Capítulo 3: In The Smiths' House

After leaving her daughter, Christine, in the hotel's daycare, Andrea took a cab to the Smiths' house the next day.

Since the Smiths' were not aware that she had delivered, she intended to keep it that way.

The driver, a middle-aged man, glanced at Andrea through the rearview mirror. "Visiting Primrose City, miss?"

Though she preferred to keep to herself, Andrea didn't want to appear rude. She nodded slightly. "Yes, just a visit."

The driver nodded, seemingly satisfied. "You must've heard about the big merger between Smith Corp and Empire Conglomerate?" he asked, a note of excitement in his voice. "It's all anyone's talking about around here."

Andrea lifted her eyes to meet his in the mirror, curiosity piqued. "Why is that?"

"Smith Corp's been looking to expand its reach, both here and abroad. This merger could be a game-changer for them," he explained. "More market value, more influence…"

Andrea's lips curved into a slight, knowing smile. "But how does that benefit the people of Primrose City? You, specifically?"

The driver shrugged, unfazed. "Maybe it doesn't directly, but the Smiths have done plenty of good for this city over the years. Folks here trust them."

He paused, glancing back at her again before adding, "And I heard there's more to this merger than just business. Rumor has it, they're planning to solidify the deal with a marriage alliance."

Andrea's interest sharpened. "A marriage? Between who?"

The driver leaned in conspiratorially. "Word is, one of the Smiths' daughters—someone who had a bit of a rough past—is set to marry a young master from the Caddell family. Can you imagine? From the streets to a powerful family like that… it's quite the story."

Andrea's expression remained neutral on the outside. But, on the inside, a storm was brewing.

Did Harold invite over to Primrose city to get her married to one of the Caddell young masters?

After the long ride, the car stopped in front of the gate. Andrea came down.

The Smith Family Villa was one of the oldest residential buildings in the area. Thus, the building style was a little bit out of style. Nevertheless, the tall trees around and the serene air made it bearable.

Andrea walked down the quiet path without any emotions on her face.

Inside the living hall, several ladies were chatting happily.

As soon as Andrea walked in, she instantly became their object of focus. It was as if they had been waiting for her to arrive.

"Well, well! Look who we have. If it isn't the black sheep of the family," one of the ladies said with a scoff.

"Look at that. She still has some nerves, showing up here after everything that's happened," another said with a giggle.

The other lady nodded with a sad, sarcastic smile. "I feel so ashamed for her. If it were me, I'd probably be hiding in a cave," she mumbled.

Andrea's lips thinned as she listened to them.

"Oh, come on, ladies! Give the girl a break, she's only just returned," from amongst the ladies, one spoke and got up.

The woman approached Andrea and hugged her warmly. "Oh, child! Look how you've grown! It's so good to see you after all these years, Andrea!" she cried in a loud voice.

Andrea bit her lip at the unwanted closeness.

The woman was her stepmother, who also happened to be her mother's only surviving sister, Grace Pierce.

After her mother's death, Grace had moved to the Smiths' mansion to look after Andrea so that the latter would not think too much of her mother.

But, in less than three months, she and Harold actually ended up getting married!

As if that was not enough, Grace suddenly had two kids who were only two years younger than Andrea!

Starting to feel irritated, Andrea deliberately took a few steps back, creating some distance from the woman and breaking the hug.

"I can't say the same about you... Aunt," Andrea replied, dragging the last word as she used her hands to dust had body like she had just made contact with a dirty animal.

Grace felt embarrassed.

She never liked this niece of her's because she reminded her of her sister, feisty and always getting the good things.

But, when she thought of the surprise that awaited her, she smiled and said sweetly, "Don't be like that, Andrea. You know I never wanted Harold to throw you out of the house."

Andrea nodded. "I see," she simply said with a tight smile.

Grace did not like the way Andrea was behaving but in front of so many ladies who were looking up to her, she could not bear to ruin her image.

Masking her embarrassment and disgust for the girl, she turned to a servant who was passing by. "Bring Andrea to the guest room," she said before turning to Andrea. "We didn't have enough time to prepare your room. Please, bear with the guest room."

Andrea said nothing in response to that and quietly followed the servant to the guest room. As she walked, she could still hear the ladies behind her.

"Grace, how can you still be so nice to that girl even after she's treated you like trash?"

"I feel so bad for you that you have such a niece. She has no regard for you!"

"Don't blame Grace for being such a nice person. It's just in her nature. The real vixen is that witch, Arabella, who took her place and married Harold!"

"It's all in the past now, ladies. Let's not talk about this anymore. Andrea is still my niece, no matter how she treats me. I can only be good to her in return and hope for her to come around someday, right?" Grace said in a soft and thoughtful tone, once more, earning the ladies' approvals.

Andrea's feet paused for a moment before she smiled and continued to walk.

It was no use thinking about it. Someone as scheming as Grace would always find a way to win other's trust with an innocent smile.

It made her wonder how such a person turned out to be her own aunt!

comentario 1 comentario

Votar

ENVIAR REGALO

next chapter

Load failed, please RETRY