Gemma’s face turned from pale to crimson, and the guests nearby exchanged sly, entertained grins. Everyone had just seen how the old lady had tried to make things difficult for Selene.
No one could be sure if Chairman Winston had orchestrated it or if it was just a coincidence, but he’d left Mrs. Vaughn standing there, tray in hand, expected to serve Selene a drink.
Gemma shot desperate looks at the waitstaff, silently pleading for one of them to come over and take the tray off her hands. She was Selene’s elder, after all–how could she possibly stoop to waiting on her?
Just as the tension peaked, Harrison stepped in. Without a word, he reached over and took two glasses of champagne from his mother’s tray, handing one of them to Selene.
“My mother is still your mother–in–law,” he said, his voice cool but his posture unmistakably proud. “Try to remember your manners. Don’t give people a reason to
talk.”
He might have handed Selene the glass himself, but his superiority was impossible to miss. This was Selene’s first time at such an upscale gathering, and from Harrison’s perspective, her conduct had left much to be desired.
Selene looked up at him, a radiant smile lighting her face. Under the sparkle of the crystal chandeliers, her dark eyes glimmered with mischief.
“Harrison, you’re the only joke here.”
The smile vanished from Harrison’s face, replaced by a cold, rigid mask.
“Selene! My son just handed you a drink–what makes you think you can refuse?” Gemma snapped. Back when Selene lived with the Vaughns, she would have been grateful just to get a glass of water from Harrison.
Selene didn’t hesitate. “He’s a joke, and you’re the mother of the joke.”
“Selene!” Felicity rushed to Gemma’s defense, hoping to win points with the old lady. But before she could get another word out, Selene cut her off sharply:
“You’re always playing father to Harrison–so that makes you the father of the joke. The whole lot of you is a circus act. It’s like parading around in nothing but an apron–completely shameless and making fools of yourselves!”
1/2
09:41)
Chapter
Gemma’s face fluctuated between green and white, her fury so intense shem smashed the tray to the floor.
At that moment, Chairman Winston stepped forward, calmly plucking a glass of champagne from Gemma’s trembling hands. Instantly, her demeanor changed, she straightened, feigning respect.
Then, everyone watched as Chairman Winston personally offered the glass to Selene.
Gemma’s mouth fell open, the corners drooping in dismay. She was fuming inside, but with Chairman Winston present, she dared not show it.
“Miss Thompson, I apologize. We’ve been less than hospitable,” the chairman said, bowing slightly to Selene before turning to Harrison with a warning glare. “Keep an eye on your mother. And-” He paused, looking Felicity up and down, remembering Selene’s earlier barb about Felicity being Harrison’s ‘father.‘
Chairman Winston’s eyes narrowed; he didn’t quite understand, but he nodded in acknowledgment. “And keep your… father in line, too. If not, I’ll have you all escorted out.”
“I’m not–Harrison and I-” Felicity tried to explain.
“That’s enough!” Harrison snapped, shooting her a withering look. “Haven’t you embarrassed us enough?”
Felicity’s cheeks flushed scarlet as she darted a pleading glance at him.
Harrison stood motionless, cold and distant as a marble statue, his eyes dark and impenetrable as a black hole. He watched as Selene graciously accepted the champagne from Chairman Winston.
Crack.
Both of the delicate glass stems in Harrison’s hands shattered under the of his grip. Shards of glass sliced into the back of his hand, and as the broken pieces hit the floor, bright red blood began to trickle down his skin.
pressure
“Harrison! You’re bleeding! Felicity gasped, rushing to tend to his hand.
He jerked away from her touch, his gaze fixed unblinkingly on Selene’s face.
