Chapter 823
McNeil Howard, sensing the guests‘ displeasure, decided to zip it.
No one seemed to care whether Xenia and Patricia had even taken their seats before digging in. The mother–daughter duo, feeling miffed, took their
seats in silence
The two respected elders and the power holders of the Howard family were all fussing over Ellinor, piling food onto her plate, fearful she might not like the food or miss out.
Patricia, the golden girl, was experiencing a level of neglect she’d never felt before.
She could barely stomach any food as her eyes burned holes into Ellinor and her heart filled with resentment.
Xenia noticed her daughter’s emotional turmoil and gave her leg a gentle pat under the table, signaling Patricia to keep her cool.
Patricia calmed down and locked eyes with her mother. The two shared a knowing look, understanding each other’s intent.
“Everyone’s started eating? Why didn’t anyone call me?” Byran Howard grurnbled, trudging downstairs with a sour expression.
Balfour looked up at him sharply. “Did you finish your homework?”
Byran scratched his head nervously. “Balfour, I’m nearly done. I’m starving! Can I eat first and then finish it?”
Given that Ellinor had just devoured a fair share of his cooking, Balfour was in high spirits. He found his usually annoying little brother a tad more tolerable
He replied curtly, “Go ahead. We have an important guest today. You should be here.”
Byran glanced at Ellinor. Was the whole family dining with Ellinor today?
Wow, Ellinor was a force to be reckoned with; even his big brother showed her respect.
Having received the rare green light from Balfour, Byran slid into the seat next to him and dug in, his eyes darting to Ellinor every now and then.
Why was Ellinor sitting where Patricia usually sat? Patricia must be pissed, right?
He turned to Patricia, who was usually all smiles. Now, her face was devoid of any joy, she wasn’t eating, and was just poking around her bowl with her utensils as her eyes pierced Ellinor.
Patricia was definitely ticked off!
But wasn’t she saying this afternoon that she and Ellinor had made up? She even happily showed Ellinor around the house, didn’t she?
And now they were at odds again? Women’s relationships were so complicated!
Just then, Mrs. Howard seemed to remember something. She stood up with a smile and exclaimed, “Ah! There’s a special juice I prepared for our guest in the kitchen!
Knowing we’d have a young lady over, I thought she might not like wine, so I freshly squeezed some pomegranate juice!
I nearly forgot! Hang on, I’ll fetch it for Ms. Mendoza to try!“.
With that, Mrs. Howard cheerfully headed to the kitchen.
Patricia’s face lit up with anticipation after seeing her mom spring into action.
The juice Mrs. Howard mentioned was loaded with saffron juice.
Ellinor’s comeuppance was just around the corner.
In no time, Mrs. Howard returned with a large glass jug that had a cold, red juice inside.
