Chapter 59
To ensure Rebecca made a stunning entrance, Mrs. Sullivan had her try on several gowns and ordered multiple makeup changes. They finally settled on a white chiffon strapless dress, light and ethereal, with a large white flower accentuating her slender waist. A professional stylist was brought in to give her soft curls that cascaded over her shoulders. Paired with a pearl necklace, she looked elegant, angelic, and impossibly refined.
“See how beautiful you are, Rebecca?” Mrs. Sullivan cooed. “It’s just because you don’t usually dress up that a certain someone always outshines you p>
Penelope rolled her eyes. She was just sitting in her own house, and somehow she was still being blamed for something.
Rebecca admired herself in the mirror, blushing. “I wonder if Zebulon will like it p>
“Of course he will p>
As the two of them continued their mother-daughter bonding, Penelope glanced at the time. It was getting late. She went upstairs and pulled a wine-red slip dress from her closet. She swept her hair into a simple updo, layered two diamond necklaces of different lengths, and applied a touch of makeup. Then, she went back downstairs.
Zebulon had just arrived. He saw her and was momentarily captivated, but his admiration quickly soured back into anger.
“I have no intention of taking you to the gala tonight,” he sneered.
Penelope raised an eyebrow. “And I can’t go by myself p>
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said coldly. “This is the LnF Group’s annual gala. The guest list is a who’s who of Orenth. Do you really think you can get in without me p>
Penelope’s eyes gleamed. “So, are you taking me p>
“In your dreams!” he roared. “You cheated on me, humiliated me. I will never forgive you p>
“Exactly! You two need to get a divorce!” Mrs. Sullivan shouted, rushing
Over from the living room.
She saw Penelope in her evening gown and pointed a trembling finger at her. “You actually think you’re Coming with us? Look at yourself! You’re a filthy, disgusting thing! Without Zebulon, without the
Sullivan family, you’re nothing but low-class trash. You’ll never set foot in our world again p>
Filthy thing? Low-class trash? So this was how they really saw her.
“You’re so clean? You pick your nose at the dinner table! You’re so high-class p>
Penelope yelled back, her voice just as loud.
“How dare you speak to me like that!” Mrs. Sullivan shrieked.
“I dare. What are you going to do about it p>
“You p>
Mrs. Sullivan Swung her hand, aiming to slap Penelope across the face. But Penelope was ready and blocked the blow, pushing her arm away Mrs. Sullivan staggered back. You dare to lay a hand on me! Zebulon, look at her! Look at the woman you’ve been protecting! She’s trying to hit your mother p>
Zebulon’s face was dark with rage. “Penelope, don’t push it!” “Are you blind? She insulted me first, and she tried to hit me first p>
“You should never raise a hand to your elders Rebecca cried, rushing to Mrs. Sullivan’s side. “If I were you, I wouldn’t dare say a word, no matter what she called me. Even if she hit me, I would deserve it you’re the one who did something wrong.. yet you show no shame, no remorse. All you do is scream and fight back p>
Rebecca’s words resonated with Mrs. Sullivan, who squeezed her hand tightly. “Such a good girl. This is why he loves you. You’re reasonable and respectful, unlike her She pointed at Penelope again, but seeing the cold fury in her eyes, she instinctively pulled her hand back.