With a surly face, Hilary went home. As soon as she sat down, Yvonne stepped out of her bedroom and bawled her out rudely.
“Why are you sitting here like a corpse? What’s with that long face? The Garretts feed you and gave you money, you ungrateful piece of junk! Why are you looking at me like that? Cook something for me now!”
However, Hilary didn’t have the nerve to retort her.
“But it’s only three in the afternoon now. Are you hungry already?” she asked timidly.
“I said I’m hungry. How dare you question me! Hurry up, I want to eat now! Don’t you ask for others’ help. You have to do it yourself. I want a cake, a steak, and homemade pasta…”
Anyone could tell that Yvonne was picking on Hilary, but none of the maids dared say a word.
Besides, that had been her standing in the family over the past few years. Every day, they despised and hurled insults at her. Sometimes, Zach even hit her when he was in a foul mood. Even so, she still stayed in this family.
The woman didn’t have the nerve to utter a word against them, nor did she have the guts to divorce Zach. Only then could she retain her title as Mrs. Garrett.
Having seen through her thoughts, the Garretts’ behavior worsened and they tortured her even more. Yet, she pulled through the hardship.
Watching Hilary head to the kitchen, Yvonne let out a snicker. She then took the woman’s bag beside her, rummaged through it, and poured everything out. There was nothing other than a few cosmetic products.
Tossing the bag aside, the woman lay on the couch and scrolled through her phone.
Yvonne had just returned from a shopping spree overseas a few days ago. She had been in a foul mood, thus venting her bitterness on Hilary. If it wasn’t for this woman, I would’ve been married.
Back then, Yvonne resented Clarissa. However, because of the latter’s relationship with Matthew, Mason was about to tie the knot with her. Much to her surprise, things took a drastic turn at Clarissa’s birthday party. The woman gloated over it when she heard that Clarissa left D City together with her family. Out of the blue, Mason decided to put the wedding on hold. After some time, he broke off their engagement.
Yvonne wailed and made a big fuss out of it but to no avail. Half a year later, she finally gave up and put all the blame on Hilary.
Due to Clarissa and Matthew’s breakup, Zach took his rage out on Hilary, hitting and cursing her.
Up till now, Yvonne couldn’t figure out why Hilary supported her daughter’s decision to leave Matthew. When the latter said that Clarissa did it because Matthew was out of her league, she never believed a word. As a vain and materialistic woman, she must have done it with an ulterior motive, but they couldn’t put their finger on it.
She continued to endure the maltreatment without a whimper, refusing to get a divorce, while Yvonne had gotten accustomed to torturing her whenever they met.
Scrolling down the screen, she suddenly saw a post about @clarissa.quigley. It had been a long while since she checked out this social media account. Never had she thought that Clarissa would be back in D City. Sitting up, Yvonne read every post, from the time she showed up at a charity auction to the scandals. Her frequent appearances seemed to have caused quite a stir in showbiz.
Isn’t Clarissa going to do something since she’s back? I don’t believe it. Three years ago, she was kicked out and left in dejection. I would be indignant if I were her.
“Pfft!” Yvonne let out a snigger.
Clarissa is still as annoying as before. So what if she’s back and her career is thriving? The Tysons have despised her, and she’s involved in countless scandals. Who is going to accept a woman like her? Yes, I can do nothing to her, but watching her stay alone and miserable for life pleases me.
When Hilary came out of the kitchen, she announced idly, “Hey, do you know that Clarissa is back in D City?”
Stunned for a second, the woman put a plate of homemade pasta on the table without a word.
Yvonne chuckled with glee. “Do you think she’s back to take vengeance?”
Hilary shuddered at her question. A few seconds later, she added, “Back then, Shermaine was imprisoned, and Clarissa’s relatives had a hard time. However, as her biological mother, you caused my Dad’s business to go downhill. Yes, you didn’t lose a thing. But do you really think that Clarissa doesn’t hold grudges against you? Tsk, tsk… You ruined your daughter’s life with your own hand. Now that she has made a comeback and is doing well, I wonder if she will settle scores with you.”
Staring at Hilary’s ghastly pale face, Yvonne was delighted, laughing out loud. Then, she tossed the plate of homemade pasta into the trash can.
“What rubbish is this? Cook it again.”
With that said, she stood up and headed upstairs. Hilary’s fingers quivered as she stood rooted to the spot with a sullen face, at a loss for what to do next.
Together with the director and the producer, Clarissa was sifting through the photos and resumes of some actors. They were still in the first round of screening. Leonard and Skyler had been chosen to be the lead actors. Still, the production team was being meticulous in the selection of the supporting actors. Their perfectionism compelled them to pick every actor carefully, including the extras.
Unexpectedly, Clarissa spotted Jamie’s photo, and it surprised her.
She thought Jamie would never show up in public again, because the latter had been blacklisted previously. Though three years had passed, the woman was still working as an actress.
“What’s the matter? Ms. Quigley, do you know her?”
Glancing at the director, she shook her head in denial. “No, I don’t know her.”
“She’s a newbie who started off as an extra. Her acting skills are not bad. I think she’s a good fit for this role. What do you think, Ms. Quigley? Shall we ask her to come for an audition?”
A smile spread across Clarissa’s face. “It’s up to you.”
She didn’t oppress Jamie, but regarded her as a stranger.
It takes much perseverance to start from scratch as an extra. The showbiz is full of twists and turns. No one can predict what’s going to happen next.
Clarissa lingered around for half a day before leaving. The woman had made up her mind not to attend the audition, so the crew have the final say regarding the roles.
Afterward, she went to see Joshua. The man had finished drawing the pictures for her children’s book. Eagerly, he showed Clarissa his work to boast about his capabilities.
Seeing through his vanity, she showered him with compliments.
“Rissa, do you regret not choosing me?”
Having heard these words from him repeatedly, Clarissa was totally unfazed.
“Joshua, I have an idea, but I’m not sure about it, so I’m asking for your opinion. I’m thinking of collaborating with Ms. Schloss.”
“What? Are you going to marry me? No need to ask my Mom’s permission. I can make decisions on my own.”
Speechless, Clarissa rolled her eyes at him and said directly, “I want to work with her charity to help children. At first, the book was a gift to my son, but compared to my son, I realized that the needy children needed this gift even more. Hence, I discussed with Yael and decided to publish the book, and all the profit will be donated to Ms. Schloss’ foundation. On top of that, all the needy children will get this book for free.”
“This is a great idea! I’m sure Ms. Schloss will be glad to work with you. I’ll tell her about it now. Then, you two can get in touch with each other for further discussions. She’s always keen to do good works.”
Clarissa was thrilled when she got Olive’s contact number. After knowing her idea from Joshua, Olive contacted her personally and thanked her for being so benevolent. She even made an appointment with Clarissa to meet up at the office of her children’s foundation, so they could chew over the idea.
At night, Clarissa was still excited when she told Matthew about it.
Not only would she get involved in a charity, but she was going to collaborate with Olive as well. I feel like I’m turning into a saint.
At that thought, she couldn’t help but break into a fit of giggles, leaning against his chest.
Twiddling with his toys, Damian saw his mother’s joyful countenance and asked, “Mommy, are you happy?”
Pausing briefly, the woman gazed lovingly at her son. “Yes, Darling, I’m happy.”
Damian grinned, revealing his teeth. “Mommy, I’m a little happy too.”
“A little happy? Why is it only a little?”
“I have Daddy, Mommy, and a lot of toys. It’ll be perfect if I can have one more piece of chocolate.”
She was tongue-tied.
Matthew couldn’t help but chuckle. Damian can say all kinds of sweet nothings just for food.
In fact, he had already eaten too much chocolate tonight, so Clarissa stopped him. As a result, the boy was upset for hours, fiddling with his toy with his head lowered. But his parents didn’t give a damn.
Knowing his son’s character, she was certain that he wouldn’t give up easily.
Sure enough, the boy struck up a conversation in an attempt to get more chocolate.
Matthew was impressed by his son’s persistence, while Clarissa giggled in amusement, but she refused to give in the slightest bit.
“Darling, you’ve had too much, so you can’t eat any more chocolate today. Alright, keep your toys and let Daddy bring you upstairs to get ready to sleep.”
Obediently, the man picked Damian up and walked up the stairs.
Behind the father-and-son duo, the woman warned, ”Matthew, don’t you give him chocolate in secret, or else I won’t let you off the hook.”
The two kept quiet with a pang of guilt.
Matthew glanced at his pitiful-looking son, while the latter peeked at his docile father. We’re in the same boat.
Stepping into the bathroom, they whispered to one another.
“Son, there’s nothing I can do. Let’s listen to Mommy, and we’ll be happy too.”
