Chapter22
Catalina looked flustered as she hadn’t managed to pass even one of those exams herself.
“It’s not that hard to fake a few documents these days. Who knows if those are real?”
“Exactly. Probably just for show. Catalina’s PhD is the real deal.”
Jennifer never expected Catalina’s friends to acknowledge her anyway. She smiled faintly and was about to put her certificates away when the restaurant owner came over.
The owner was a Nexican who had married into a local family in Nexford. She spoke a little English, but not fluently.
The moment she saw Jennifer’s certificates, she became excited and began speaking in a mix of Spanish and English.
Jennifer also spoke Spanish, so she responded in fluent Spanish.
It turned out the owner’s child had failed the counseling license exam and was preparing to try again. She wanted to ask Jennifer for study tips.
Jennifer recommended a few books and explained some key concepts. The owner praised her as brilliant, beautiful, and kind, making Jennifer blush a little.
Elise and Ally didn’t understand a word of it. But both Catalina and Jasper did. They couldn’t speak Spanish, but they could follow what was being said.
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Catalina’s face darkened.
As for Jasper, he started to look at Jennifer as his idol. He never imagined that doing a little summer volunteer work would lead him to meet someone so outstanding.
At the end of the conversation, the restaurant owner was so pleased that she switched to English and offered to waive Jennifer’s bill. Jennifer politely declined.
“Jennifer, there’s no need to pretend to be rich. You’re short on money right now anyway. Why not just accept the owner’s kindness and enjoy a free meal? It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Catalina spoke with a sweet, concerned tone, pretending to have Jennifer’s best interests at heart. It made Jennifer feel sick to her stomach.
“We’re not exactly close, Ms. Colbert. How would you know I’m short on money?” Jennifer replied calmly as she paid with her phone.
“Look how generous she is! Anyone watching might think she’s pulling in a million dollars a year! The truth is she’s spending her husband’s hard–earned money!”
Hearing Elise’s mockery, Jennifer opened her mouth but didn’t immediately respond.
She wasn’t using Brayan’s money at all. It came from the dividends Peter had given her over the years.
Though she spent 1.6 million dollars a year on medical expenses, VelvetRose’s Melody Series was a global bestseller. No matter how much she spent, the remaining balance was still huge for an ordinary person.
Jennifer swallowed the explanation back down and instead smiled
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slightly, “It takes skill to land a rich, powerful husband who’s willing
to support me. You can ask Ms. Colbert yourself. Doesn’t she wish she had a husband like that?”
“Jennifer!”
“You’ve gone too far!”
Ally and Elise snapped as they understood what Jennifer was implying.
Catalina clutched her purse strap tightly.
She had never felt so humiliated. The hatred in her eyes toward Jennifer was no longer masked or restrained.
She’d only planned to have lunch with friends today, but now that Jennifer had ruined her mood, she was determined to get back at Jennifer.
“I need to use the restroom.”
Catalina muttered and fled in a hurry. Jasper, even more satisfied than Jennifer, gave Jennifer a thumbs–up.
Dishes began arriving one after another, and Jennifer and Jasper happily dug in. Catalina was gone for quite a while before finally returning with red eyes like she’d been crying.
Jennifer hadn’t expected she’d be able to make Brayan’s first love cry. She was still basking in that little victory when murmurs rose from the
entrance.
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