A smile reappeared on Yvette’s face. She held Russell’s arm and reassured him, “Don’t worry, Dad. After today, the Bakers will definitely reconsider the engagement. I’ve had everything planned out. Besides, the Bakers haven’t made known the cancellation of the engagement, which means to say that they are still hesitating.
Hence, we need to make my birthday party exceptionally grand. Dad, you must make an opening speech.” Having yielded to his daughter’s persuasion, Russell placed the newspaper aside and stood up. The doting father gazed at his daughter with his eyes full of affection. “Oh, how could I say no to my only daughter?
I’ll go down and make a short speech then.” Little did he know that his indulgence toward Yvette was the very thing that ruined her. Yvette was relieved, seeing that she had successfully persuaded Russell. Later, while Russell was preparing to make his speech in the hall, she ordered the housekeeper to inform the bodyguards to allow the entry of a lady who wore a black gown. Meanwhile, Shandie was blocked by the bodyguards at the entrance.
“How could you not let me enter? I’m Yvette’s cousin! She will fire all of you if she knows you guys denied my entry!” The young lady was acting in a supercilious manner. She looked as if she wanted all of the bodyguards to apologize to her. Hearing her threats, the bodyguards exchanged glances with each other. They had received many guests, yet none were as haughty as Shandie. To them, her haughtiness was comparable to Yvette’s.
Nonetheless, this was the Actonward residence, not the Southalls’ territory. Hence, with a cold expression, one of the bodyguards warned, “Ms. Southall, if you refuse to leave, don’t blame us for being harsh to you. We will chase you out of this place by force.” “Huh?” Shandie snorted as though she had heard a funny joke. “Chase me out? Who do you think you are?” With much patience, the bodyguard explained, “No matter who you are, you shouldn’t wear—” Just then, a woman’s voice interrupted his words.
“Miss!” The bodyguards turned around to find Clara. Instantly, they greeted respectfully, “Clara.” That woman was none other than Yvette’s nanny. “I could hear the commotion from some distance away. Don’t you know today is Ms. Yvette’s birthday? Do you think it’s appropriate to cause such disturbance at her party?”
she scolded the bodyguards. One of the bodyguards immediately pointed in Shandie’s direction. “Clara, do have a look at this young lady.” That was when Clara shifted her attention back to Shandie. Her eyes twitched the moment the latter’s black gown came into sight. Not only that, that young lady had even applied dark makeup and black lipstick! Oh God, this is too much for Mr. Actonward! Regardless, Clara was there to lead Shandie into the house under Yvette’s instruction.
She believed Yvette must have her reason for doing so. Soon, she calmed her nerve, trying hard to prevent herself from passing out. After having reprimanded the bodyguard, she turned to face Shandie and forced a smile at her. “Ms. Yvette has ordered me to welcome an esteemed friend of hers.
I suppose you must be the one she was talking about. Please don’t take offense at the bodyguards’ discourtesy; don’t let them ruin your mood. I will make sure they receive punishment for that. Now, please come in.” Shandie’s anger dissipated when Clara treated her with respect.
My, my… Yvette is so nice to me. She even asked someone to welcome me into the house! Holding her head high, Shandie snorted derisively at the bodyguards before following Clara into the house. As their figures vanished from sight, the bodyguards started to exchange whispers.
“Is Clara starting to have poor vision? How could she let that lady dressed in black join the party? Even us bodyguards need to wear white suits.” “You’re right. I’m afraid we might get scolded for letting that lady enter.” “Oh, don’t bother. After all, Clara was the one who led her in, not us.”
