Chapter 346
She knelt, placing her hands firmly on Mrs. Stapleton’s shoulders. “You’ve had too much to drink, haven’t you? Let me take you home p>
Still covering her ears, Mrs. Stapleton looked utterly lost and terrified. Penelope tried to help her up, but her limbs were limp, like a rag doll’s. If people saw her like this, the entire business community would be buzzing with rumors before the night was
over.
Left with no choice, Penelope forcefully pulled Mrs. Stapleton’s hands away from her face, making her look up.
“You’re just drunk, right?” she asked, her voice low and insistent.
When there was no response, she pressed harder. “Some people are saying you’ve lost your mind. Have you p>
Mrs. Stapleton’s eyes remained unfocused.
Penelope leaned in close, whispering in her ear. “Do you want Theodore to be known as the man with the crazy mother p>
That finally struck a nerve. A flicker of awareness returned to Mrs. Stapleton’s eyes, as if her spirit had snapped back into her body. Her lips parted, about to speak.
But Penelope gave a subtle shake of her head. “We should go home now p>
She smoothed Mrs. Stapleton’s hair and helped her to her feet. Facing the curious onlookers, Mrs. Stapleton managed a weak smile. “I really have had too much to drink. I apologize for making a scene p>
The other women, seeing her composed, quickly agreed. “You certainly were drinking quite a bit. You should let her take you home to rest p>
“Yes, it’s time to go,” Mrs. Stapleton said, nodding.
As they passed Mrs. Bishop, the woman stepped forward to offer an arm, but Mrs. Stapleton recoiled.
“Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Bishop, but it isn’t needed.” Her tone was ice, and Mrs. Bishop’s outstretched hand froze awkwardly in the air.
“Renata, don’t be like that. We’re the best of friends p>
“There are true friends, and then there are false ones p>
“My friendship has always been genuine p>
“Is that so?” Mrs. Stapleton offered a brittle smile before continuing toward the exit.
Natalie appeared at her other side,
offering support and shielding from the prying eyes of the oth quests. After a brief farewell to them host, they left the banquet hall.
Down in the parking garage, Penelope helped settle Mrs. Stapleton into the car. She gave Natalie a quick word of thanks before sliding in herself and telling the driver to go.
The moment the doors closed, Mrs. Stapleton’s composure shattered. She curled
into a ball in the corner of the seat, her body wracked with tremors.
“Don’t look at me!” she snapped at Penelope. “I’m fine! I’m not a lunatic p>
Penelope turned her head, not wanting to agitate her further.
“Take me to the old manor!” Mrs. Stapleton barked at the driver.
The driver hesitated. “Ma’am, we should go back to your villa. Dr. Anderson needs to see you p>
“I said the old manor! Are you deaf p>
Still uncertain, the driver glanced at Penelope in the rearview mirror. She gave him a slight nod and quickly sent a text to Theodore.
When they arrived, Mrs. Stapleton practically bolted from the car and into the house.
“Lorraine, Mommy’s home! Did you miss me p>
Penelope followed her in to see Mrs. Stapleton gazing expectantly at a large screen, where the image of a little girl was displayed.
The digital girl broke into a wide smile. “Mommy, I missed you so much! You finally came to see me p>
“Mommy… Mommy missed you too, but your brother only lets me visit you once a week p>
On the screen, the little girl pouted. “Why p>
“Because Mrs. Stapleton’s thoughts seemed to scatter. She couldn’t remember the reason. “Oh, you must be hungry. How about Mommy makes you dinner p>
“Okay p>
Mrs. Stapleton hurried toward the kitchen, her high heels clicking on the floor. In her haste, she stumbled, twisting her ankle. Penelope rushed to help but Mirs, Stapleton shoved her away
“Who are you? Get out p>