Chapter 299
Mrs. Somerset was in high spirits.
She had to admit, Ann’s arrival had been a godsend, solving a pressing problem for her and her family.
With this life-saving medication, not only could her son continue his studies without disruption, but he might also be spared a major surgery. It was truly a win- win.
So, when Mrs. Somerset promised to properly thank Ann once Harlan recovered, she meant every word. If her son got better, she would make sure Ann was handsomely rewarded.
Ann was equally moved by Mrs. Somerset’s gratitude. Smiling warmly, she quickly replied, “Please, Mrs. Somerset, there’s no need to be so formal. As long as young Harlan recovers and his studies aren’t interrupted, I’ll be relieved p>
Mrs. Somerset reached out and took Ann’s hand. “If Harlan really gets better after taking this medicine, then in fifteen days, I want him to recognize you as his honorary sister p>
Honorary sister.
The words stunned Ann. The Somerset family was hardly ordinary-most people wouldn’t even be allowed to shine Harlan’s shoes, let alone be called his sister.
But now Mrs. Somerset was offering her this rare honor.
“Mrs. Somerset, I’m just the granddaughter of the Gonzales family. How could I ever be worthy of being Harlan’s honorary sister? If anyone deserves that, it should be my younger sister, Caitlin p>
Of course, Ann was deliberately bringing up Caitlin at this moment.
People always need a comparison; only by contrast could her own excellence truly shine.
And right now, Caitlin was the perfect stepping stone for her.
At the mention of Caitlin’s name, a flicker of irritation passed over Mrs. Somerset’s face. “Miss Gonzales is always making a fuss, nearly convincing me to send Harlan for surgery-do you know that would have left him bedridden for half a year? Miss Templeton, I have to say, aside from being born into a slightly more prestigious family, she’s no match for you in any other way p>
With that, Mrs. Somerset squeezed Ann’s hand. “Miss Templeton, there’s no question. You’re the one I want as Harlan’s honorary sister p>
Ann’s cheeks flushed with shy delight. “Really, Mrs. Somerset, you don’t need to be so formal. Please, just call me Ann p>
“Well then, Ann.” Mrs. Somerset smiled. “And you can keep calling me Mrs. Somerset p>
“Alright, Mrs. Somerset p>
The two of them chatted happily, the atmosphere warm and easy.
Midway through the party, Ann, holding a glass of red wine, made her way over to Daniel’s side.
“Daniel,” she called softly.
“Miss Templeton,” Daniel replied politely.
Ann offered a wry smile. “Daniel, I’ve told you, there’s no need for such formality between us. Just call me Ann p>
She remembered reading that men often got nervous around the women they liked, sometimes even avoiding eye contact.
In Ann’s mind, Daniel was just like that. He never dared look her in the eye, and every time they met, he insisted on calling her “Miss Templeton.” It sounded distant, but she knew it was just his nerves showing through.
Ann gave a small laugh. “Alright, never mind. Call me whatever you like! Here, let’s have a toast p>
She raised her glass, and Daniel did the same.
The delicate chime of their crystal glasses echoed between them.
“Oh, Daniel, we still haven’t added each other on WhatsApp, have we? Why don’t we do that now p>
“Daniel!” Just then, Celeste’s voice rang out across the room.
It was as if Daniel suddenly heard the sweetest music; he immediately looked up, called back to Celeste, then turned to Ann with an apologetic smile. “Excuse me, Miss Templeton, I need to go p>
“Of course, Daniel. Go ahead p>
Though Ann was smiling, her eyes were cold as steel-a venomous glint lurking beneath the surface, the way a viper waits in the shadows.
That wretched little brat!
Caitlin was a brat.
And so were all of Caitlin’s friends.