Chapter 62
In Cloudridge, the Jenkins family was way below the Bennetts in status. So when Lucas invited him, Xavier dressed to impress and showed up with real sincerity.
But when he got to the party, it was like he was invisible. He tried making conversation, but everyone completely ignored him. Only Lucas acknowledged him-and that was just to order him around, telling him to pour wine, fetch fruit platters, and run errands.
Xavier wasn’t stupid. He knew they were messing with him. But he kept his cool. With an easy smile, he poured Lucas a drink. Once he’d gotten Lucas in a good mood, he asked softly, “Did I do something to upset you, Mr. Bennett?”
Lucas glanced at him. Since Xavier had been waiting on him so diligently, he deigned to speak up. “You’ve been bugging Emily lately, haven’t you?”
Xavier was confused. He thought it over before answering, “I saved her the day she and Ms. Lydia Bennett fell into the pool together. My jacket’s still with her, and I just want it back.”
Lucas burst out laughing. “You, the only Jenkins heir, need a jacket? Come on. I know what you and Yvonne are up to.”
At Lydia’s graduation party, he’d overheard Yvonne and Xavier plotting against Emily. Back then, he’d thought Emily had it coming, so he didn’t say a word.
But Emily was still considered a Bennett. So he warned Xavier, “I don’t care what game you’re playing, but don’t go too far.”
Xavier relaxed right away. “Don’t worry, Mr. Bennett. I know my place.”
He refilled Lucas’s glass. “I heard Emily wasn’t in Cloudridge the past two years. Did she go overseas?”
Only Sean and his tight circle knew where Emily really had been those years. Xavier wasn’t in that loop.
Lucas shot him a sharp look. “Why’s that your business?”
Xavier hurried to explain, “Foreign customs are way different from here. I just want to get to know Emily better.”
Lucas scowled. “Whether she went overseas or not, it’s none of your business. Back off.”
Instantly, Xavier knew there was more to Emily’s “going abroad” story. After all, if she’d been sent overseas, why would she have yelled “Jackson” at him? He’d sent Jackson to St. Gabriel Reform Academy himself. If Emily knew Jackson, maybe she knew other secrets too.
Xavier snuck a glance at Lucas, thinking, ‘If the Bennetts could send Emily to a place like that, they clearly didn’t care about her. Lucas is just putting on this act to save face. The thought eased Xavier’s mind a bit.
After striking out again at the Bennett residence, Xavier had someone look into Emily’s whereabouts. To his surprise, the Bennetts’ so-called “proudest daughter” was working a regular job.
Anyone who bothered to look could’ve found that out. But nearly two months after Emily came back, none of the Bennetts had a clue.
Instead, because she kept odd hours-leaving early, coming home late, avoiding them like the plague-they thought she’d finally grown up and stopped picking fights with Lydia. Gale even took pity on her, letting her eat at the main table.
To that “huge” favor, Emily just said, “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Gale Bennett. But I’m not a Bennett. I won’t trouble you.”
1/2
Chapter 62
Gale slammed the teapot down, fuming. “I show her a little decency, and she gets sassy? Like we’re all supposed to wait on her hand and foot!”
Emma looked just as annoyed. “If she’s not part of this family, why’s she still living here? She’s just holding a grudge.”
