Chapter 517
Celia froze, stunned by Caitlin’s response. She looked up at her, eyes wide with disbelief.
She had expected Caitlin to be shocked, maybe even anxious or at a loss for words after hearing she wasn’t liked. After all, Celia was the Palmer family’s darling, the one everyone fawned over wherever she went. If she admitted to disliking someone, that person would usually panic, scrambling to win her favor.
But Caitlin didn’t even try to please her. There wasn’t a trace of fear or unease in her expression. In fact, she seemed utterly unbothered, as if Celia had just asked her what she planned to have for breakfast the next day.
Celia’s brows drew together. “Aren’t you even curious why I don’t like you p>
Caitlin’s tone was light. “Why should I be? No one can be liked by everyone p>
If she couldn’t win everyone’s approval, at least she would be able to face herself with a clear conscience.
Caitlin never wasted energy on self-doubt. She never let herself spiral into anxiety over other people’s opinions.
Celia was left speechless, as if she’d punched a pillow and all her force had vanished into nothing. She eyed Caitlin up and down, searching for cracks in her composure.
Maybe Ann had been right-Caitlin was good at putting on a façade. If Ann hadn’t warned her ahead of time, even Celia might have been fooled by Caitlin’s act. Not curious? Please. She was just hiding her guilt.
After all, Caitlin had cheated during her marriage and even had an abortion. Someone with that kind of reputation wasn’t fit to be Tammie’s sister. No wonder Tammie wanted nothing to do with her.
That was exactly how Ann had described Caitlin to Celia. Celia already couldn’t stand people who treated life so carelessly, and Ann’s words only fueled her dislike.
If Caitlin weren’t the granddaughter of the Richards family, she probably wouldn’t even be qualified to be a maid for the Palmers, let alone attend a party at Valerium.
Celia scoffed inwardly and turned to Caitlin. “Aren’t you worried I’ll embarrass you in front of everyone tonight p>
Her voice was sharp, drawing the attention of nearby guests. Heads turned in their direction.
Embarrass her? Celia’s temper was well-known, but even she wouldn’t be reckless enough to publicly humiliate the Richards’ granddaughter at their own party. What was going on between these two?
People whispered among themselves, curiosity piqued. Celia wasn’t someone to cross easily. Everyone wondered how Caitlin would handle this.
Celia’s words were both a threat and a warning. Anyone else might have been terrified.
But unfortunately for Celia, she was facing Caitlin-someone who exuded undeniable confidence. Caitlin’s features remained perfectly calm as she smiled and replied, “Miss Celia, there’s an old saying where I come from: ‘Pride comes before a fall.’ Are you so sure you’ll be the one embarrassing me p>
In other words, it was still anyone’s guess who would have the upper hand.
Her words, though soft, landed with the weight of a challenge, making everyone tense.
It was clear to all: Caitlin’s poise far outshone Celia’s bluster.
Celia’s frown deepened. This
country girl sure talked big for someone with such a checkered past Ann had told her that Caitlin had lived in the countryside for years, and aside from her pretty face, she had nothing going for her.
“How dare you speak to Miss Palmer like that!” Celia’s assistant, Jennifer, snapped, unable to bear anyone
disrespecting her boss. “Do you net
even know who she is? Miss Palmer is the most beloved daughter of the Palmer family
In Valerium, even among the Palmers, no one dared talk to Celia this way.
Jennifer was fiercely loyal and wouldn’t let anyone bully her.
Without another word, Jennifer swung her hand toward Caitlin’s face.
The crowd gasped, anxiety running high for Caitlin.
Someone in the crowd recognized Jennifer. “Oh my God, isn’t that Miss Palmer’s bodyguard? She’s supposed to be the best female bodyguard in all of Valerium— she was even on TV before p>
“I heard she’s unbeaten, except for her own mentor. That’s why she’s always by Miss Palmer’s side, escorting her everywhere p>
“Wonder what happened between Miss Gonzales and Miss Palmer to cause this scene p>
“Looks like Miss Gonzales is in for it tonight p>
If Jennifer landed that slap, Caitlin would lose both dignity and status in front of everyone.
Jennifer moved fast.
But Caitlin didn’t even flinch; she simply lifted her foot slightly.
Crack!
Jennifer barely had time to react before a sharp pain shot through her knee. Her
leg buckled, and she dropped to her knees in front of Caitlin, her face turning ghostly pale.
The pain was excruciating.
The rumors were true-Jennifer was
trained by one of the top enforcers in Valerium, and had never met her match, which was why she’d been chosen to guard Celia, ever escorting her all the way to
Eldermere.
She never imagined she’d actually meet her match here.
In Jennifer’s mind, Eldermere had always been a backwater, full of cowards.
Caitlin, with her innocent face, seemed like the weakest of them all.
She’d never even considered Caitlin a threat.
But in a single move, Caitlin had put her on her knees.
It was terrifying—especially because Jennifer could tell Caitlin hadn’t even used
her full strength.
Caitlin regarded Celia coolly and spoke again, “Miss Celia, keep your assistant in check. This was just a warning p>