Hannah really didn’t want to step into the Lancaster residence, but Anathea kept nagging in her ear, insisting that she had to
come.
Hannah let out a breath and looked around several times, but couldn’t spot Anathea anywhere, which made her want to leave. Besides, she might even run into Dominic.
At that thought, the urge to bail grew even stronger. Turning around, she was ready to sneak away and pretend she got stuck in traffic.
But Anathea called her right then, as if she had a tracker on Hannal.
“Trying to sneak off, Hannah?” Anathea teased.
“I just feel it’s not appropriate for me to be here,” Hannah said a bit awkwardly. “Sure, Ms. Lancaster came back, but it’s not as if we know her. Even though she sent an invitation, I don’t even recognize her. I might as well just go.”
“Please, you’re just afraid of running into Dominic, aren’t you?”
Hannah froze for a second because Anathea hit the nail on the head.
“Don’t worry. Dominic went on a business trip yesterday. He might not be back today, so you won’t run into him.”
At that, Hannah finally relaxed a little, not thinking about how Anathea knew so much.
“So, where are you now?”
“I’m touching up my makeup. I’ll come to see you soon. Just look around for now. I’ve got a surprise for you later,” Anathea said with a smile.
“Alright. Hurry up, then. It’s pretty boring by myself.” Hannah pouted and hung up, walking toward the dessert table.
Just as she was about to take a small cake, a woman with elaborately manicured nails reached out in front of Hannah and snatched it.
Hannah glanced at the person. When she saw that it was Shirley, she frowned. “There are so many cakes here, yet you just had to snatch the one I was about to take.”
“So what? I always get what I have my eyes on, even if it’s up in the sky.” Shirley snorted smugly and took a bite of the cake.
She didn’t even like the fattening cream on top, but since it was something Hannah wanted, Shirley would definitely take it.
Hannah didn’t say anything. After all, this wasn’t her turf. There was no need to make a scene just to compete with Shirley.
When she was about to leave, Shirley stepped to the side and blocked Hannah’s path.
“What’s the rush, Ms. Cole? The party hasn’t even started yet. Why don’t we have a little chat first?”
Hannah looked at Shirley warily.
Things between her and Shirley were nowhere near friendly enough to sit down and chat. In fact, after what happened a few days ago, there was already bad blood between them. Not tearing into each other the moment they met was already a miracle.
But in the next second, Shirley put on a small smile, and her tone took on a hint of apology. “What happened the other day was my nephew’s fault. I’ve already given him a good scolding. I’ve said some inappropriate stuff, too. I’d like to apo! to you.”
Hannah was momentarily stunned. She had no idea what Shirley was playing at.
But there were no cracks in Shirley’s expression. “Really, I’m sincerely sorry. I hope you won’t hold it against me, Ms. Cole.”
Hannah didn’t respond, her wariness still fully present in her eyes.
+25 BONUS
Even though Shirley didn’t get an answer, she wasn’t embarrassed at all. She went on talking as if nothing had happened. “By the way, what kind of gift did you prepare for Ms. Lancaster?”
Hannah paused for a moment, her tone indifferent. “None of your business.”
Shirley was caught off guard, and the smile on her face stiffened for a second, but she still continued, “You’re a celebrity, Ms. Cole. You must have a great sense of fashion. I’m sure the gift you prepared is amazing. I also prepared a gift for Ms. Lancaster- it’s a necklace. Could you take a look and tell me if it’s suitable?”
Shirley took out a gift box and opened it. A dazzling white diamond necklace came into view.
Hannah felt that Shirley was being unusually chatty today. She had no idea what Shirley was really up to, but Hannah didn’t want to keep wasting time with Shirley.
Hence, she replied, “It’s nice.”
