Chapter 37 Haughty Friends.
Finished
One of Helen’s friends grinned, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, right? She doesn’t work and just sits around all day. No idea why she couldn’t show up earlier.”
The complaints flowed, but Caroline didn’t seem to notice. She kept her focus on the task at hand, carefully unwrapping the utensils and plates in front of her.
Helen’s voice cut through the murmurs, sweet and soft. “Order whatever you want, don’t be shy.”
She
gave her best gracious host performance, wearing her smile like a mask.
Her friends showered her with praise.
Some, though, couldn’t help but compare her to Caroline.
“Tsk. Same upbringing, but they turned out so differently.”
“It’s all about what’s in your heart! There’s a reason the Somerton boys spoil Helen and barely acknowledge their own sister.”
Helen savored the comparisons.
A smugness flickered across her face.
She let her smile grow wider, though she pretended not to hear.
“Caroline, you don’t get out much. What do
get out much. What do you want? Don’t be shy. It’s on me.”
was her wou
It of rewarding Caroline for her design work.
One piece in particular had turned out flawless.
She had already turned it into a finished garment, far surpassing what any so–called designer could manage.
Tomorrow’s design competition? She was certain she would win first place.
Caroline’s expression didn’t waver. She was as cheerful as ever, her smile still in place.
“Well, in that case, I won’t hold back,” she replied, casually ordering a string of dishes consisting of everything she hadn’t tried before..
She even added two bottles of imported red wine.
Helen, clueless about wine, assumed it was just the usual kind of liquor.
But when the bill arrived, it hit like a punch to the gut.
ughty Friends
The waiter’s voice oozed condescension “Lady, the wine you ordered is imported from Fremona It’s rare and costs 40 grand a bottle”
Helen stiffened, her face paling
No wonder the wine tasted different. She hadn’t realized it was so costly
She didn’t have 90 grand to spare and even if she cod there was no way shed spend that much on a single meal.
Did Caroline do this on purpose?
She ordered the wine so the mould be facing the da
er dinner. We get together another me.
“It’s getting late Everyone should head horde after donner said, ushering her friends toward the door
As they trickled out she caught Caroline’s arm her voice diappong with a Caroline, you ordered such expensive wine fen sure you can pay for in righ
Caroline’s gaze sharpened, the mean behind Helen’s words clear. She raised an eyebrow “Wasn’t today your treat: Why should I pay?”
Spl wo bottles of than
Helen’s face stiffened frustration twisting her features. You can just order two bottles of that expensive wine. I don’t care–you ordered it so you pay
With the others gone. Helen no longer had to hold back
She wasn t about to let Caroline make her the fool and foot the bill for a meal that cost more than it should have i
Caroline’s lips curled into a mock smile. “Your inends were all praning you saying how generous you were for ordering that expensive liquor for them. You heard them I had a np. but it was you and your friends who drank most of it. You get to play the hero, but I’m left holding the bag? How
shameles
Without waiting for a reply. Caroline turned and walked toward the door
Helen moved to follow, but a waiter stepped in her path. You’ll have to foot the bull lady”
Helen’s eyes burned with anger as she watched Caroline exit the flames of frustration boiling is her chest. She stomped her foot in irritation
That b*tch! She’s stirring this up on purpose!
She had no choice now but to call Liam for help.
When Liam heard the total cost of the meal, his jaw tightened. Without hesitation, he rushed
“Helen, what’s going on?” His voice was sharp, the irritation clear
Chapter 37 Haughty Friends
Finished
Aunt Caroline to dinner, but she went ahead and ordered two bottles of wine that cost tens of thousands of dollars…”
Liam’s expression hardened, his sigh thick with exasperation.
“Why is it when something happens, it is always that one?”
For a brief moment, he allowed himself a muttered complaint. But in the end, there was no other option. He paid for the meal.
On the way home, Liam’s face remained clouded with worry, his sighed heavyly as if the weight of the evening was pressing down on him.
Helen, thinking it was the payment that still bothered him, softened. “I’m sorry, Uncle Liam. once I have the money, I’ll pay you back. All of it.”
But she knew, deep down, her words were hollow. It was just to ease his mind.
Liam’s frown slowly melted, replaced by a faint smile. “We’re family. It’s no big deal.”
He paused, then added, his tone more serious, “I’ll be out of town on business for a few days. Keep your eyes open. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you like how they did today.”
