Chapter 619:
Liamâs opportunistic nature meant that as long as there was something to gain, he would offer genuine emotions. Not wanting to offend Rhys or lose the opportunity to bond with Harleeânow a person of influenceâhe would go to great lengths to stay in her good graces. Laura, having no overt quarrel with Harlee, was the perfect emissary to test the waters.
Lauraâs gaze swept over Harlee, momentarily spellbound. In just a few months, Harlee had transformed into the epitome of elegance.
Her refined aura rivaled that of the most distinguished women in high society, a far cry from the timid girl who once lived under the Gill familyâs shadow.
By comparison, Averieâs rediscovered biological daughter, despite her dramatic return, seemed utterly unremarkable.
For a moment, Laura was lost in thought, marveling at how far Harlee had risen. This was the granddaughter she had once dismissed without a second thought. Now it was clear why Liam had persistently urged her to reconcile before leaving.
Harlee stepped out of the car with composed indifference, handing her keys to the gatekeeper. She approached Laura with measured steps, her expression cool and unreadable.
âMrs.
Gill, are you here to admire me, or is there another reason for your visit?â Harlee asked, her voice calm but distant.
Laura snapped out of her daze, quickly replacing her astonishment with a polite smile. She extended a thermos, her tone warm.
âI made some chicken soup for you, Harlee. The hen was fresh from the countryside. Take it home and share it with your parents. Itâll do you all good.â
Harlee didnât reach for the thermos, nor did she give it a second glance.
Lá´tï½ st chá´ptÑrs in gðlnovels.ð¸Î¿ð
She arched a brow, her tone laced with quiet authority.
âI thought I made myself clear to Liam. I told him to stay away.
But it seems the Gill family has a talent for disregarding boundaries.â
Laura felt an overwhelming wave of anger wash over her, her lips parting slightly as a torrent of harsh words threatened to spill out. She wanted to lash out at Harlee for her apparent lack of gratitude.
However, a sudden flash of memory reminded her that her primary aim today was to soothe the strained relationship between the Gill family and Harlee.
Clenching her jaw, Laura forcefully held back the biting remarks that hovered on the brink of escape.
Harlee, showing no interest in prolonging the conversation, cut through the air with her sharp words.
âDonât bother trying to fix whatâs between us. Iâve made myself clear. The Gill family and I can only be strangers!â Her voice carried a warning. She had made her point crystal clear repeatedly. If they persisted, they could not fault her for severing ties completely.
A shadow crossed Lauraâs face as she gazed at Harlee, a flush of humiliation coloring her cheeks.
Back in the countryside, she had never needed to lower herself before anyone. It was usually the neighbors who came to her, always eager and flattering, hoping for favors from the Gill family.
But today, recalling Liamâs urgent advice that winning Harlee over could significantly benefit the Gill family and even save their business, Laura swallowed her pride.
With a smile that didnât quite reach her eyes, she tried to bridge the gap.
.
.
.