Mrs. Howard was trying to come up with a plan for her daughter when she asked, âPatri, do you have a photo of that girl, Ellinor? I want to see what she looks like.â
At the mention of Ellinor, Patriciaâs eyes gleamed with jealousy. âMom, I canât stand her. Why would I have her picture? But I have to admit that even without makeup, sheâs not too shabby looking. I wouldnât be surprised if sheâs had some work doneâ
Mrs. Howard wasnât taken aback. âTheoâs got good taste, so of course the girl heâs into would be a looker. Patri, Theoâs pretty smitten with her right now, so donât go stirring up trouble; itâll just make him resent you.â
Patricia retorted, âMom! Are you saying I should just let this slide? I love Theo, and I want to be Mrs.
Blanchet. Heâs the only guy I know who has excellent looks, status, and brains. Heâs perfect for me, so thereâs no way Iâm backing down!â
Mrs. Howard tried to soothe her, âPatri, cool your jets! When did you get so hot-headed?â
Patricia replied, âItâs all because of Ellinor! She swooped in and stole the guy Iâd been working on for years. Youâre telling me to chill out? How could I possibly chill out?â
Mrs. Howard said, âIâm just saying you should lay low for a bit, not give up. Patri, we need to bide our time. This isnât the right moment to break Theo and Ellinor up Trust me, Iâve been around the block a few times. A guyâs infatuation with a new girl never lasts long.
Once the novelty wears off, theyâll naturally break up. So, our first order of business should be to deal with the bun in Ellinorâs oven. Best case scenario, we make it so she canât ever have kids again and nip it in the bud.â
Patricia recognized the need to address Ellinorâs pregnancy. âMom! Remember when I asked my brother to help me so I could get Quinton to take Ellinor for an abortion?
I even bribed the surgeon to take out her womb while they were at it to make sure she couldnât cause trouble in the future.
But just as Ellinor was about to go into surgery. Theo swooped in and whisked her away. We were so close to success.
After that, my brother never brought up the abortion again!â
Mrs. Howard pondered for a moment, âPatri, donât worry, Iâll figure something out. Just give me some time. For now, go freshen up and get ready to dine with the man who saved your grandpaâs life. Be gracious and sweet with your words.
You know how it is with your grandparents; Iâve never been able to effectively communicate with them.
You need to handle them yourself. Your father doesnât have any real authority at home; he passed on all decision-making powers to your brother years ago. Your brother wonât listen to your father, so besides your brother, only your grandparentsâ opinions still carry weight. If we want to secure our place in the Howard family, we need their approval.â
Patricia nodded, âI understand, mom. Iâve always respected my grandparents.â
Mrs. Howard gently patted her daughterâs shoulder, âGood girl! Now go get ready!â
Patricia seemed somewhat downcast as she turned to leave after listening to her mother.
Mrs. Howard squinted her eyes, wondering just how capable Ellinor was. She definitely needed to meet her at some point. How could she steal her daughterâs man? She was way out of her league!
Meanwhile, Ellinor had returned to Byranâs room.