Chapter 42
“No, don’t read too much into it,” he said. How was he supposed to explain any of this? That his own mother tried to manipulate someone, only to get outplayed and end up with scandalous photos as blackmail material?
“We just reached an understanding, that’s all. Patricia doesn’t want to drag things out either.”
Grandma sighed, heavy and tired. “If only her legs could get better.” Her feelings about Patricia were always complicated–a mix of admiration for her brains and resilience, and resentment over those legs that would never walk again.
People are just like that. Always wanting everything, never satisfied. Wanting all the good things in the world to land in their lap.
“As for the Martins, let’s not make a scene. Since we’ve agreed on terms, we shouldn’t be too ruthless. That girl…” Grandma’s voice softened, full of sympathy. “She’s had it rough.”
Her parents had died young.
Her uncles had picked the family fortune apart like vultures.
She’d been born a rich heiress, only to end up with nothing.
Life really isn’t fair.
“I know,” Theo said, keeping his head down.
He had no intention of arguing. If the Martins realized Patricia no longer had the Newtons behind her, at worst, they’d just gossip and push her around a bit. But if Patricia ever got desperate and exposed what she knew, the fallout for the Newtons would be catastrophic.
In the dining room, Kelly was about to step out, but froze when she caught a snippet of conversation from the living room.
“Well, it’s finally over,” Marian muttered as she packed up her things. “If I’d known the Newtons cared so much about appearances, I would’ve done this ages ago and saved us a month of drama.”
“I bet the divorce papers aren’t even cold and the mistress is already moving in.”
“That family’s just a bunch of snakes, honestly. Not a single decent one, old or young.”
Marian packed her meager belongings into her suitcase, one by one.
Patricia stood by the window in a white dress, looking almost otherworldly in the soft light.
“Did you get everything ready for the memorial?” she asked quietly.
“All set. We’re leaving first thing in the morning.”
“Good.”
She needed to visit her family before leaving Riverdale. And as for the Martins, those bloodsuckers–one day, she’d come back for them. She’d make sure they regretted everything..
15:41
Chapter 42
That night, Theo skipped dinner at the Newton estate. Work called, and he left in a hurry.
Kelly went to her room early. When she heard Grandma was already asleep, she found an excuse to
sneak out..
At a small bar on the corner, Kelly, dressed casually for once, lifted the curtain and stepped into a private booth.
Inside, a woman with sharp, catlike eyes glanced up and teased, “Ever since Patricia married Theo, you barely call me anymore.”
“Seeing you just reminds me of everything that pisses me off,” Kelly said, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
Across from her sat Tina. They’d been classmates back in school, then both married into wealthy families. Out of all their old friends, they’d always been the closest–shopping, eating out, gossiping together. But ever since Patricia married Theo, Kelly couldn’t stand anyone from the Martin family. Just the thought of her crippled daughter–in–law made her feel like life had lost its color.
“So, you’re not in a bad mood anymore?” Tina laughed, pouring her a drink.
Kelly had always been proud–top of the class, and after marrying rich, her confidence only grew. She spoke and acted like she was just a little bit above everyone else, and she knew it.
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