+25 BONUS
Candice stopped short when Justin, who was on the phone, shushed her with a finger. He listened to what the person on the other line had to say, then replied warmly, “Alright, I’ll go over in a bit.”
After ending the call, he turned to look at Candice. He frowned at the dress she was wearing and said, “Change into something else. That looks terrible on you.”
Candice was so furious she could have combusted on the spot.
When they left the boutique, Justin did not go home but instead went to a high–end restaurant.
Baffled, Candice asked, “What are we doing here, Justin?”
“My cousin’s home, and my family is throwing him a homecoming party here. I’ll have Zane drop you home,” Justin explained.
Candice knew Jenna didn’t like her very much, so she did not insist on staying.
At that moment, Jessica exited the restaurant. She was dressed in a professional–looking ensemble, and her eyes glittered when she saw Justin. “Mr. Farrow! Your mother and the rest of your family have settled into the dining room. They’re all waiting for you.”
“Got it. Thank you,” Justin said.
He was about to get out of the car when Candice clutched his arm and said, “Justin, now that we’re here, I may as well meet your mother. It’s only a matter of time before we’re properly introduced, anyway.”
“Sure,” Justin replied and led her out of the car.
They had only taken a couple of steps when Candice craned her neck and whispered to Jessica, “Ms. Hayes, go and get a couple of gifts for Mrs. Farrow on my behalf, will you?‘
Jessica looked to Justin for permission. He nodded and said, “Do as she says. My mom likes gemstones. Put the gifts on my card.”
“Very well,” Jessica replied with a forced smile.
Candice’s lips curled in satisfaction as she followed Justin into the restaurant. When they reached the designated lounge, he opened the door and led Candice in.
Jenna and Mollie were already seated at the table alongside Arthur and Joseph. A young man with delicately chiseled features, wearing a plain T–shirt and cargo pants, was positioned beside Jenna.
His casual outfit did not put a damper on his handsome face. “Hey, Justin.”
“Hey back,” Justin said with a slight nod, then launched into introductions. “Candice, this is my younger cousin, Damian Farrow. Damian, this is Candice Ashton.”
Damian flashed Candice a courteous smile, revealing his slightly crooked incisors. “As Justin said, I’m his cousin, though Aunt Jenna practically raised me.”
Jenna interjected, “You don’t have to go into details, Damian. She’s nobody important. Go on, tell me how you’ve been for the last few years you were abroad!”
She did not so much as spare Candice a glance and treated her as if she were invisible. Candice lowered her gaze as she took her seat beside Justin.
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 41
Jessica entered the lounge mid–conversation, knocking on the door as she announced, “Mrs. Farrow, this is Ms. Ashton’s gift to you.”
Jenna gave the gift a cool, impassive look. “An emerald stone? As if she could afford something as fancy as that. How hilarious is it that she splurged on a gift for me using our family’s money?”
Justin finally spoke up. “Damian just got back today. Must you spoil the occasion with your disparaging remarks?” Noting his displeasure, Jenna sullenly took the gift from Jessica.
Arthur opened the bottle of red wine on the table, diffusing the tension. “How about we celebrate Damian’s return with a drink?”
Damian surveyed the guests at the table and asked, “Where’s Serena? Won’t she be joining us today?”
His question hung in the air as everyone fell silent.
