Chapter 243
Chapter 243
Audrey let out a bitter laugh. “Why would I give you a gift? Because you were vain enough to abandon your husband and daughter?”
Lucia recoiled at the jab, spinning around sharply. Her voice quavered, eyes reddening as she pressed a hand to her chest, then pointed at Audrey
She said, “thought wher your own bad marriage, you’d understand my choices. But you…you’ve let me down so much.”
Audrey ignored her, walking to the closet to pick out clothes.
Lucia trailed behind, continuing to gripe. “Who doesn’t want a better life? Who doesn’t want to be somebody? You think you’re different? Why else did you marry Yann!
“Look at this love nest he made for you, these jewels he gave you. On your own, you’d never have any of this, not in ton lifetimes!”
Lucia grabbed Audrey’s shoulders, softening her tone. “Audrey, you’re my own child. No one wants you to have a good life more than I do.”
Audrey shrugged her off and stepped into the dressing room to change
Lucia tried to follow, but the door slammed shut, nearly pinching her hand.
Anger flashed in her eyes before she turned back to the glass display case,
She muttered, “You’re my daughter. We should support each other. Get dressed uptake you to meet my friends. The Ashbourne social scene is picky Now that you’re Yann’s wife, don’t embarrass him with your behavior,”
Click. The dressing room door opened, and Audrey stepped out in a black–and–white Chanel tweed suit.
The sleek, gender–neutral design gave her a dashing air,
She tied her hair into a high ponytail in front of the mirror.
“You came here just to make me meet your friends?” she asked, raising her arm and revealing a solid emerald bangle on her wrist.
Lucia’s eyes flickered with interest, a smile tugging at her lips. “What else? You’ve stayed in Ironhaven and never come to see me. All my friends want to meet you now that you’re back.”
Her gaze lingered on the bracelet, and she walked up to Audrey aber Audrey finished preparing,
“Audrey, at your age, you should be wearing diamonds and gemstones. This bangle is too mature for you. Maybe…” Lucia started.
Audrey sidestepped Lucia’s outstretched hand. “I wear whatever I please,” she said flatly.
Lucia’s smile dropped instantly, her tone turning icy. “When we meet the ladies, just go along with what I say. Don’t pipe up
Watching Lucia’s back, Audrey knew she had an ulterior motive for today’s visit. Still, she didn’t resist.
if Lucia kept things civil, they could get through it. But if she tried any tricks, Audrey wouldn’t hold back
Audrey climbed into Lucia’s car and they drove to flower shop.
Despite the name, it was really a social club for affluent women–offering classes in flower arranging, styling, and etiquette, all aimed at teaching women how to “elevate themselves” and “mary up.”
–
Lucia was an honorary lecturer there, occasionally sharing her “success stories with the students
She led Audrey into the shop and straight to the back lounge,
08:58 FM, 13 Jun • •
Chapter 243
The moment she opened the door, she smiled brightly. “Sorry to keep everyone waiting. Girls love to primp. She had to freshen up before coming
Two women sat at the table—one tall and lean, the other slightly curvy.
They’d been chatting but turned to Lucia eagerly. “You’re just in time. We heard Mr. Yann Winifred is back with his wife. Have you met her the cany woman asked..
The lean woman added, “Tell us, what high society family is she from? What’s her family’s business?”
Lucia pasted on a smile, swaying over to the table. “This is my daughter, Audrey. Just call her Audrey”
Audrey finally saw through Lucia’s plan.
Her mother hadn’t mentioned a word about her being Yann’s wife, only introducing her as “my daughter.”
She was counting on Audrey being too embarrassed to admit the marriage, hoping it would push her away from Yarn,
Earlier in the car, Lucia had claimed she wanted the best for Audrey, but now it was clear she was the last person who wanted Audrey married to Tann.
If Lucia wanted to play nice while secretly undermining her, Audrey decided she’d hit back with some pointed remarks..
Audrey swung her bag onto her arm and sauntered in, her steps measured. “Lucia didn’t fill you in? I’m…”
“Audrey!” Lucia’s face fell. She flashed her a desperate look, silently begging her to hold her tongue.
Audrey ignored the warning, a saccharine smile on her lips. “I’m Yann’s wife.”
The tall, lean woman and the curvy woman stared, stunned. They sized Audrey up, taking in her understated elegance. She wore no ostentatious jewelry, but there was an innate air of refinement about her.
Her designer clothes and luxury bag made it clear–whether or not she was Yann’s wife, she was someone to be reckoned with.
“Lucia.” The curvy woman turned to her, eyebrows raised. “You should’ve said. I thought she was your daughter. Turns out she’s your daughter–in–law.”
Lucia’s smile wavered. She shot Audrey a furious glare, angling her body so only Audrey could see.
“I told her to play along!” she swathed internally. After all my warnings, she had to go and defy me
“Small world,” the lean woman laughed. “Lucia was a Henderson before she married Mr. Logan Winifred. And Mr. Yann Winifred’s wife used to be a Henderson too! Maybe I should’ve married a Henderson. My daughter might’ve landed a rich husband,”
“No, she’s just teasing.” “Lucia scrambled to backpedal “Audrey really is my daughter.”
The two women shared a knowing look, their eyes filled with doubt.
Everyone knew Lucia lived comfortably off Logan but had no real say in the Winifred family. She couldn’t even confront him about his flings without risking everything
The true socialites ignored her. Only the wives of Logan’s business associates bothered with her, hoping to pry for information.
Lucia reached out and swatted Audrey’s
y’s arm, saying reproachfully. “Stop pulling everyone’s leg.”
Audrey deftly sidestepped, fixing Lucia with a frosty stare. “You brought this on yourself,” she mouthed wordlessly.
Lucia recoiled at that cutting gaze, her fingers clenching the handle of her handbag. She eyed Audrey warly, her expression a mix of panic and dread, praying she wouldn’t drop any more bombshells.
Turning to the two women, Audrey offered a serene smile. “Lucia probably thought you’d feel uneasy once you knew who I was.
Chapter 243
“But I’m sure that won’t be an issue. After all, you and your husbands have been to avery high society event. With your extenthe connections pl resources, I’m sure you’ll help me fit right in.”
The curvy woman’s sharp eyes caught sight of the bangle on Audrey’s wrist. The gave the tall, lean woman a nudge under the table, gesturing faiths
The lean woman took one look at the bangle and nodded knowingly.
This bangle belonged to Amelia. It was a symbol of the Winified family’s mistress of the household. Lurie, who’d never laid eyes on it, had no idea of its
importance.
Now that it was on Audrey’s wrist instead of Lucia’s, it was clear she had the approval of the family elders.
Who needed a reminder of who to butter up?
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
