15:20
Chapter 77
Paola’s face turned a mix of crimson and pale as anger washed over her. Allison leaned in, giving Paola’s hand a reassuring squeeze as a silent comfort.
With a sly smile, she turned to Cindy, “What’s so embarrassing about being a housekeeper? We earn our keep fair and square. There’s no shame in that. Honestly, I find it more pitiful to live off your husband’s dime, wasting it on poker games, facials, and health supplements.”
“You…” Cindy’s finger shook as she pointed at Allison, too furious to find her words.
Kate gently patted Cindy’s back. “Cindy, don’t let her get to you. It’s not worth it.”
Then, with a sneer, she turned to Allison. “Allison, you’re just the daughter of a housekeeper. You’re basically a servant yourself. This party’s for Mr. Hartley’s cousin, and it’s full of high society folks. You really shouldn’t be here making a scene, considering your humble background.”
Allison’s smile widened. “Oh, high society, huh? So how did small fries like you get in?”
That hit a nerve with Kate.
“Who are you calling small fries? You are just a housekeeper’s daughter. Who gave you the right to call my family small?”
“Trying to cozy up to the Hartleys, huh?” Allison raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you from the Parsons family? You don’t even deserve to be here.”
“You…” Now it was Kate’s turn to jab a finger at Allison. “Are you bitter because Shawn isn’t into you? You’re acting all high and mighty because you can’t win him over.”
Allison chuckled, “Oh, didn’t you hear about Shawn getting into a fight and ending up in the hospital for me?”
Kate was taken aback, realizing Shawn’s recent injuries were for Allison’s sake.
Cindy sneered, “You? As if.”
“Come on, Cindy. Let’s not stoop to her level,” Kate said, linking arms with her.
Cindy, still seething, worried she might blow a gasket if she stayed, so she left with Kate.
Kate mingled among the high society crowd, her eyes darting back to Allison whenever she could. Finally, ten minutes later, she spotted her chance. Allison headed to the restroom, and Kate was right behind her.
Inside, Kate brushed past Allison, using the moment to slip her bracelet into Allison’s handbag.
Allison was disgusted by the contact and pushed Kate away. “The corridor’s wide. Why do you need to squeeze me?”
Kate had accomplished her mission and smirked. “Did you own this restroom? I’ll walk however I want.”
Allison chuckled inwardly. Actually, the whole estate belonged to the Hartleys, and as their granddaughter, it was practically hers.
Kate rolled her eyes and sauntered off.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn)