Chapter 153
“So, you and your brother-in-law are ‘best buds’? That’s a new one,” Patricia remarked.
“It’s just my personality,” Candice replied. “I get along with everyone like that. I’m not one of those delicate, girly types p>
“You’re a dancer, aren’t you?” Patricia asked.
“That’s right. You’ve heard of me p>
“I have. You sprained your ankle and had to sit out the big competition p>
Patricia’s casual words landed like a stone in a quiet pond.
Candice shot a look at Rebekah. “It wasn’t an accident. My sister pushed me p>
“Is that so? The video online looked like you just lost your footing. But it doesn’t really matter.” With a smile at Candice, Patricia said, “It just seems a bit weak for a principal dancer to skip a major competition over a sprained ankle, don’t you think p>
Candice’s expression hardened. “What did you just say p>
“I’ve seen celebrities finish filming with broken bones. Two years ago, a world- class ballerina got into a car crash a month before a competition. Her leg was a mess, but she had her doctor give her painkillers and performed anyway.” Patricia looked at Candice with feigned bewilderment. “They say dancers have more grit than anyone, but here you are, the principal, quitting over a simple sprain.” Patricia’s gaze drifted down to Candice’s feet, which were clad in high heels. “And from the looks of it, your ankle seems perfectly fine now p>
Candice’s face was a mask of thunder.
Benjamin slammed his fork down, the sharp sound cutting through the tension. “Miss, you’re Rebekah’s friend, which is the only reason you’re at this table. What is the meaning of these attacks p>
“Attacks? I’m just stating facts,” Patricia said with a shrug. “Rebekah kept working on her designs even with an injured wrist. A sprained ankle isn’t that serious. To give up a competition over it… anyone who didn’t know better might think you did it on purpose to frame Rebekah p>
“That’s enough!” Benjamin’s face
went cold. He glared at Patricia, then turned his icy gaze on Rebekah. “S this is the kind of friend you keep? If you don’t know how to behave in public, you should just stay home
Look at the trash you hang out with p>
Rebekah let out a cold laugh. “My friend is a thousand times better than your ‘best bud p>
“Rebekah p>
Rebekah put down her fork and looked at Patricia. “Patricia, the food here isn’t agreeing with me. Let me take you somewhere else p>
“Sounds good to me,” Patricia said, standing up without a second’s hesitation.
Candice looked at Benjamin, her eyes welling with tears. “Benjamin, you know it wasn’t like that p>
He couldn’t stand to see her upset. “I
know p>
your
soothed. “Don’t listen
Sister. Who knows what g
she found that friend in
After a few more words of comfort, Candice’s spirits lifted.
“School reunion’s coming up. Shawn wants you there. You free?” She asked.
“That’s the day after tomorrow, right p>
Candice nodded.
Benjamin’s gaze followed Rebekah as she left the restaurant, his expression unreadable.
“I’ll be there p>
“Then it’s a date!” Candice beamed. “Shawn and I will wait for you p>
Benjamin agreed.
Once they were outside, Patricia launched into a tirade on Rebekah’s behalf. Listening to her chatter, a warmth spread through Rebekah’s
Chest 70oked up and suddenly
froze, her eyes fixed on a familiar figure a short distance away.