jason to drop her home. The last bus has probably left already. Tell her I’m mad at her. I’ll talk to her later."

"Got it." JD’s voice was warm, as if he found the entire ordeal mildly entertaining.

Joanne ended the call with a sigh, pressing her palm to her forehead. Oh, Ver...

Joanne shook her head, exhaling softly. Veronica had always despised Brian, but back then, there had been little she could do about it. JD, on the other hand, was a much easier target—simply because he treated Veronica like an equal, never coddling her or treating her as fragile.

And, of course, Veronica had taken full advantage of that.

Not to mention... she had probably wanted to spend more time with Jason. Hence, holding him hostage too.

Oh, Ver... why can’t you just tell him how you feel?

A fond smile tugged at Joanne’s lips. What a cutie.

Just then, Fiona’s voice cut through her thoughts.

"Who are you talking to? And what’s with that lovely smile?"

Joanne blinked, her smile faltering slightly as she turned to find Fiona watching her with narrowed eyes, suspicion dancing in them.

Before she could respond, Fiona grinned knowingly.

"Ohhh... It’s your paying guest, isn’t it?" she teased, her voice sing-song and mischievous.