Chapter 436
“Sure,” Tammie nodded, then turned to add, “By the way, Professor Dunn, this is my cousin Ann p>
Ann instantly recognized the man before her-none other than Newell Dunn, a giant in the literary world.
Newell’s works had made it into elementary school textbooks, a rare honor for any living author.
She immediately greeted Newell with respectful enthusiasm. Building a good rapport with someone like him might open a lot of doors down the line.
Newell glanced at Tammie and said, “I heard the big name in chess, C, will be at the banquet tonight. I wonder if I’ll finally get to meet them p>
“You probably will. My editor mentioned that C will be coming up on stage to receive an award later p>
Newell nodded, “Let’s hope so p>
Besides being a celebrated author, Newell was also a passionate chess
enthusiast. He had watched nearly every one of C’s matches and counted himself among the grandmaster’s devoted fans.
He’d admired C for years.
After Newell left, Ann turned to Tammie. “Tammie, when do you think C will get here?” She could hardly contain her excitement.
Tammie checked his watch. “Let’s go ask the president of the Arts Association p>
He actually had a decent relationship with Forest Shepherd, the man in question. With Ann in tow, Tammie tracked down Forest.
Forest was swamped with last-minute details, but when he heard Tammie’s question, he glanced at the guest list and replied, “Hang on, Tammie-C should be arriving any minute now. As soon as she gets here, I’ll be sure to introduce you p>
Tammie grinned. “Thanks, Mr. Shepherd. I appreciate it p>
“Don’t mention it. And here’s a little secret-C is much younger than you’d expect. You’ll be surprised p>
Ann’s eyes narrowed with curiosity. So C was not only talented, but young as well. She immediately assumed C was a man-after all, female chess masters were few and far between.
And if he was a man, well, that made things easier. She’d never met a man who could resist her charm.
Back in the grand ballroom, Ann caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the crowd. Her eyes widened in shock.
There, among the guests, was Caitlin, dressed in an elegant black evening gown that seemed to make her glow-she looked just like a graceful black swan.
What was she doing here?
Noticing Ann’s sudden change in expression, Tammie leaned in. “Ann, what’s wrong p>
Ann whispered, “Tammie, isn’t that Freya p>
Caitlin p>
Tammie looked up at Ann’s urging and sure enough, there was Caitlin.
He frowned.
Why on earth was Caitlin here?
Ann lowered her voice, “Tammie, you don’t think Freya secretly followed us, do you p>
She couldn’t imagine any other reason.
Tammie had been confused about
Caitlin’s appearance, but Ann’s words made everything click. His face twisted with distaste. “She’s unbelievable! Typical country girl no sense of propriety. I can’t believe she’d stopp so low to sneak into a formal event like this.
Ve
Disgusting p>
Ann tugged at Tammie’s sleeve. “Tammie, don’t be so harsh on Freya. She’s your sister, after all. If can be here, so can she. Granted, what she did wasn’t exactly above board, but don’t make a scene She’s Grandma’s pride and joy-if you expose her, it’ll just embarrass Grandma p>
“I don’t care if our grandmother spoils her-I won’t! If we let her keep this up,
she’ll never learn. Tonight, I’m making sure she gets thrown out p>
Ann could only follow Tammie, a sly smile curving on her lips.
Just wait.
Caitlin was about to get thoroughly humiliated-worse than anything Ann had ever experienced.
Tammie marched right up to Caitlin, blocking her path. “Stop right there p>
Before Caitlin could speak, Tammie
launched in Freya, let me make
something clear-this banquet is for the leading figures in the arts world. You don’t belong here Don’t think you can sneak in under my cousin’s name and suddenly become one of us. It’s never going to happen p>
“I suggest you leave now, unless you want me to make a scene p>
Ann stood at Tammie’s side, piling on, “Freya, you really don’t know your place. Even if Tammie didn’t bring you, you can’t just sneak in! If this gets out, what will Grandma think? Take my advice and apologize to Tammie now p>
Just then, Forest walked over. His eyes lit up with respect as he looked at Caitlin. “Ms. C, you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for you for ages p>
He turned to Tammie, beaming, “Tammie, aren’t you C’s biggest fan? Let me introduce you—this is your idol, Ms. C herself. Well? Isn’t she younger than you imagined p>