Edith stared at Justin’s latest post on his feed, but couldn’t make sense of it, so she took a screenshot and sent it to Lauren.
Lauren replied with an eye–roll emoji. “Seriously? He’s flaunting his relationship right in your face. How could you not see it? What’s your IQ again?”
Edith groaned. “My emotional intelligence might be a little lacking, but I’m not stupid, okay?”
Lauren couldn’t resist sharing the screenshot in her group chat, venting her amusement. Somehow, the story found its way to the Vance family.
That evening, Salome didn’t get to dine at Northcrest Tower as planned. Instead, Beckett arranged a lavish family dinner at home.
As they gathered around the table, Salome’s phone buzzed with messages from her gossip–loving friends, all sending the same screenshot.
The image showed Edith transferring money to a man.
Salome couldn’t wait to spread the news, sharing it with everyone in the Vance house–so much so that even the maids serving dinner got the full rundown.
“Mom, looks like Edith’s sunk so low she’s out there earning money to support that man of hers. You should be pleased! Eat up tonight–I’ll even open a bottle of champagne just for you!”
Heather looked skeptical at first. Sure, Edith had married beneath the Vance family, but was it really that bad? Did she actually have to work to support her husband?
She glanced at Beckett for confirmation.
He nodded. “It’s true, Mom. Edith’s been taking on commissions just to make ends meet. I never thought her man would be the one relying on her.”
With Beckett’s word, Heather’s satisfaction was palpable. She called for the staff to bring out champagne. “You see? This is what happens when you leave the Vances. If Edith hadn’t been so troublesome, we could’ve tolerated her. Now look at her–reduced to supporting her own household. How pathetic!”
Salome was in high spirits that night. Missing out on dinner at Northcrest Tower hardly mattered now. News like this was just as good.
She poured Heather another glass. “Mom, what goes around comes around. Edith
1/2
17:41
Chapter 184
brought this on herself.”
Salome’s hatred for Edith only deepened as she remembered what happened with Jeffry. She didn’t have any proof, but she was convinced Edith was involved.
To think Edith dared to mess with the Vance family–Salome thought she must be completely reckless.
Her eyes narrowed. The child she was carrying would be her trump card. As long as she had the baby, she’d have countless ways to take revenge on Jeffry.
The Vance household was filled with laughter and celebration.
Only Beckett looked restless, picking at his food before excusing himself. “I’ve got some work to do. You all enjoy dinner.”
Heather scoffed as Beckett left. “What’s gotten into him?”
Salome rushed to cover for him. “Oh, don’t mind him. We were supposed to eat at Northcrest Tower tonight, but the manager insisted on a reservation. I think he’s just annoyed about that.”
Heather relaxed, reassured. For a moment, she’d wondered if Beckett was upset over
Edith’s troubles, but that wasn’t it at all.
If anything, the worse Edith did out there, the more likely she’d come crawling back to the Vances. That was worth celebrating.
Meanwhile, Edith sneezed violently.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was gossiping about her behind her
back.
Justin had just finished filling the tub and called out from the bathroom, “Come on, your bath is ready.”
212
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.