Chapter 109
This socialite gathering wasn't the first time they'd dealt with Cynthia.
Every time they came to the Forbes Family estate for parties, Charlotte would be there, always smiling and busy taking care of them.
What was even more impressive was that besides making all kinds of pastries and cakes herself to serve them thoughtfully, Charlotte even carefully remembered each of their preferences and dietary restrictions, making sure they left satisfied every time.
So they had a very good impression of Charlotte.
As for everyone criticizing her low education level, Charlotte's education didn't affect them anyway, and low education didn't mean bad character.
As for Cynthia, she always liked to order Charlotte around in front of them, even though she could have asked the servants to do those things.
It seemed that the busier, more humble, and obedient Charlotte was, the happier Cynthia became.
Most of these socialites came from good families and married into wealthy households, so they could see right through Cynthia's little games.
She was simply using Charlotte to better demonstrate her authority and status in the family.
Although they also felt that wealthy families did have higher requirements for daughters-in-law, it definitely shouldn't be like Cynthia's way of bullying and putting down Charlotte over every little thing regardless of the occasion, even deliberately embarrassing Charlotte in front of outsiders.
Because they all knew that a daughter-in-law was also part of the family, one who shared in the entire household and even the entire clan—they prospered together and suffered together.
So no matter how fierce the internal family struggles were, they always presented a united front to outsiders.
As for someone like Cynthia who made Charlotte seem worthless and didn't care about the family's reputation at all, it only showed her stupidity!
Moreover, they had just heard that Charlotte won first place in the kindergarten parent-child competition a couple of days ago, so she definitely wasn't the stupid and bad woman Cynthia described.
However, the socialites were all smart enough not to say these things out loud.
After smiling and agreeing for a bit, they changed the subject.
But they all secretly decided that with someone like Cynthia around, whether it was their sons or daughters, they absolutely couldn't let them get involved with the Forbes Family.
After leaving the Forbes Family, the socialites who clearly hadn't had enough fun found a high-end club where they could relax and continue their earlier conversation.
"I really don't know what Cynthia is thinking. Her son hasn't even divorced yet and she's already rushing to find a new daughter-in-law. Unbelievable."
"Exactly, she really overestimates Alexander."
"Even if my daughter never gets married, I would never allow her to marry into a family like that."
"If you ask me, the most pitiful one is Charlotte. She's spent these years taking care of the whole family with all her heart, only to end up like this. It's really heartbreaking."
"I don't see it that way. For Charlotte, the sooner she leaves the better. Maybe she'll even find a better man."
"Charlotte isn't even thirty yet, right? She's beautiful and has a good personality. Finding a good man should be easy for her."
"You've just reminded me. I have a nephew who's only thirty, divorced a couple of years ago with no kids. Does anyone have Charlotte's phone number? Give it to me quick."
A nearby socialite laughed: "Mrs. Cavendish, Charlotte isn't divorced yet. No use being anxious."
Mrs. Cavendish was still eager: "I don't care. She's such a good girl, so of course I need to act fast."
Mrs. Cavendish was sharp as a tack.
What's wrong with being divorced?
Charlotte was such a wonderful woman. If you missed this chance, she'd be hard to find.
"Too bad I don't have Charlotte's contact information."
"Me neither."
The socialites all said they couldn't help.
And Mrs. Howard, the only one who had Charlotte's contact information, quietly put her phone back in her handbag.
'Son, you have a chance now,' she thought.
Downtown, Prime Estate.
"Mr. Landon Forbes, we've found out that the person supporting the Wallace Family this time is Mr. Alexander Forbes."
Landon rested his forehead on his curved fingers, looking thoughtful: "Seems like the Forbes Group has had it too easy these past few years."
Felix asked, "Mr. Landon Forbes, so what should we do?"
Landon set down what he was holding. "Leave it for now. I have my own plans."
Felix was about to leave, then turned back. "Mr. Landon Forbes, I've already prepared the gift for the Design Association's former chairman, just as you instructed. I'll deliver it in person first thing the morning after next."
Landon asked casually, "Who's on the guest list for the former chairman's event?"
Felix thought for a moment. "Mostly big names in the design world, plus some old-money families. Oh, and I think I heard Philip mention he'll be going with Charlotte to congratulate the former chairman."
Before Felix could even finish, Landon cut him off without hesitation. "Don't send the gift. The day after tomorrow, I'll deliver it to the former chairman myself."
Felix replied, "Got it."
Felix walked off, muttering under his breath.
When the invitation first came in, Landon had flat-out said he wasn't going. What made him change his mind all of a sudden?
After Felix left, Landon rose slowly from the sofa, walked over to the calendar, and drew a heavy circle around a date.
Ten more days.
Almost at the same time, Charlotte got a call from Keith.
Keith Wood was the vice chairman of the Design Association.
He was calling to remind Charlotte not to forget about the former chairman's birthday banquet the day after next.
Then he shifted gears and brought up the parent-child competition at the kindergarten.
"I swear, you are so clearly Lynn's daughter. You absolutely crushed it! Quentin totally had it coming."
"You have no idea—Trevor actually recorded the whole thing, including him realizing his mistake and apologizing. He sent me a copy and everything."
"Now I watch it before every meal and right before bed. It puts me in the best mood."
"Oh, by the way, Quentin's definitely going to be there the day after next. I wonder if he'll even be able to look you in the eye."
Keith got more and more worked up, talking for quite a while before finally hanging up, very reluctantly.
Just then, Philip came running over on his little legs.
"Charlotte, can you make extra snacks tonight? All the kids in my class love them."
"Sure thing." Charlotte ruffled his hair affectionately.
Philip's eyes lit up. Charlotte's the best! And no way were those other kids taking her away from him!
The next morning, Sabrina woke up a little late.
She rushed through her morning routine, hurried downstairs, and made a beeline for the kitchen.
Lisa had already finished making the stomach-soothing porridge. Seeing that Sabrina still hadn't come down, she figured she'd get a head start and ladle it out.
But just as she was about to serve it, Sabrina walked in.
"Don't. Touch. That."
Sabrina's sharp reprimand nearly made Lisa drop the bowl. "Miss Spencer, you scared me half to death! I didn't even hear you come in."
Sabrina couldn't be bothered to waste words on her. She snatched the bowl right out of Lisa's hands. "I told you. I'm the only one who serves this porridge."
Lisa shrank back, trying to explain. "I just thought it was getting a little late, so I—"
Sabrina shot her an icy glare. "Remember this. Do your job. Nothing more, nothing less."
Lisa lowered her head and gave a meek, "Yes, ma'am."
But inside, she was rolling her eyes. Sabrina wasn't even Mrs. Forbes yet, and she was already strutting around like she owned the place.
If it weren't for that five hundred grand, who in their right mind would put up with her attitude?
While this was going on, Sabrina had already filled a bowl with porridge. She was about to carry it out when her eyes flickered with a sudden thought.
She paused and whispered something to Lisa.
Lisa's eyes went wide with disbelief, but in the end, she nodded quietly.