Chapter 76
Chapter 76
In the world of lawyering, having a solid network was absolutely crucial.
Allison and Joshua had arrived early at the estate. At the entrance of the main mansion, Zack stood waiting. “Allie, you finally showed up,” he greeted her with a grin.
Zack was rocking a crisp white suit and had his hair slicked back with that classic charm. The Hartleys sure had good genes, and Zack was no exception–he was downright smoldering. Back in school, he was the heartthrob, always surrounded by girls. He had a reputation for being quite the flirt, changing girlfriends almost as often as he changed his clothes.
Allison gave him a warm smile. “Zack!”
“You just keep getting prettier, Allie,” Zack quipped, turning his teasing gaze to Joshua. “Who’d have thought you would be my brother–in–law someday?”
Joshua let out a soft, unimpressed laugh, his eyes cool as they met Zack’s.
Feigning disappointment, Zack continued, “Look at you, always so reserved and distant. Allie must have it tough with you.”
Allison chuckled, her eyes sparkling. “Distant? I don’t think so. Joshua’s always gentle with me.”
Zack pretended to be exasperated. “You’re not even engaged yet, and you’re already giving me the couple vibes?”
After a bit of banter with Zack at the door, Allison linked arms with Joshua, and they stepped inside the mansion.
The main hall on the first floor was buzzing with guests. Most faces were unfamiliar to Allison.
Joshua was quickly swarmed by folks eager to network and cozy up to him. Among them was a couple who had a big project to discuss with Joshua and Zack, so they headed upstairs to the study.
Sensing the moment, Allison said, “Don’t worry about me. Go ahead. I’ll explore downstairs for a bit.”
Just as she settled onto a sofa, Paola walked over.
“Miss, you left in such a rush today. You forgot these earrings,” Paola mentioned, holding out a pair of pearl earrings. They were the perfect match for Allison’s dress.
Allison instinctively touched her earlobes. “Oh, goodness, I can’t believe I forgot these!”
“The party hasn’t officially kicked off yet,” Paola said, offering the earrings. “You’ve still got time to put them
on.”
“Sure thing,” Allison replied with a gracious smile. “There’s no mirror here, Paola. Could you help me with them?”
“Of course.” Paola sat beside her and gently helped her put on the earrings.
“There, much better,” Paola said with a satisfied nod once the earrings were in place.
“Allison? What are you doing here?” a familiar and surprised voice suddenly rang out.
Allison frowned and turned around. It was Shawn’s mother, Cindy, with Kate, who was dressed to impress right by her side.
Allison’s frown deepened.
Cindy stopped in front of Allison, her gaze shifting between Paola and Allison with an air of superiority. “So, your mother is a housekeeper?” she sneered.
Paola, dressed in her housekeeper’s uniform, was easily identifiable. Quickly, she waved her hands in denial. “Oh, no, you got it wrong. I’m not Allie’s mom. I’m just the Owens family’s housekeeper.”
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Chapter 76
“Ha,” Cindy chuckled dismissively. “I know you’re saying that to protect her dignity, but we saw you tenderly putting those earrings on her. Who wouldn’t think you’re her mother?”
Kate joined in with a giggle. “Haha, yeah, being a housekeeper isn’t exactly something to brag about. I’d be embarrassed, too.”
