Chapter 64
Barely five minutes had passed when Cherise’s phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced down, her fingers tightening around it as she answered. “Speak, Crow.”
His voice came through the line. “Got the results, Boss, Jacob and Shirley have no genetic link.”
Cherise’s eyes widened a fraction, and she replied, “Copy that. Then she ended the call.
She looked back at the Leach residence one more time with a shadow of confusion crossing her face. As she turned away predatory grin spread across her lips. Without a backward glance, she marched toward the main gate.
As she neared the gate, a figure enveloped in a cloud of heavy perfume hurried out and stood in her way. Cherise recognized Shirley and frowned slightly.
Shirley stared at Cherise’s impeccable features, and her teeth clenched in frustration. Despite her feelings, she had promised Jacob and Jemma to deliver the invitations.
With a flourish. Shirley presented two cards. “Here’s your invite to Betrico University’s Centennial Celebration. It’s in a few days, and Dad insisted I give it to you,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain.
“I can’t fathom why you would have any interest in a university event. But Dad was adamant. It’s also your chance to see me perform on the piano and maybe mingle with some of our school’s high society,” Shirley added, her arrogance on full display.
“And this,” she continued, holding out another card. “It’s for my engagement party with Jeffrey. Dad didn’t want you there and didn’t want you to be heartbroken when you saw our happiness.”
She went on.
“But I really want you to be there to bless me and Jeffrey. Jemma and Mom made sure you got this one too, so please accept both.” Shirley finished with a smirk.
She thought, “There’s no way a country bumpkin like you won’t make a fool of herself at such a high–profile event. Hmph The next moment, Cherise took the two invitations from Shirley without hesitation.
Shirley was caught off guard, thinking. ‘She just accepted them? Weren’t she supposed to be too intimidated to say yes?” “Hey, you, Shirley said, her surprise evident in her tone.
Cherise looked at Shirley with a mocking smile on her face. “What’s the matter? Afraid I’ll outshine you?”
Shirley quickly retorted, “No way. I’m Betrico University’s queerbee, a Leach through and through, and my uncle runs Lewis Group. I’m better than you, a small–town nobody, in every way. I just don’t want you to feel inferior around so many accomplished people”
“But never mind. You wouldn’t understand,” Shirley added with a dismissive wave.
Cherise scoffed, once again questioning the intelligence of the woman who claimed to be Betrico University’s queen bee und wondering how she had managed to hire a hitman in the first place.
Hearing Cherise’s scoff, Shirley stamped her foot in anger. “I do care. You’ve got the invitations now, and you’d better abow up and narrass our family: With that, she stormed back into the main house without looking back
Cherise watched Shirley leave and looked at the two invitations her hand, lost in thought.
The Betrico University celebration liviation? Trent sent me or just the other day, My job at the school starts on the sand day. I’m planning to go, anyway. Might as well check it out! Che pondered.
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08:34 Thu, Dec 5
Chapter 64
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As for Jeffrey and Shirley’s engagement ceremony, thinking about how they both seemed less than bright and lovey–dovey, Cherise shook her head and decided to think about it later.
Not long after Cherise left the Leach residence, Oliver called for Lionel
Lionel entered the study to find Oliver’s expression different from when Cherise was there. It was now tinged with melancholy.
Seeing this, Lionel cautiously asked, “Mr. Leach? Is there something I can assist you with?”
Oliver looked out the window and slowly said, “Lionel, arrange a meeting with Darren for me and keep it from the rest of the family.”
Lionel asked in confusion. “Mr. Leach, what’s this about?”
Oliver covered his face with his hands, let them drop, and sighed heavily before saying in a deep voice, “It’s time to revise the will.”
