Chapter 81:
Her heart felt as if it was in a vise, icy and tight, her body overwhelmed with discomfort.
Today had added insult to injury.
Not only had Brenton abandoned Etta at the auction house, but he had also rushed home to check on Harlee, oblivious to Ettaâs own safe return.
Etta fumed silently.
It was all because of Harlee.
It seemed that Harlee had noticed her rapport with Brenton and stirred up drama to grab his attention. What a devious manipulator Harlee was!
A sudden memory from the auction earlier flashed in Ettaâs mind.
A man had won a brooch and approached Harlee, engaging her in conversation.
A horrible suspicion crept into Ettaâs mind.
Could it be that Harlee had come home late just to spend time with this guy? As a member of the esteemed Sanderson family, how could Harlee do such a thing?
Etta crossed her arms, her tone heavy with disappointment.
âHarlee, I never thought youâd turn out to be this kind of person.â
This kind of person? A flash of icy indignation sparked in Harleeâs eyes as she abruptly stopped climbing the stairs.
Clearly, Etta had orchestrated this scene, and Harlee felt compelled to linger and observe the unfolding drama.
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When Skyla heard the accusation, a ripple of discomfort passed through her, yet she didnât dwell on it. To her, Harlee was nothing short of admirable, and she couldnât tie Ettaâs remarks to anything negative.
But catching the tension in Ettaâs gaze, Skyla felt compelled to question her.
âEtta, what are you implying?â
Etta drew closer and clutched Skylaâs arm, her voice quivering as she spoke.
âI saw Harlee at the auction today, secretly speaking with a gentleman who then presented her with a brooch.
Please, donât be mad at Harlee. Sheâs only just returned and might be unaware that in our circles, such private meetings are not looked upon favorably.
Perhaps she was merely taken with the brooch, soâ¦â
Ettaâs voice grew faint and uncertain, as though Harlee had been guilty of an unimaginable wrongdoing.
Brentonâs movements were calm, but his words carried an edge as he set down his teacup.
âI was there at that time.
Does that count as a private meeting?â
Like a silent spectator at a staged drama, Brenton watched intently, letting Etta complete her performance as he awaited the right moment to unveil her deception.
Caught off guard, Etta hadnât realized Brenton was with Harlee at that time.
A flicker of annoyance flashed in her eyes, and she nibbled her lip anxiously.
âI apologize, I wasnât aware.
My concern was merely that someone might use this against the Sanderson familyâs good name.â
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