Chapter 17 87 % By the time Lewis returned home from his social engagements , it was already past nine in the evening .
The house was dark , quiet enough to feel hollow , He switched on the lights , the brightness momentarily stark against the stillness .
After slipping off his leather shoes , he walked past Doriss bedroom .
Not a sound came from within .
He figured she was likely already asleep .
Without disturbing her .
Lewis headed straight to his own room .
The next morning , Lewis returned from his usual run , the crisp morning air still clinging to his skin .
As he stepped into the living room , the sight on the balcony caught his eye .
Doris was watering the plants near the floor to ceiling windows .
The morning sunlight bathed her in a golden glow , highlighting her delicate features .
Her thick lashes seemed to capture the light , dancing with it , and her clear , luminous skin gave her an almost ethereal beauty .
In that moment , she looked untouched by the troubles of the world pure , serene , and as radiant as a flower in full bloom .
Lewis approached her , his presence casting a shadow over her sunlit figure .
Why didnt you tell me you were discharged yesterday ? Are you feeling completely better now ? She straightened up and turned to face him , her tone casual I didnt want to interrupt your work .
It wasnt a big deal I could handle it myself .
She gave a little twirl in front of him .
See ? Im perfectly fine .
Lewiss sharp gaze swept over her , assessing her condition .
Indeed , she seemed to be doing well .
Doris set the watering can aside and brushed her hands together .
Mr.
Hartman , Im heading to work now .
Her tone carried a quiet determination , one borne from years of standing on her own .
Having grown up without the warmth of her parents affection , Doris had long since learned to rely only on herself .
Dependence was not in her nature .
Lewiss voice brooked no argument as he countered , I bought some sandwiches .
Eat first , and wait for me to change .
Ill drive you to work .
Doris started .
I- He shook his head .
Dont argue with me .
Taking the subway isnt good for you right now .
And just like that , Lewis became her chauffeur for the next three days .
Soon , the day arrived when the Reed family was set to meet with the Robinson family to discuss Rupert and Claudias wedding .
The event was hosted at Hampstone Hotel , a venue as grand as it was opulent .
When Doris arrived at the designated waiting area , Laura was already there , juggling her three year old daughter , Arianna Webb , while helping her parents entertain Claudias relatives .
Doris smiled as she walked over, reaching out to lift the little girl into her arms .
Ari , come here and let me give you a kiss .
Aunt Doris , Arianna chuckled , leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Doriss check.
Doris turned to Laura , glancing around at the growing crowd .
Laura , this looks like more than just two tables worth of people .
Laura sighed , a weary smile tugging at her lips , Dad had to call the hotel last night to add three more tables and paid extra for it .
Apparently , Claudias relatives came out of the woodwork some of them so distant youd need a map to trace the 1/4 Chapter 17 connection .
But none that theyre here , we cant poor send them away can wer Laura had also been taken alark when she walked in today and where many people find de Doris scanned the mom , her eyes landing on Rupert and Claudia The lettering her d Ruperts shoulder , their fingers intertwined as they made polite conversation with Clear returns to derly women with silver streaked hair leaned forward , her voice filled with envy if Claudia is so lucky to marry into such a wonderful family I wonddot horse dresse

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d of seeing this hoses it at werent for being Claudias grandaunt .
Hes the catch of a lifetime The remark made it clear just how distant this relative truly was Rupert , clearly basking in the attention , gave Claudias cheek a playful pinch .
Did you hear that Your grandaver thinks Im the catch of a lifetime .
Youd better cherish me Oh , I definitely will , Claudia replied sweetly , clinging to harm with a syrupy smile .
Ruperts so capable .
Do you think he can help Ava find a job here ? Once she has a job in the big city , itll be easier for her to find a good husband , Claudias uncle Billy Robinson said , his words brimming with self tied authority Uncle Billy , Rupert works at Watsoil Group , one of the biggest companies in Hampstone .
You dont need to worry if Rupert steps in .
Ava will definitely get a position there , Claudia said with glowing confidence , her eyes sparkling with expectation as she turned to Rupert .
Isnt that right , Rupert ? Yes , of course , Rupert replied , though a flicker of hesitation flashed in his eyes .
Deep down , he felt far from confident , but his pride wouldnt allow him to back down in front of everyone .
He plastered on a smile, hoping to avoid further probing Standing to the side , Doris observed the charade unfold , her lips curling into a silent , mocking smirk .
What a farce , she thought bitterly .
She knew the truth .
Ruperts position at Watson Group wasnt the result of any exceptional talent or skill .
It was nothing more than Jimmy groveling at Ryans feet to secure the role for him .
And Ruperts job was fixing computers in the maintenance department a role so dispensable that anyone could replace him at a moments notice .
The gall he had to act like some big shot executive was almost laughable .
By noon , the waitstaff began ushering the guests into a private dining room , signaling the start of the meal.
Meanwhile , in a secluded corner , Jimmy pulled Laura aside , his face dark with suppressed anger .
Matteo isnt coming ? Fine Then wheres the $ 100,000 we agreed on ? Hand it over now , he demanded , his tone sharp enough to cut glass .
Jimmy had been counting on Matteo Webb , his son in law , to make an impressive appearance and add weight to the gathering .
Yet , to his frustration , not a single member of the Webb family had shown up .
Laura , flustered and visibly tense , reached into her bag and pulled out a bank card , presenting it with both hands .
Dad , I have $ 20,000 here .
Take it for now , she said cautiously , her voice trembling .
But Jimmy slapped the card out of her hands with a loud clatter as it hit the floor .
His fury erupted like a dam breaking .
Twenty grand ? Do you think Im some beggar you can throw scraps at ? Laura , youve married into the Webb family , living in luxury , and now you dont care about your brother or your parents anymore ? You cant even get $ 100,000 out of them ? Why did I even bother raising you ? Youre just like Doris useless , ingrateful little wretches .
Laura felt the heat of humiliation crawl up her neck as her fathers words rained down on her like a relentless storm .
Her throat tightened , but she swallowed her pain , refusing to talk back .
Dad , its my fault .
Ive let you down , she murmured , lowering her head as tears welled up in her e 2/4 eyes .
Her voice was thick 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb A.
Chapter 17 with suppressed sobs , a soft tremor betraying her shame and sorrow , 87 % Youve more than let me down .
Jimmy shot back mercilessly , ignoring the glistening tears pooling in her eyes .
His words landed like blows .
Youre dragging your feet because you just dont want to help Rupert with the money , isnt that it Choking back her sobs , Laura forced herself to reply , Dad , Im not working right now .
Matteo only gives me a allowance .
I really dont have that kind of money Jimmys face twisted in disappointment Laura , if youd bothered to have more kids , do you think the Webb family would treat you like this ? Youre obsessed with that one child , and youre not even working .
No wonder they look down on you The Webb familys stance on Laura was no secret .
Ever since she gave birth to a child and failed to conceive again , her mother in law , Sofia Webb , had made her disdain painfully clear .
With each passing year .
Lauras empty womb became an even sharper point of contention , and Sofias words grew more cutting and cruel Even Lauras husband , Matteo , had changed .
The love and tenderness he once showered on Laura were long gone , leaving her days in the Webb family a relentless uphill battle .
Jimmys voice was as sharp as a blade , laced with threat .
If you cant come up with the $ 100,000 , Ill go straight to Matteo for the money .
Ill make a scene at your place .
Dad , please dont .
Laura clung desperately to Jimmys arm , her eyes wide with panic .
Jimmy yanked his arm away with such force that Laura stumbled , falling hard onto the cold , unforgiving tiles .
The chill from the ground seeped into her skin , and the sharp pain shot through her limbs as they struck the floor .
If you dont want me to make that call , then get me the $ 100,000 , Jimmy demanded .
towering over her without a shred of remorse .
Laura struggled to push herself up , her hands trembling as she whispered , Dad , please , give me some time .
Ill try my best to figure something out .
She knew that if Jimmy caused a scene at the Webb familys , her and Ariannas lives would become even more difficult .
You have three days , Jimmy barked , his tone final before turning and storming off .
Just as he left , Doris appeared around the corner with Arianna in tow to look for Laura , nearly colliding with him .
Doriss eyes landed on Laura , who was bracing herself against the wall , trying to stand Mommy , Arianna called out , her sweet voice cutting through the tension .
Doris rushed over , her arms wrapping around Laura to steady her .
As she helped Laura to her feet , Doriss heart ached at the sight of Lauras frail figure , her once vibrant aura now replaced by exhaustion and despair .
They hadnt seen each other for a long time , and Laura had really changed a lot .
Let me guess Matteo didnt show , and Dad yelled at you again ? Doris asked , her brows knitting together .
Its not that , Laura replied , shaking her head , though the lie was weak .
Doriss eyes narrowed .
If you wont tell me the truth , Ill go ask him myself .
No , Doris .
Laura grabbed her sisters arm , stopping her from marching off .
Todays Ruperts big day .
Dont stir up trouble .
or Dad will lose it again , and you wont be spared either .
Im not scared of him , Doris shot back , defiant as ever .
Fine , then Im afraid of you .
Happy ? Laura forced a smile , swallowing the bitterness lodged in her throat .
3/4 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb FER ER Chapter 17 87 % Taking Ariannas hand , Laura led her and Doris into the private dining room .
They had barely taken their seats when an imposing figure caught their attention Ryan stood in the room , dressed impeccably in a tailored suit , exuding an air of authority Flanking him was his assistant , Jeremiah Hussain , and a line of five subordinates , their synchronized movements and formal attire elevating Ryan as the undeniable center of attention .
Doris froze in place , her face instantly hardening .
This is supposed to be our family dinner .
Has Dad completely lost his mind ? He really invited Ryan just to make himself look good ? she wondered .
Jimmy practically leaped out of his seat to greet Ryan , his face lighting up with an obsequious grin .
Ryan .
At last , youre here .
Ive been waiting for this moment , he chuckled .
Rupert followed suit , eagerly stepping forward with a fawning smile plastered on his face .
Hello , Ryan , he said , his tone as ingratiating as Jimmys , Doriss hands curled into tight fists as she watched the shameless display , fury bubbling just beneath her surface .
Peyton , sitting beside her .
gently placed her hand over Doriss , her eyes pleading .
Doris , please dont start anything right .
now .
Your dad begged Ryan for ages to even get him to consider coming .
Mr.
Watsons extremely busy he wont stay long .
Just think of him as Ruperts boss and let this dinner go smoothly , okay ? Doris , please hold back .
Dont make things harder for Mom , Laura added softly , oblivious to the fact that Doris and Ryan had broken up .
4/4