Chapter 33
“Alright, 1 agreed:
After all, performing for Gideon’s grandmother had always been my ultimate goal.
I learned about Mrs. Foster Senior’s love for storytelling and folk music from Yvette. In my past
life. Yvette wanted to learn the art of storytelling, and Samuel, knowing I was skilled, made me
teach her
The lute I used to teach Yvette had been a cherished keepsake, gifted by my father to my mother.
I had hidden it away, holding onto it as a memento. Yet Yvette had secretly taken it, and when I
tried to get it back, Samuel grew angry. The last time I asked, Samuel coldly informed me that the
lute had been smashed
That experience gave me an in–depth understanding of the type of storytelling performances Mrs.
Foster Senior enjoyed.
My decision to apply for this job wasn’t random. This lounge was near her residence and
happened to be part of her family’s business. It was a gamble, but one I had the patience to play. I never expected it to pay off on my first day.
Not long after, Kevin returned.
“Ms. Sutton, would it be convenient for you to perform today? Mrs. Foster Senior hasn’t been in the best mood lately. If it works for you, we’ll arrange transportation to and from your location.”
“That’s fine.” I replied. “But I have a request–may I receive an advance on one month’s salary?”
Kevin was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded. “That shouldn’t be an issue, but I’ll need to get Mr. Jackman’s approval first.”
I gave him a light nod, and he stepped out to make a call. This time, he moved farther couldn’t catch the conversation.
raway.
and I
When Kevin returned, he said, “Mr. Jackman agreed. After today’s performance, if Mrs. Foster Senior is pleased, you’ll receive your advance.”
I thanked him, adding, “I’ll need to go back to where I’m staying to retrieve my lute.”
The lute was still with Benjamin and Margaret. Going alone to retrieve it wasn’t an option. Sometimes, you had to use the power of others to gain an advantage.
Kevin immediately agreed, “No problem, Ms. Sutton I’ll accompany you to retrieve it.”
Dressed in my dress, I followed Kevin into the car and gave him Benjamin’s address. About an hour later, we arrived at their neighborhood.
The streets were narrow, and the sight of the expensive car drew the attention of onlookers, including Margaret’s. She was standing with a neighbor, munching on nuts as she gossiped.
“That’s an expensive car. I wonder which lucky woman managed to snag herself a wealthy man.”
“Doesn’t Juliet have a rich boyfriend? I remember seeing a handsome young man pick her up
once. She’s so pretty, and that man could be a celebrity with his looks!”
Margaret scoffed. “Boyfriend? No, he’s just a friend A rich young man like that would never
choose someone who’s blind. Poor Jules–losing her sight was such bad luck.”
Thanks to my sharp hearing, I caught every word.
I stepped out of the car, and Margaret’s expression instantly changed.
“Jules, you’re with-
Before she could finish, I frowned and interrupted her, “Margaret, since you’re here, that’s perfect. I’ve come to collect the things my parents left for me. Please bring them down.”
Panic flashed across her face. “What things? Don’t make things up! Your parents went bankrupt and passed away. Whatever they had was taken by their creditors. Everything you’re eating, wearing, and using now comes from us. We’ve raised you for so long. What else do you want to take?”
“My mother used to send you jewelry every year. I remember at least four or five gold necklaces, each worth at least 40 thousand dollars.”
