Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Edith had barely stepped foot inside the Sumner residence when she was seized by a sudden sneeze.
Jayne hurried over, concern etched across her features. “Edith, are you alright?”
Most of the guests were still lingering, but thanks to Jayne’s calm hospitality, the earlier commotion had been all but forgotten.
Edith offered a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, really.”
Jayne hesitated, then asked gently, “And what about Salome?”
At the mention of that name, a flicker of distaste crossed Edith’s eyes. “Mom, as long as I’m okay, that’s all that matters. Whatever happens to anyone else is their own business.”
Without another word, she arranged for Salome’s so-called ‘gift’ to be couriered back to the Vance family.
Once everything was settled, Jayne led Edith around to greet the remaining guests.
Among the crowd, Edith recognized a few family friends and greeted them with warmth and humility.
As she mingled, she caught snippets of conversation drifting through the room-soft whispers about the Vance family.
“Did you hear? Heather actually went to see Cora Sullivan and apologized, head down and all. If only someone had snapped a picture-that
would’ve been priceless.”
Edith’s brows knit together. Heather, of all people, went to Cora? She’d always thought Heather was far too proud to ever swallow her pride, let alone admit she was wrong. The thought was both astonishing and oddly satisfying.
She didn’t need to hear more to guess at the reason. Cora’s husband was
1/3
12:22
Chapter 35
a renowned surgeon, no doubt well-acquainted with Dr. White. If Heather had shown even a hint of humility at the hospital, perhaps things wouldn’t have turned out so harshly for her.
But now, Heather was reaping exactly what she’d sown.
Mrs. Sullivan had always been the picture of grace. Years ago, she’d endured the humiliation of losing her fiancé and being mocked for it, yet she’d carried on, built a good life, and seemed to have put the past behind
her.
Edith imagined Mrs. Sullivan would probably grant Heather’s request. As for herself, she had no intention of explaining to Mrs. Sullivan how the Vance family had dug their own grave—she simply resolved never to concern herself with their affairs again.
Salome’s condition had stabilized after Dr. White intervened, but she was now under strict observation-confined to her hospital room, not allowed so much as a foot outside, or she’d have to face the consequences.
Salome, for all her dramatics, didn’t dare defy Heather now.
Just outside the hospital room, Heather’s face was flushed an ugly shade of purple with rage. She clenched her jaw, humiliated beyond words; she had lost every scrap of dignity she had in Northcrest’s social circles, and who knew how long the gossip would last.
And in her mind, it was all Edith’s fault.
“She used to say Edith was sweet and obedient, but look at her now-she’s nothing but a two-faced little tramp! After everything the Vance family did for her all those years, this is how she repays us?”
Beckett seemed distracted, barely registering Heather’s rant. He was lost in thought, murmuring, “Mom, do you know who Edith’s fiancé actually is?” Rumor had it he was some well-off older man, but the Sumner family hadn’t let a word slip.
Heather snorted, her eyes full of disdain. “As if I care about those
2/3
12:22
Chapter 35
insignificant nobodies. The Sumners always were secretive-if they’re keeping the groom’s identity under wraps, it’s probably because they’re embarrassed.”
Her lips curled into a sneer, equal parts spite and contempt. “I said it from the start-Edith marrying into the Vance family was the best stroke of luck she could ever hope for. But she’s as barren as a stone, and no amount of good fortune could ever change that.”
3/3
12:22
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.