Scarlett's POV:
The next few nights, I went to the hotel after work to prepare for Grandpa's birthday party. With Charles there, I did not actually need to do anything as he would arrange everything on his own. However, I still needed to confirm the process and the details.
As soon as I walked out of the office that evening, I saw the driver waiting outside the TV station as usual. But then, I saw that Charles was not in the car. And just when I was about to ask the driver about it, I got a call from Charles.
"Honey, I got tied up in a long meeting, so I won't be able to make it tonight."
Upon hearing the background noise on his end, I realized that he was in a room full of people who were arguing. It did not take me long to figure out that he must have called me from the conference room. But then, of late, he had been calling me endearingly regardless of where he was.
"Okay. I'm in the car. And I am on my way to the hotel now."
"Don't worry, honey. Mom will help you out."
"It's alright. Don't bother her. I can handle this by myself," I said in a hurry. Alice had entrusted Charles and I to plan the party. I did not want others to think that I was too dependent on Charles, or that I could not do it without his help. "I don't want you to tire yourself too much. It's not worth it. Besides, Mom wants to see the progress of our preparations."
"All right, then. You carry on with your work."
The hotel that was owned by the Moore group was where the party was decided to be held. Although it was a weekday, it was still quite crowded. Perhaps, it was because I did not pray before I stepped out my house that morning that I stumbled upon someone that I was not looking forward to meeting as soon as I entered the lobby.
I turned around and was about to take another elevator, but it was too late.
"Scarlett." A familiar voice called out to me from behind.
Feeling the surging pain in my head, I tried to close my eyes. Rita really was everywhere. Couldn't she just leave me alone for a few days? I turned around and noticed her walking elegantly towards me in her high-heels. She was wearing a red mermaid dress with thin spaghetti straps hanging on her shoulders, which exposed her cleavage a little. I was afraid that her breasts might break free from her tight dress if she took another step forward.
"What's the matter?" I asked coldly.
"You've been very happy lately, haven't you?" she asked in a voice that was filled with sarcasm. She was wearing a thick black winged liner, which almost made her look like the evil queen from a fairy tale. I could not understand why she was suddenly changing her make-up, though. I felt that the innocent look suited her better. Did Ignoring her, Alice turned to look at me, and said, "You must be tired after a long day's work, right? I'll treat you to a sumptuous dinner later."
I smiled and nodded at her as I said jokingly, "Alright, boss!"
Noticing that Alice ignored her, Rita offered, "Auntie, please let me know if you need any help with preparing for the birthday party. I would be happy to assist you."
"No, thanks." Alice raised her hand, signaling Rita to stop. "You're not close to our family, Miss Lively, and I hope that you have a clear estimation of your situation. Oh, and don't come to the party. Your name is not on the guest list." Alice's harsh words caused Rita's face to pale.
"I have always considered you as a mother to me ever since Charles and I got together, Auntie," Rita said with a look of grievance. She even looked at me for a moment as though she was trying to see a hint of disappointment in my eyes. However, since I had long seen her tricks, I kept calm. I didn't take her words seriously at all.
"Don't push your luck, Rita! I am just being polite to you, and it is certainly not because I like you, so don't flatter yourself!" Alice was furious. Glancing at the security guards nearby, she ordered, "Get this woman out of here, please."
A group of security guards immediately approached Rita. But then, Richard stepped forward to stop them. "Rita is not in good health. So let me take her back."
"Whatever. I'm good as long as she gets out of my sight at once," Alice said mercilessly.
Rita did not want to give up, though. Right before she left, she turned to me and said with a smug smile, "Charles did not let me prepare for the party because he did not want me to overexert myself."
Upon hearing that, I was on the verge of bursting into laughter. Was she insane? Her fight was a meaningless one, and no one was taking her seriously.
"Shame on you!" Alice mumbled.
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