Chapter 9
Patricia’s hand froze, the tips of her slender fingers whitening as she gripped the tea tongs.”
She’d grown up sheltered by her parents, every move graceful and proper. But after they died, she was thrown into a brutal fight for the family fortune against the Martins. That’s when she learned to be ruthless.
People said Patricia had it all–looks, brains, experience, charm. Everything except luck. Two years ago, she’d stuck her nose where it didn’t belong and saved Oliver. The price? She lost the use of her legs.
If not for that day, she’d be the one running the Martin Group from its top floor, not sitting here in the wheelchair.
Kelly knew Patricia was nobody to mess with. That’s why, when Patricia looked up at her with those calm, unreadable eyes, Kelly felt a wave of guilt.
“It was my mistake,” Patricia said, voice steady. “I’ll go pick him up from Newton Enterprises myself later.”
She always believed in being upfront–address the problem head–on before things got out of control.
Kelly’s heart skipped. The last thing she wanted was anyone to know that Oliver’s wife was in a wheelchair. Letting Patricia show up at the office would be humiliating for their family.”
“No matter what, Judy has to stay here,” Kelly insisted, a little too quickly.”
Patricia poured her some tea, head bowed so that a lock of hair slipped down and hid her face. Even from across the table, Kelly was struck by how beautiful she looked.
For a split second, Kelly thought, Thank God she can’t walk. If she weren’t in a wheelchair, who knows how much she’d have Oliver wrapped around her finger.
“Fine. If you want her to stay, she can stay,” Patricia said casually.
Kelly blinked, surprised at how agreeable she sounded.
“You promise?”
“Promise,” Patricia replied, nodding.
It wasn’t worth lying about something so petty.
Kelly must really hate her, Patricia thought, if she couldn’t stand to be in the same room for even a minute longer. As soon as the conversation ended, Kelly turned and left. left.
At the door, she paused and tossed over her shoulder, “Grandma says tomorrow’s family dinner is canceled. Don’t bother coming upstairs.”
“Okay,” Patricia said, unbothered.}
She finished her tea slowly before asking Marian to bring the new housekeeper in.
Judy was a woman in her forties, looking neat and put–together, the kind of polish that came with working for rich families.§
“If you’re so eager to stay, Judy, why don’t you watch the gate and sweep the yard?” Patricia said lightly.
Marian’s face fell. “Mrs. Newton said I was supposed to stay inside.“}]
“Well, in that case, Marian, go fetch Mrs. Newton and tell her you think you’re too good for this job,” Patricia replied, cutting off any protest.E
Judy flinched, scrambling to explain. “Ma’am, that’s not what I meant. I don’t think that at all.”
She was here on assignment. Staying here was all that mattered.}
Patricia just smiled coolly, leaning back in her chair. “I don’t have much patience, Judy. Remember that, and we’ll get along.”
She glanced away, already bored with the conversation.
Patricia knew the whole setup. Grandma and Kelly would force Marian on her no matter what, so she’d already prepared the furthest, most isolated servant’s room by the garden.
At they walked away, Judy whispered to Marian, “Your lady sure has a temper.
“People online always say that folks with disabilities have bad attitudes. Maybe they’re right. How do you put up with her mood swings?” Marian rolled her eyes where nobody could see “Just stick to your job and leave her alone. It’s not that hard.“
“So what, we just tiptoe around her all day?“!
