Those criticisms did not affect her that much, but they would leave a huge impact on Percy.

The Mallory family had not officially kicked Percy out. Hence, his reputation would still affect that of the Mallor family. Even though he had decided to leave the Mallory family, he would still need to preserve the reputation of the Mallory family as long as he was still one of them.

Nina was understanding. Even though she was quite upset, she did not rely too much on Percy so that his attention would not be diverted from the serious matters on hand.

"Alright, then I'll come up with the menu.” Luca noticed that Nina had a lot on her mind, hence she found it difficult to reply to her question. Luca held Nina's hand and did not say another word.

"Okay." Nina nodded and held Luca's hand as well. It was such a simple gesture, yet it gave her immense strength and support.

Luca was sincerely concerned about her. Nina recalled Percy's comment. As a friend, perhaps she should not keep dwelling on the past.

When they were about to reach the villa, Luca had the driver pull up to the side. She went to the supermarket nearby to purchase some groceries.

Even though the maid in the villa had already bought some groceries, Luca felt she needed to buy even more as Nina was coming over. It was to prevent not having enough food at home.

After purchasing some groceries, Luca and Nina then headed for the villa.

Nina looked at the surroundings and sighed. "The atmosphere here is very nice. I remember that the villas here were built only a few years ago. Apparently, many celebrities have purchased a unit here. Luca, have you ever met any celebrities during your time here?”

Luca shook her head and explained, "I just moved in not too long ago. How could I have met any celebrities?”

"You'll have your chance in the future." Nina looked at the surroundings and had taken a liking to the area.

Seeing that Nina loved the environment, Luca teased her, saying, "Since you like this place so much, then just move in with Mr. Mallory. The atmosphere here is nice, and the security measures are very good. Outsiders can't come in here."

"You're right. If I were to move here, I'll become your neighbor. I can come to your place every day to have meals. When that happens, you'll end up crying." Nina revealed a smile. The change of environment had made her feel much better.

Luca said casually, "You're most welcome. You can come and have a meal whenever you want to."

Both of them kept chatting. After driving around for a moment, they arrived at the entrance of the villa.

"This is it. Let me open the door."

Nina helped Luca carry the bags in her hands.

Luca keyed in the password, and the door opened. Luca looked at Nina beside her and said, “Go on and enter. Oh, right. There are other people inside as well.”

"There are other people inside? Did Luke even hire a maid for you?"

Nina was astonished and followed her in.

"There's a maid, but there are also others. I haven't told you that I'm not the only one staying in this villa," Luca spoke as she closed the door.

Nina was anxious. 'Could it be her housemate?'

After following her into the master bedroom, Nina learned that Luca was referring to... Luke's children.

It turned out to be Luke's children.

The three children surrounded them when they saw Luca and Nina entering. They greeted her, "Hi, Ms. Luca. Hi, Godmother."

Nina looked at Luke's three children, then looked at Luca. 'Since the kids are all here, does it mean that Luke is here too?'

"Your guess is right,” Luca said. She took out the candies that the kids loved from her pocket and passed them around. "I bought you guys some treats, but don't have too much of them. Dinner will be served soon."

"Thank you, Ms. Luca!" The three kids got their candies and left. Perhaps after getting reminded, they seemed much more mature now.

Nina said in astonishment, "Are you and Luke already together?"

"No." Luca shook her head and pulled Nina's hand to bring her to the kitchen. "If I say that we're just housemates, will you believe me?"

Nina thought to herself and knew she would not buy it.

'If a man and a woman are staying in the same house, how can they just be housemates?

'Besides, he even brought his children over. To the outsiders who don't know a thing, they might think of them as a happy family of five.'

"I believe." Nina's voice was a little stiff.

"If such a thing happened to other people, I would have difficulty believing those words too. But I can guarantee there's nothing suspicious going on between me and Luke. We're not in an intimate relationship." Luca knew Nina would not buy it and explained helplessly, "Otherwise, why would I bring you here?"

"I'm sorry." Nina thought to herself, 'She's being so honest. Perhaps it might be the truth?'

"Alright, I'll go prepare the meals now. Do you want to help out?" Luca invited her.

"Sure." Nina agreed happily. Recalling that Luke was also staying here, she asked, "Luke will be back tonight for dinner too, right?" "Yeah, but it won't affect your stay here. All the rooms in this villa have been taken, but you can sleep with me." Luca was determined to make Nina stay.

After all, Percy had no time to spare to take care of Nina. Hence, Luca wanted Nina to stay by her side. It could be considered a form of protection.

"Alright," Nina recalled Percy's words. Despite being reminded about it earlier, learning that Luca and Luke were staying together still made her astonished.

Nina was suppressing her curiosity, but Luca seemed to be agitated and was blurting out things. This made Nina wonder what Luca did not want her to find out.

Luca knew that Nina was still wondering what was going on between her and Luke, but at least Nina was no longer thinking about Madison's issue. Hence, Luca was not bothered to explain and did not reassure Nina. She even allowed Nina's thoughts to roam free.

"Come and be my assistant," she said.

Nina nodded and stood beside Luca to be her assistant.

Luca had Nina wash the vegetables, and she did it quietly. When Luca had Nina slice the meat, she did it silently as well. However, it was obvious that Nina was not putting her full attention on the task at hand.

Before dinner was ready, Tommy came running into the kitchen and said pamperedly, "Ms. Luca, I'm starving. When will dinner be ready?" copyrighted © content.

"Soon. Go to the hall and play with your brother and sister for a while more. You'll get to eat in a moment." Luca stretched out her hand and patted the child's head in a loving gesture.

It was indeed quite late as Luca had gone to pick Nina up before returning home.

"Alright." Tommy spun around and left.

Nina looked in the direction where the child left. Since Bianca lost her memories, the three kids had never gotten close to anyone else.

However, the three children were all very close to Luca now. It was as if the person before them was their biological mother.

"What are you thinking about?" Luca saw Nina turning around to look in the direction of the hall and reminded her, saying, "The meat has been minced well, so stop mincing it. Otherwise, the texture won't be as good."

Nina snapped out of it. She definitely could not tell Luca what was on her mind. Hence, she could only tell a lie, "Nothing. I just don't feel too good about the children greeting me in a way that makes me seem much older.”

Luca smiled as she listened to Nina's complaining tone. She shook her head and said, "You're not old. You're still so young."