Chapter 311


    Aside from the Palmers and the Millers, the Yorks and the Fletchers were also among the elite ns


    of Riddleton. When these families gathered, the crowd swelled to over two hundred, young and old,


    mingling together.


    Despite the throng, ra''s eyes immediately found a familiar figure as she stepped out of her car.


    Heidi strolled over with her uncle James on her arm, her smile like the first day of spring.


    Sasha clenched her jaw. "Why is that bitch everywhere? Just seeing her makes me want to hurl."


    ra offered a thin smile. "Looks like trouble''se to town. Best we stay sharp."


    No sooner had ra spoken than Heidi''s delicateughter tinkled through the air. "Uncle, this is


    Attorney ra, the one I mentioned. She''s quite the name in Northbridge''s legal circles. Should you


    have any legal matters, you can rely on her expertise. It''d also be a nice way to look out for Ian,


    giving his ex''s business a little boost." Her words deftly severed any lingering ties between Ian and


    ra while elevating her own standing.


    ra chuckled lightly. "I appreciate the shout-out, Ms. Heidi, but my docket''s full. I''m afraid I can''t


    take on the York family''s business."


    Heidi''s smile brightened. "Attorney ra, the Yorks are the crème de crème of Riddleton. Their


    legal affairs are abundant. Are you sure you won''t reconsider?"


    "Sorry, but I''m picky about my clientele. No matter the fee, I won''t work with people I don''t gel with.


    Remember when you were in that bind? I turned down your father for that very reason. Have you


    forgotten, Ms. Heidi?" ra''s words were a barbed reminder of Heidi''s past scandal. It drained the


    color from Heidi''s face.


    With a polite nod to James, ra excused herself. "Sorry, Mr. James, no offense meant towards


    you. It''s just her. Sorry for causing you any trouble. My apologies." Then, she whisked Sasha away.


    James watched their departure, his expression unreadable but his smile profound. "Ian''s got himself


    a fiancée with quite the bite, and she''s got the smarts to match. Reminds me of your mother when


    she was young."


    Heidi seethed silently, biting back her frustration. Did ra really inherit all of May''s traits? Why did


    everyone think they were so alike?


    Heidi pouted. "Uncle, why do you take her side? She insulted me, and you didn''t even defend me."


    James chuckled, "It doesn''t sit quite right with me, stepping into the squabble among you


    youngsters."


    "ra has an edge with words. I just never seem to best her."


    James said, "Then go ahead and sway her with your skills, not by resorting to underhanded tactics.


    We don''t take kindly to such behaviour."


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Stunned into silence, Heidi knew her grandmother''s side of the family cared for her, but they had


    boundaries very different from Paolo''s blind indulgence.


    Nodding obediently, Heidi apanied James into the main hall.


    No sooner had they entered than she spotted ra surrounded by several cousins from the York


    family, who usually gave Heidi nothing but cold shoulders.


    Heidi stormed over, yanking ra aside, her voice fierce. "You''re not content with snatching Ian


    from me. Are you after my cousins now?"


    Her usation rang out loud and clear, painting ra as a man-stealer.


    As murmurs spread among the guests, a cool, deep voice cut through from behind.