A woman of delicate sensibilities put away her smartphone with a dismissive huff, "So, Romeo's got a thing for her? I mean, sure, she's got a pretty face, but the rest is probably just smoke and mirrors courtesy of the Collins PR machine."
A piano prodigy? A renowned doctor? And now, rumors are swirling that her perfect test scores might be as fake as a three-dollar bill!
"Ms. Monroe, you are right. How can a girl, abandoned and left to fend for herself, rise to the top of every field just because of her grandfathers' nurturing? That's not human; it's almost divine!"
The butler, Moira, let out a derisive chuckle, "If it weren't for the engagement deal between the Collins and the McMillians, there's no way this stray kitten would be rubbing shoulders with the young McMillian heir. But the tide of public opinion is on our side now. Once Arabella's name is dragged through the mud, you will secure Romeo without even breaking a sweat."
"That Serena, what a useless piece of work. I've been studying overseas, and she still hasn't managed to get her claws into Romeo. And Alma, what a waste of space, mooning over Romeo while Serena isn't even a true heiress, yet she can't win his heart. Instead, she's getting herself dirty fighting Serena.
Looks like it's up to me to step in."
Harriet Monroe stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of her family's palatial villa, arms crossed over her chest, gazing out at the sprawling garden with a smug curve of her lips.
"Ms. Monroe, you grew up alongside Mr. Romeo and even lived with the McMillians for a while. Back then, it was just you and him. That sort of bond is deeper than any of these flings. Ms. Monroe, you are on winter break now, the perfect opportunity to rekindle that flame."
"I don't care about whatever surprises or romances he's cooked up for Arabella in the past. Now that she's been unmasked, all it'll take is a little push from me, and Romeo will naturally be mine. Go prepare some snacks, I'll take them over to him."
Confidence flickered in Harriet's eyes. With her in the picture, Arabella didn't stand a chance.
"Right away, I'll make sure they suit Mr. Romeo's tastes to a T."
Harriet surveyed the garden once more and added, "Hold onâtell the kitchen to keep it simple.
Otherwise, Romeo will spot straight away they weren't made by me."
"You always think of everything, Ms. Monroe. This time, we'll focus on simple and delicious."
Moira smiled, admiring the young woman before her. "Ms. Monroe, you have the grace and the pedigree. Over the years, our family has built an empire abroad that rivals the Collins family, and if Mr.
Monroe weren't so modest, shunning those rich lists. If he actually competed, what chance would the Collins have. Mr. Monroe's getting on in years and wants to return to the domestic scene. That means you and Mr. Romeo will have plenty more chances to interact."
Meanwhile, Arabella was at the hospital, where the victims' families grabbed her, demanding an explanation.
"Though the car involved in the raffle wasn't produced by our brand, it was acquired through official channels. The vehicle in question hasn't been sent to an authoritative institution for evaluation yet. Rest assured, if this is the Collins family's responsibility, we will not shirk it," Arabella assured the weeping relatives. Coոtent оf Draмaոovеls.cом