Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Fortune was never one to lose his temper–certainly not in front of his son and daughter–in–law. But now, his sudden outburst left Emest and thana frozen in place, too shocked to utter a word p>
It was a long moment before Ernest found his voice. He turned to his father, stammering, “Dad, I didn’t mean it like that p>
“Then what did you mean?” Fortune sighed, his frustration simmering beneath a veneer of patience. “Emest, listen, a man can be poor but he can’t be without ambition. Sure, our family isn’t as wealthy or respected as the Chandlers, but I believe that if we work hard, if we keep striving, there’s nothing stopping us from surpassing them someday.“8
Iliana scoffed, arms crossed. “ Dad, you make it sound so easy! Do you even realize how hard it is for ordinary people to change their lot in life? Never mind, talking to you is pointless–you just don’t get it “2
What did they have Caitlin,
Who were the Chandlers, really? And who were they? How could they ever hope to surpass a family like that? What the clueless country girl who could barely fend for herself?
to anything close to the Chandlers.
Not in this life–or the next, or the one after that would Caitlin ever amount to an
The very thought that Caitlin, now divorced, might somehow rise above that family made Iliana’s head ache. She pinched her temples. exasperated 3
“There’s nothing hard about it. The soft, even voice cut through the tension.
What did you say?” liana and Ernest both tumed, not sure they’d heard right
Caitlin looked Emest and Iliana straight in the eyes, enunciating.
To Caitlin, it wasn’t even a challenge.
each word. “I said, s surpassing the Chandlers isn’t hard at all.
Miana burst out laughing, unable to contain her disbelief. Even Bonnie, who’d been quietly watching from the side, couldn’t hide the sneer in her eyes.
Did Caitlin even know what she was saying? Did she really think that just because she’d once married into a wealthy family, she was something special? Now she was just a cast–off–damaged goods.
Look at her now! She’d be lucky to marry any decent man at all, never mind someone rich. What respectable man would want a divorced woman like her? And yet, here Caitlin was, still dreaming of overtaking the Chandlers.
Delusional
11 believe in Catie!” Fortune’s gaze was steady and unwavering as he looked at Caitlin, “If we all work hard, one day we’ll surpass the Chandlers”
Even Emest rolled his eyes at that the conversation had clearly wom out his patience. “Dad, didn’t you say you came over because you had something to discuss? What is it p>
His tone was far less cordial than before.X
Fortune, recalling his purpose, let go of some of his anger. “Here’s the thing. Now that Catle’s divorced from Julian, she needs to focus on her future. She’s still young, and she should be back in school, working toward college. I’ve spoken to a teacher at Central Academy, and if we pull a few strings, it’s possible to get her admitted, even if it bends the rules a bit. I know you two have some connections there, so I was hoping you could help handle it. And…
He hesitated before continuing. “Your place is close to Central Academy, and since Bonnie’s in her senior year too, maybe Catie could stay with you and go to school with her. It would be good for the sisters to look out for each other”
Iliana cut him off, incredulous. “Wait, you want her to move in with us? To go to school with Bonnie p>
Fortune nodded. “This house, after all, was given to Catle as a wedding gift by Jarvis. If not for her, do you really think Jarvis would have given you and Emest this place p>
Half a year ago, when Carthin marned Julian, Jarvis had bought Ernest and Iliana a spacious three–story townhouse as a wedding dowry–over 3,000 square feet, complete with a lush garden. It was a gesture of gratitude for all Fortune’s years of raising Caitlin X The place was preme real estate, just a short walk from the high school. With eight bedrooms and plenty of space, Caitlin moving in wouldn’t make it the least bit crowded k
Before this, Ernest and his wife had been living in a cramped, rundown apartment in Silverhaven, barely making ends meet
Iliana was livid Move into her house? Over her dead body. That old man could dream all he wanted–she’d never let Caitlin, an outsider, live under her roof
Sure, the house had been a wedding gift for Caitlin, but so what? Jarvis was dead now, and the deed had her and Ernest’s names on it. As far as Iliana was concerned, Caitlin had no claim to the place
Now Carlin wanted to move in and stake her claim? Not a chance.I
Fortune caught the hesitation in his daughter–in–law’s eyes. “Don’t worry, Iliana. Catie’s a good kid. Once she gets into college and makes something of herself, she’ll be grateful for everything you two have done. She’ll take good care of you p>
College? Success? Caitlin? Iliana could barely keep a straight face. She’d be lucky to get into a community college, let alone a universaly
“Dad, aren’t you working as a janitor over at the apartment complex? Iliana shot back, her tone sharp. “If Catie really needs something to do, why not get her a job at the front desk, filing paperwork or answering phones? She could make a couple thousand a month, and at least she wouldn’t be sitting at home dreaming up these ridiculous fantasies.” She looked Caitlin up and down, her words biting. “She doesn’t exactly strike me as college material, anyway p>