Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 87

"That's how I get along with Aaliyah. If she steps out of line, I don't hesitate to scold her. Just today, she insisted on bringing Marissa along, saying she is eager to get a taste of high society. Having once worked for our family, and with our decent rapport, I decided to let her tag along."

I almost broke into laughter. Hazel knew how to stir up trouble. She and Marissa weren't on the best of terms.

Because she just went out of her way to belittle Marissa, implying she had never been exposed to the finer things in life.

And just after Marissa told me that she had been here before but never saw me, Hazel revealed that it was Marissa who was keen on coming here to rub shoulders with the elite.

It was like a slap in her face.

Some people changed their attitude fast, just like Mrs. Bradlee. Her gaze now filled with disdain, she shot Marissa a disgruntled look. "That's your fault. You said you wanted to meet me before, and you coming with your mother-in-law this time. So, was it you who brought her here, or was it the other way around? How can anyone just barge into our circle? It's boring."

Her words were like a slap on Marissa's already swollen face. She was visibly shaken.

Those on the sidelines knew everything, their faces full of scorn upon realizing Marissa was just trying to blend in.

Gevena tried to defuse the situation. "Come on, ladies! We're here to bond, not to bicker. Let's not ruin the mood with all this negativity. We're all affluent here, and why not keep it classy? Let's forget all about it."

With that, everyone dispersed, but Gevena's words were a masterstroke, subtly belittling Marissa.

Marissa awkwardly smiled at me, visibly uncomfortable. "Ms. Aaliyah, I..."

I hushed her, patting her shoulder encouragingly, "Don't worry about it. It's nothing."

But Catherine wasn't as forgiving and she glanced at Marissa and teasingly said, "Marissa. You are stupid to use that excuse? How dare you say that Hazel is your mother-in-law? Which of her sons is your husband? The oldest or the youngest? As everyone knows, Aaliyah is the wife of her second son. Do you want to be a mistress?"

Marissa was awkward.