Chapter 47
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The gown arrived within the hour. After trying it on, she showered and slept.
Without her journal, she mentally noted before drifting off: Day 22 without Cedrick. Blocked him. Peace and quiet.
Day 21 dawned with new emails.
Her university had sent the I–20 form–she could now schedule her student visa interview.
Delaying the appointment for Seaston, she’d have time to prepare documents after returning.
The Hurley family banquet promised chaos, so Lucille visited her acupuncturist alone. When Aydan called, she lied about already returning to the hotel, insisting they’d meet at the event. She repeatedly declined his offer to pick her
After an afternoon nap, Lucille prepared for the evening.
She expertly applied her own makeup and styled her hair. As she smoothed her gown, Aydan called–still insisting on picking her up.
Not wanting to burden him, she claimed to be en route, promising to call upon arrival for him to meet her outside.
She truly was ready to leave.
Reluctantly agreeing, Aydan hung up as Lucille grabbed her clutch.
The Hurley estate radiated opulence, its gilded halls requiring invitations for entry.
Lucille never expected to encounter Maricela here.
They faced each other on the marble steps.
Without Cedrick present, Maricela shed all pretense, raking Lucille with a scornful gaze. “That dress makes you look ridiculous. Why are you even here?”
“Who’s that?
Maricela ?”
Harlan–Cedrick’s lackey–approached at the sound.
Maricela instantly softened her tone. “Lucille, did you come to ruin Cedrick’s plans again?”
You should go back. Last time Cedrick couldn’t cooperate with Jaiden Wyatt on the project, he got so worn out he lost a lot of weight. This time, it’s hard enough to negotiate with the Wilson family, so just give him a break.”
Lucille completely ignored her, lowered her head to send a message, telling Aydan she had arrived.
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Chapter 47
288 Vouchers
“Are you messaging Cedrick?”
“Oh, why bother?”
“Looking like this, even if Cedrick forces you in, it’ll just make people laugh at him. Go back.”
Maricela said in a sweet, coquettish voice, looking worried, as if she was entirely thinking of Cedrick.
Harlan snorted coldly, “Some people, how can they be so ungrateful? They’re provided with good food and drink at home, holding onto their status, yet restless, still coming out to make a fool of themselves everywhere. If they don’t care about embarrassment, fine, but doesn’t it hurt when Cedrick’s career suffers?”
“As if it’s not Cedrick’s money being spent?”
It looked like Harlan hated her deeply. Before, he hated her for not being worthy of Cedrick; now, it solidified be- cause Cedrick’s deal with Jaiden collapsed.
Lucille found it really strange why they blamed the project failure on her.
Was it her who made them pretend to be a fake couple?
“Go back, Lucille. The Zheng family’s banquet is invitation–only. We all have invitations; you don’t, so you’ll cause trouble for Cedrick. He’ll have to explain who you are, and if they don’t believe him, won’t let you in, and you make a scene at the door, won’t that embarrass Cedrick?”
Maricela looked pleading, all in Cedrick’s best interest.
Harlan’s gaze grew more hostile. “She’s just afraid Cedrick will abandon her. Cedrick comes to Capital City, she fol- lows; Cedrick attends a banquet, she follows. She’s burdened Cedrick for five years, truly not caring about his well- being, only her status as a rich wife.”
“Harlan, don’t say that about Lucille.”
Maricela still wore a kind expression. “I can understand Lucille. Without Cedrick, how could she live?
Holding onto Cedrick tightly is her only hope in life; she’s quite pitiful…”
Harlan snorted coldly. “Mari, you’re just too kind.”
“What are you talking about?”
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