The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 273

Not Worth Correcting.

“Hudson and Haley, on the other hand, finished a business major at Westhaven University,” Cassandra continued to brag. “Hudson was immediately absorbed by his internship company, Stello Marketing, and has worked his way up to being the marketing manager.”

“As for Haley,” Cassandra went on, proud of her children, “she is a model. She has modeled for famous brands.”

“Go ahead, Haley, share with Xavier,” Cassandra urged.

Haley straightened her back and said, “I have modeled for a skincare brand.”

“Oh,” Alice reacted. “What brand?”

The mother and daughter looked at each other before Haley answered, “Lotrimin. The spray one.”

Alice choked while drinking water. She coughed a few times, and Xavier stroked her back.

The poor thing was so jealous, she choked on her water.

“The anti-fungal spray?” Alice clarified. “For athlete’s foot? That’s skincare?”

“Yes, that’s the one,” Haley proudly said. “They featured my feet in the commercial, so you probably did not recognize me.”

“Haley also did a premium pet care endorsement,” Walter added with pride. “Tell them, Haley.”

“Yes, I did a commercial with Pedigree,” Haley replied. “The commercial was all over TV—”

“Let me guess, we couldn’t recognize you either,” Xavier suggested.

“Yes, because I was just walking the golden retriever, but I was the model there. The director just decided at the last minute to focus on the dog, you know—because the market is the dogs,” Haley explained.

“Last week, I also auditioned to be the new face of Kline BioSolutions, and I might actually have a chance,” Haley added. “They have been looking for ambassadors for months now.”

“We are so proud of you, Haley,” Cassandra complimented.

Haley beamed at her mother. “Thanks, Mom.”

Alice’s face was red. She looked like she was about to cry and said, “Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”

“I’ll accompany my girlfriend,” Xavier said.

A maid guided them to the common restroom. After Xavier and Alice left, Cassandra and her twins burst into laughter.

“Poor Xaiver and Alice. They can’t handle it,” Cassandra mumbled. “Xavier was probably jealous.”

“We might have overdone it,” Haley said. “We should humble ourselves a little.”

“Yes, it’s probably their first time seeing a model, Sis,” Hudson said.

Christian suddenly stood up. He looked disappointed. “Must you always look down on people? Xavier is still my half-brother.”

Cassandra frowned. “It’s not like that, Christian. We are just proud of your siblings. We haven’t even gotten to your achievements.”

Among her children, Christian was the youngest. He was fresh out of college and was helping Walter in the new business.

“I’m going to check on them,” Christian offered.

***

Meanwhile, in the restroom, Alice was laughing. Her face was red as she said, “Seriously? Xavier? What kind of people are these?”

“Modeling for any brand is fine, but when you boast about it that way, it’s just wrong,” Alice added.

Xavier was also chuckling. “Some kind of entertainment. They clearly think we are jealous.”

Alice had been holding back the entire time.

Earlier, she wanted to laugh out loud and tell them they had it all wrong, but at the same time, it was so fun to watch them brag as if they were high and mighty. How could Walter leave Xavier for this kind of family?

Christian stepped back, then added, “Well, just let me know how I can help.”

They all returned to the dining room with every intention of finishing dinner peacefully, but suddenly, Walter finally asked about his profession.

“Xavier, what is it exactly that you do for work?” Walter began.

“I’m in the medical field,” Xavier answered plainly, without going into details.

Walter’s face paled, while Cassandra’s lips twitched.

Hudson was the one who spoke their minds. “So, it’s exactly as we thought. Xavier needs help with work, and coincidentally, he is in the same field as Dad’s new company.”

Christian tried to correct his brother, but Cassandra said, “It’s fine. We can try to give Xavier a job.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Xavier said, calmly eating his shrimp. “I’m happy with the company I work with.”

Walter and Cassandra looked at each other. Eventually, Walter clarified, “Are you sure? We could give you a sales job.”

“It will probably earn more than the small-time company you work for in the countryside,” Hudson said. “What’s the name of the company you work for? Do we know it?”

“You’ve probably heard of it,” Xavier hinted.

Except for Christian, the Reeves glanced at each other. Eventually, Haley said, “I get it—you don’t want us to know because you’re ashamed?”

“It’s only natural,” Cassandra said.

“Xavier, are you sure you don’t want to join my company? I could at least guide you,” Walter asked again.

“I’m sure,” Xavier said with a smile.

There was a moment of silence before Walter proposed, “I know, we could at least introduce you to other businessmen in the city. I can get you seats for the special bid we are attending this Saturday. How about you come with us?”