Chapter 59
Cherise nodded, her eyes fixed on the plush velvet box. Lifting the lid, she found a radiant emerald bracelet, its green. shimmer playing with the light.
She could tell at a glance it was top–shelf, the kind of bling that didn’t come cheap. Swiftly, Cherise handed the box back to Phoche and said, Phoebe, this is too much. I can’t accept it”
Catching Cherise’s hesitation, Phoebe replied, “Cherise, you saved my life. This bracelet is nothing by comparison. Besides, my grandson has gotten more money than he knows what to do with. Right, Morris?”
Hovering nearby. Morris took a deep breath and said, “Cherise, is my grandmother’s way of saying thanks. You’d hurt her feelings if you didn’t take it.”
Cherise mulled it over, seeing the sense in his words. She would treat it as payment for her services. “Alright, I’ll take it. Thanks, Phoebe.
“Great, that’s what I like to hear!” Phoebe said with a nod, beaming with satisfaction.
“Mrs. Chivers, Ms. Leach, Mr. Chivers, dinner’s on!” Enya called out to everyone.
Phoebe rose and took Cherise’s hand. “Come on, Cherise. Let’s see what our chef whipped up.
They filed into the dining room, where a vintage table groaned under a rainbow of dishes: grilled Boston lobster, braised sea cucumber, roasted chicken, goulash soup, and beef stew–Cherise’s favorites. Her eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.
Catching sight of her excitement, Morris thought how adorable she looked, the urge to pinch her cheek almost irresistible.
Phoebe had already claimed her spot at the head of the table and motioned for Cherise to sit beside her. “Come, Cherise, right here next to me.”
Cherise dutifully made her way over. Not wanting to be left out, Morris joined them by taking the seat next to Cherise.
Out of the corner of her eye, Phoebe glanced at Morris, her expression as serene as a still pond.
Huddled around the grand table, Cherise found herself sandwiched between Phoebe and Morris.
Phoebe forked a piece of meat and plopped it onto Cherise’s plate. “Cherise, you’re skin and bones. Dig in. A little extra padding on a girl is a blessing, right, Morris?”
Morris agreed with a nod, “You look great either way.” He followed suit, adding a chunk of lobster to Cherise’s mountain of food.
Cherise said, “Thank you.” Then she dug into her plate.
Phoebe’s joy was palpable, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She thought, not like those other girls who nitpick every calorie and turn their noses up at everything‘
Throughout the meal, Cherise didn’t need to reach for the dishes; her plate stayed piled high.
After dinner, Cherise mentioned she had an acupuncture session with Oliver at the Leach residence and was getting ready to leave after a few parting words with Phoebe.
“Cherise, are you leaving already? When can I see you again? Or should I come to you?” Phoebe asked, pulling out her phone. and opening her WhatsApp QR code to add a contact.
“Let’s get linked on WhatsApp to catch up anytime!” Phoebe added, her eyes sparkling with eagerness.
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Chapter 191
10, Dec 5
Cherise flashed a sweet smile, her dimples on full display, and she scanned the code with her phone, saying, “All set, Phoebe
Noticing her eyes weren’t as sharp, Phoche asked Morris to help her set a remark name for Cherise.
Morris finished and handed the phone back to Phorbe, only to find her looking at him with a triumphant expression. Morris raised an eyebrow, pinched the bridge of his nose, and shook his head in mock surrender.
Once they were connected on WhatsApp, Cherise grabbed her bag, ready to leave, when Morris, claiming he was heading back to the office, asked for a ride. Together, they walked out of the living room.
Phoebe and Enya watched them go, their eyes mirroring the reluctance in their hearts.
As Cherise and Morris’s Porsche Panamera exited the Chivers residence and turned right, a Bentley turned in from the left and slowed down at the entrance.
Inside the car, Melissa glanced ahead, thinking she had just seen the Porsche Panamera from last night. She wondered, ‘Could it really be Morris? When did he get a car like that?‘
With a mind full of questions, Melissa slowly rolled down the window and took off her sunglasses, revealing her meticulously made–up face.
The security guards recognized her as a Chambers and immediately saluted.
Melissa nodded and sweetly said, “Hello there, you’ve had a long day. I’m here to visit Mrs. Chivers. Who was in the car that just left? Was it Morris?”
The Chivers family’s security guards were well–trained, knowing when to speak and when to stay silent. They stood firm, not uttering a word.
Seeing she wouldn’t get anything from them, Melissa let the guards open the gate and drove in.
As soon as Melissa entered the Chivers residence, the butler Greg informed Phoebe, Ms. Chambers has arrived, Mrs. Chivers. She says she’s here to visit you.”
Sitting in the living room’s main seat with a coffee cup in hand, Phoebe shed the warm and fuzzy act she had put on for Cherise.
Now, Phoebe radiated an air of superiority and authority. She took a sip of her coffee and said slowly, “I doubt she’s here for a friendly visit
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