Chapter 244
“Lucia, that’s not on,” the tall, loan woman shouldered past her, motioning for Audrey to take the main seat. “You knew we’d been dying to most Hrs. Audrey Winifred, yet you still chose to test our sincerity.”
“Totally! Mrs. Audrey Whited, here’s my card.” The curvy woman presented her business card with both hands, rattling off her husband’s company and position, then poured Audrey a cup of coffee herself.
Lucia felt speechless.
Though Logan was a big shot in Ashbourne, she’d always had to bend over backward in the social circuit.
Right to her face, they gushed over her as “Mrs. Winifred,” yet behind her back, they snubbed her for her modest roots. Some even called her the Winifred family’s “fancy housekeeper“.
Audrey, who knew less about high society than she did, was getting all this attention just because of Yann’s lavor.
As both a mother and a woman, Lucia couldn’t help but seethe with jealousy.
“Ah, come on. Audrey was just nervous about fitting in,” Lucia said with a sugary smile, patting Audrey’s shoulder like she cared.
She said to Audrey, “Sea? I told you these ladies are friendly. Even without a fancy pedigree, you i
At that, the tall woman and curvy woman shared a loaded glance.
ou don’t need to sell yourself short.”
In their world, Yann would only marry someone from an equally elite family. Looks and talent were secondary
A “Cinderella story“? Only in kids‘ books.
In real life, a mismatch like this meant two possibilities–either Yann had been strong–armed into the marriage by family duty, keeping Audrey as a showpiece while chasing other women on the side.
In that case, they’d skip sucking up to Audrey and focus on cozying up to Yann’s real girl.
Or Audrey was being set up as a fall guy for something shady because she was a pushover. In that case, she was total dead weight.
The curvy woman, who’d just poured the coffee, abruptly dumped it back into the pot.
“Fancy coffee? She doesn’t deserve it, she thought.
“Let me grab you a new cup,” she chirped.
The tall, lean woman quietly picked up the business card from the table, her tone turning chilly. “Mrs. Audrey Winifred, I wonder what your father does for a living?”
Audrey watched them switch attitudes quicker than flipping a page, then glanced up at Lucia.
As expected, she saw triumph and a warning in Lucia’s eyes as if saying “Disobey my orders, and this is the humilation you’ll face!”
“Don’t think you can act high and mighty just because you’re with Yann, Lucia’s gaze seemed to say. “Ahter all these connections are still stronger than some rookie’s
my reputation and
Lucia placed one hand on Audrey’s wrist and the other on her shoulder, her voice dripping with fake sympathy, “Audrey’s father was a construction foreman. Aber years of failed attempts to get paid, he jumped off a building to grab media attention.”
At this, the curvy woman nearly dragged Audrey out of the main seat
She didn’t bother hiding the sneer in her eyes. if your dad knew his daughter would marry into a rich family, he’d probably regret throwing away his lite
Chapter 244
for around 100 thousand dollars.
“heard a weird rumor about life swapping. Maybe your father’s death opened the door for you to marry into high society
Audrey tapped her fingers lightly on the table, speaking before Lucia could cut in. “My father’s last name was Senior”
The curvy woman looked confused, but Lucia’s face turned ashen
Before she could correct Audrey, Audrey went on calmly,” don’t think there’s anything shameful about him fighting for his wages. Every cent he warned through his own work was something to be proud of,”
“Ma’am, you’re speaking so aggressively,” Audrey said, burning to the curvy woman. “Could it be your husband is also a greedy boss who steals workers” hard–earned money to feed his ego?”
“Audrey, that’s enough” Lucia finally butted in, her eyes full of disapproval and annoyance.
She continued, “No matter what, Vivian is your elder. How dare you talk back like that! Apologize to Vivian now I can still put in a good word for you, but if you don’t, you’ll never make it in this circle.”
Audrey lazily slumped back in her chair. She stayed seated as the three women stood, yet her presence didn’t falter a bit. “Apologize? What did actually say wrong?”
“How dare you talk back!” Lucia tried to haul her up. “You’re the youngest here. What gives you the right to sit in the main seat? Vivian showed respect t the Winifred family, not so you could act like hierarchy doesn’t matter!!
Audrey glanced at the curvy woman, who clearly regretted letting her take the main seat, then at the tall, lean woman, who looked uncertain.
After all, Audrey wore the bracelet, a symbol of the Winifred family’s mistress of the household. Even if she was just a front, she was still family–approved.
They could brush her off, but messing with her was like slapping the Winifred family in the face.
The tall, lean woman subtly elbowed the curvy woman, then turned to Audrey with a probing gaze. “We haven’t seen Ms. Smollett in forever. Wonder what she’s been up to lately?”
She wanted to feel out Audrey’s relationship with Amelia
Audrey pulled her wrist from Lucia’s grip and even took out a wet wipe to slowly clean her wrist. “That’s personal,” she said flatly. “If you care that much, give her a call,”
The tall, lean woman thought. “If I could get ahold of her, why would I kiss up to Lucia, who’s just riding on Logan’s coattails?”
Her eyes landed on Audrey’s bracelet. “That bracelet.”
“It’s mine,” Lucia snapped, grabbing Audrey’s wrist again to yank off the bracelet. “I told Audrey this bracelet wasn’t for her. She’s gone greedy for status and insisted on wearing it.”
The curvy woman stared at her like she’d lost her mind,
The tall, lean woman couldn’t hide her scorn. “Yours? Do you even know the story behind that bracelet?”
Lucia stiffened, darting a quick look at Audrey.
She’d assumed Audrey would react like she did as a kid–stepping into smooth things over whenever Lucia was in an awkward spot
So she prodded Audrey. “Audrey, didn’t tell you? Explain to the ladies.”
Audrey gave a slight nod.
The knot in Lucia’s chest finally loosened
Chapter 244
After all, they were mother and daughter. Audrey wouldn’t let her make a fool of herself in public. Besides, if people knew they were related, Audrey turning a cold shoulder would only harm her own reputation
“You said this bracelet doesn’t fit me, that it’s more your age,” Audrey said slowly. “You also said Yann wouldn’t care if gave you the gifts he sent me, since you couldn’t take them directly.”
“Audrey!” Lucia’s face went pale, her tone sharp. “Stop talking nonsense.”
Audrey brushed off her anger and kept going. “You told me the Ashbourne society ladies are hard to deal with, that I shouldn’t speak without thinking and should just agree with whatever you say.”
Lucia panicked, glancing at the two women, her awkwardness and uneasiness obvious.
The curvy woman scoffed.
Whatever drama was happening in the Winifred family, she wanted no part of it. It was best to stay clear to avoid trouble.
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.
