Joy Chaucer’s smile froze ufortably on her face. Tessa said apologetically, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you don’t speak French.”
Her sincerity was evident, as French was a habit for her. But to Joy, it seemed a deliberate mockery, especially humiliating in front of so many people.
What made it worse was that Meredith had witnessed her embarrassment. Joy was instantly convinced that Meredith was silently mocking her-although Meredith had not uttered a word, Joy resented her deeply.
“I’ve been back for so long,” Joy said stiffly, trying to excuse herpse, “that I’ve grown a bit rusty.” It was a feeble exnation at best. How could one simply forget what they had learned? The other girls’ eyes sparkled with derision; they clearly despised sharing a table with Joy Chaucer.
One girl exined to Tessa, “Miss Chaucer only returned to the Chaucer family ten years ago, after being lost for over a decade. Tessa, you are new here and unaware of many things. Mrs. Chaucer spent a fortune sending Miss Chaucer around the world for education but probably doesn’t even realize the return on her investment, what do we call that?”
Anotherughed, “A Dorian Gray, I am afraid, but I doubt that Miss Chaucer has ever heard the name.”
“Definitely not,” came another voice, “She was but an ignorant pauper before returning to the Chaucer family.”
The girls openly mocked Joy Chaucer with their confidence stemming from their wealthy backgrounds, unafraid to offend her.
Joy Chaucer’s face turned livid. The conversation took a stinging turn as one girlpared her unfavorably to Meredith. “Meredith taught herself French and learned it far better than some who spent millions. Talent isn’t something everyone has.”
Hearing this, Joy’s face grew even darker. For Meredith, who had remained silent. This was something unexpected although she didpletely nothing at all.
Joy threw a hostile nce at Meredith as the rift between them deepened. Meredith sipped her juice quietly, exchanging nces with Terrence Sterling, who sat not far away, preferring to ignore Joy Chaucer altogether.
Meredith admired Joy’sposure despite the sharp barbs. She drank her juice and noted the wine waiter nearby, watching anxiously until Tessa took a sip of her wine before he walked away.
Meredith frowned, sensing something was off, but it was a birthday party-hardly a ce for sinister plots.
“I need to go to the restroom,” Meredith said, using it as an excuse to leave the unpleasant situation.
Tessa smiled, “Hurry back, Meredith; we’re going to have some caketer.”
“Sure,” Meredith replied with a smile before leaving the party, and Terrence Sterling, always observant, took this as his cue to follow.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.
In the garden, Terrence caught up with Meredith and pulled her close, kissing her forehead. “They make you ufortable?”
He assumed her departure was due to difort.
“Just tired of sitting, needed a little walk,” she responded, ncing around before boldly wrapping her arms around his waist. “Did you drink? I heard everyone practically plotting to marry off their daughters to you. I even overheard bets on when we might divorce.”
“A little,” Terrenceughed softly. “They are toote; you imed me first. Who’s betting? I’ll raise the stakes-they might go bankrupt.”
He gently patted Meredith’s stomach, smiling softly as he felt the baby, “Lucky is being good.”
“You always talk about Lucky,” Meredith feigned jealousy, “Does this mean I’m second now?”
“You’re always first,” Terrence murmured, kissing her lips as his distinctive masculine scent made her heart race and her cheeks flush.
“Stop, someone might see us,” she touched her heated cheek, “I should go back in, Tessa asked me to help with the cake.”
Meredith ducked out from his arms and walked back to the party. Upon her return, she found Tessa missing, and after asking around, learned she had gone to rest in the guest room. Just then, Meredith spotted Joy Chaucer heading towards the guest rooms as well; a hint of suspicion made her follow.