Chapter 19 Darcy Attended the Party
The party was lively, with everyone chatting and having a great time.
Brianna focused all her attention on Kendra, these moments together were rare, and she wanted to make the most of them. No one knew when the next one would come.
It had been almost a month since they’d been separated, and deep down, Kendra really missed Brianna.
In the past, Brianna was always home waiting for her, so she could act out and be as spoiled as stre wanted
But now that Brianna had left her behind, she instinctively tried to win her over.
Seeing Kendra’s obvious attempts to please tugged at Brianna’s heartstrings.
She wanted Kendra to grow up sunny and free–spirited, without having to cater to anyone or climb social ladders. But thinking back on her own childhood, the two decades of her parents‘ constant bickering and resentment, she figured an early divorce might have been for the best. A loving single–parent home was better than a fractured one full of endless arguments.
With a sigh, she told herself that instead of showering her with superficial, over–the–top affection, she’d rather model independence and bravery for Kendra.
That thought settled her, and she devoted herself fully to hanging out with Kendra.
Halfway through the event, though, an unexpected guest showed up.
The woman caused a buzz the second she walked in.
Guests turned heads. They thought, ‘Who is this gorgeous creature, so elegant and captivating?‘
Dressed in a Chanel couture ensemble, with impeccable makeup, toting the latest Chanel bag and a gift box, she glided forward with graceful steps, swaying like a willow in the wind.
Some admired her, others shot envious glances, and those who knew who she was smirked, gearing up for the show. Brianna, totally wrapped up in Kendra, missed the stir entirely.
It wasn’t until she caught Kendra’s curious glances that she looked over in the same direction.
She thought, ‘Darcy! What is she doing here?‘
Darcy approached with swaying hips, stopping in front of Josefina to hand over her gift box with a playful greeting.” Josefina, happy birthday!”
Josefina knew the Meyers family gossip but had never met Darcy.
Grinning at the charming young Josefina in front of her, she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.
“Whose lovely girl is this? So beautiful! Just wonderful.” She peered closely at her. “Those eyes and brows… they remind me a little of Brianna.”
With that, she glanced over at Gabrielle.
Gabrielle had already turned stone–cold.
Darcy said, “Josefina, you’ve got a keen eye. You nailed it on the first try. We’re sisters; I’m Darcy.”
The guests exchanged knowing nods. They thought, ‘Ah, the infamous illegitimate daughter.’
Rumor had it Whitney’s daughters were both stunners. Compared to Brianna’s cool, aloof demeanor, she came off as much more bubbly and vibrant.
Josefina’s smile faded in an instant, and she averted her gaze.
It wasn’t the place to call her out in front of everyone, but frustration boiled inside. Spotting Gabrielle, she couldn’t resist snapping at her.
She said, “I told you not to make a big deal out of my birthday, but you had to go all out. See? It’s just tiring everyone out. Now all sorts are turning up, whether they belong or not.”
Gabrielle gave Brandon a pointed look of blame and nodded along.
Josefina, steaming, shot a sympathetic glance at Brianna.
Darcy stood there, her smile never faltering, not a hint of awkwardness.
Brandon and the other family men were tied up with schmoozing.
When he spotted Darcy, Brandon headed over. “You’re here? Darcy, grab a seat.”
Chapter 19 Darcy Attended The Party
He waved his assistant over to sort out a spot for her.
Come on, sit right here!” Margo called out, motioning her to the chair beside her.
The head table was strictly for immediate family. Having Darcy join them wasn’t right.
“We’re all family, and I’m sure you and Brianna have plenty to chat about. Sit with us.” Margo doubled down, cutting off any pushback
Darcy nodded and settled in next to Margo without a fuss.
Kendra couldn’t take her eyes off Darcy now, darting worried looks at Brianna, braced for an outburst.
Brianna noticed and just found the whole thing tiresome, so she tuned it out with a casual shrug.
With Darcy’s arrival, Brianna stole a few glances at Brandon, wondering if his no–show that morning had anything to do with her.
Darcy stayed cool as a cucumber amid the table’s hostility, keeping up her calm and courteous front.
Margo flashed a bright smile and dove into chatting with her. “Why’d you come alone? How are your folks?”
“They’re good,” Darcy answered. “Mom and Dad had no idea about Josefina’s birthday. They’re away on a trip. I only found out from Brandon this morning, so I didn’t have much time to get ready. Hope Josefina isn’t offended.”
So that was why Brandon had ditched the Levy manor. It was for her.
Margo had tipped off a friend to leak the party details to Darcy, but she hadn’t figured Darcy would actually crash the party and handle it like a pro.
Josefina and Gabrielle’s expressions grew even stormier.
Margo snatched up Darcy’s gift box and popped it open right there for all to see. She knew this clever thing wouldn’t waste a prime opportunity to show off.
The second it opened, Brandon let out an exaggerated gasp. She’d gone all out. “Whoa, Darcy, is this that ancient vase from the recent auction?”
Darcy gave a subtle smile, eyes cast down modestly. “I hope Josefina doesn’t find it over the top.”
Josefina grabbed the vase from Margo, boxed it back up without a second look, and passed it straight back to Darcy.
She said, “Ms. Meyers, this is way too much. I can’t accept a gift like that without deserving it.”
Darcy didn’t flinch, just eased the box back over. “Josefina, I know you don’t lack for anything. It’s just a little something from me. The motif felt appropriate, maybe it’ll bring a smile to your face.”
Gabrielle clamped a hand on the box and pushed it firmly back, flashing a tight–lipped smile at Darcy.
She said, “Ms. Meyers, this is supposed to be a family affair. Everyone here’s either kin or longtime friends of the family, just here to celebrate and catch up.”
Before Darcy could get a word in, Gabrielle barreled on.
She said, “A gift this extravagant? To those who get it, it shows your parents taught you well, with a sense of what’s right. But to outsiders, it could make our Levy family look cheap, like we’re after a relative’s money.”
The digs were sharp, and the table held its breath, waiting for Darcy to crack.
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