Chapter 45
Viola was practically grinding her teeth in rage.
If she could actually control Philip, she wouldn’t have to watch him chase after Celeste day after day!
Gone was her usual gentle facade. Viola advanced, every step radiating pressure, her presence suddenly cold and overbearing.
“My advice? Know your place. Philip might be clueless, but I’m not. Being the Hopkins family’s mistress isn’t as easy as you think. Play it smart and
obedient–who knows, maybe you’ll even walk away with a little more cash for your golden years.”
She leaned in, her eyes glinting with malice. “But if you keep tempting Philip, I’ll spill everything to Mrs. Hopkins. What do you think she’ll do when she finds out her brand–new husband is keeping a little songbird like you on the side?”
Viola’s eyes flashed with cruelty. The Hopkins family would never lay a finger on Alfred, their wayward son, but Celeste–the homewrecker–would be crushed by the lady of the house without mercy.
Celeste suddenly laughed.
“Do
you even know who Mrs. Hopkins is? Yet here you are, threatening me.”
Of course, Viola had no idea. But faced with Celeste’s look of utter disdain, she couldn’t admit it.
She did know the Hopkins family’s rules, though. Their daughters–in–law were always society’s finest–proper, poised, often the daughters of politicians or professors, and always exquisitely beautiful. The Hopkinses would never let just anyone marry in.
With that in mind, Viola puffed herself up and scoffed, “Of course I’ve seen her! Mrs. Hopkins is so much more dignified and graceful than you could ever hope to be. You? You’re not even in the same league.”
Celeste snorted, then burst out laughing. “Wow, you really are a one–in–a–million genius!”
Viola’s cheeks flushed as Celeste’s laughter rang out, making her uncomfortable and self–conscious. She clenched her fists tight.
“What’s so funny?”
Chapter
“Watching a little clown jump around, how could I not laugh? It’s just too entertaining!”
Celeste wiped away a tear, still chuckling. Mrs. Hopkins is right in front of her and she has absolutely no idea. Unbelievable.
Viola bristled under Celeste’s laughter, pride turning quickly to shame, her eyes darting nervously as she scrambled to regain control. Just then, footsteps rustled behind them.
She had an idea–without missing a beat, she started sobbing right in front of Celeste.
“Celeste, for my sake, would you please just talk to Philip? He can’t sleep at night because of you. Just come back with me and see him, just once. If you’re around, maybe he’ll finally get some rest…”
Her voice trembled, every word dripping with sincerity and tears.
If Celeste hadn’t just watched her switch faces in a split second, she might have almost believed the act.
But this wasn’t a stage, and Celeste had no patience for Viola’s performance. She shot her a cold, mocking smile.
“Just how much do you think your ‘sake‘ is worth? If I hadn’t sponsored you all those years ago, you’d still be back in the mountains chewing on tree bark.”
“All this time I’ve supported you, and instead of being grateful, you try to blackmail me? Aren’t you afraid that with no one else around, I might just throw you to the dogs, and nobody would ever know?”
Celeste looked down at her, eyes cold and emotionless.
Viola froze. Celeste had never talked to her like this before–so ruthless, so direct. And yet, somehow, she liked it. She could already hear footsteps coming closer behind her, so she amped up her act, crying louder.
“I’m sorry–I know I was wrong! I’ve always known you hated me, always wanted to send me back to the mountains. I deserve it–I should’ve just starved to death back there. I’m so sorry…!”
She sobbed so hard she could barely breathe.
Celeste had half a mind to slam the door in her face.
Philip arrived just then, moving faster than either of them expected. He rushed to Viola’s side, pulling her into his arms, and shot Celeste a bewildered look.
17:14
Chapter 45
“Celly, what are you saying? Viola’s in poor health–what if you upset her and something happens?”
Celeste’s voice was icy. “If her health is so fragile, she should be resting at home. If she dies, there’s a coffin waiting and the afterlife will take care of the rest. Why
come to my door looking for trouble?”
