Chapter 505:
Ruby, startled at first, quickly composed herself and recognized Denise. âWhat are you doing here?â she asked.
âWhat?â Denise sneered. âThis is my daughterâs house. Canât I visit? And you, as the stepmother, how dare you question me?â
Ruby remained calm, choosing not to engage in an argument. âIf youâre looking for Eileen, you should call her. Sheâs at work and not here.â
âIâm not here for Eileen. Iâm here to talk to you.â Denise slipped her hands into her pockets, sizing up Rubyâs well-maintained appearance, noting her smooth skin.
Denise concluded that Ruby surely didnât engage in much housework. Unlike her, she washed dishes and cleaned tables every day!
âWhat do you want from me? We have nothing to discuss,â Ruby said, trying to walk past Denise, but Denise grabbed her arm.
Surprisingly strong, Denise held her firm. âEileen is heartless, ignoring her own mother. I canât get through to her, so Iâve come to you. Surely youâre not shameless, are you? You have a daughter yourself, yet you stay in my daughterâs house! I heard your daughter is married. Is her marriage not as good as Eileenâs? Is that why youâre shamelessly staying here?â
It was early morning, and several residents were out for their daily walks. Ruby, a long-time resident of the villa district, recognized many of them. Given Eileen and Bryanâs public status, Ruby didnât want to cause a scene.
She lowered her voice. âPlease let go of my arm. If you want to talk, letâs go to the café over there.â
âA café?â Denise sneered. âDo you want to embarrass me in public by showing off that youâve had coffee in a nice café before?â Denise, who had never been to a café, mocked Ruby.
Rubyâs cheeks flushed. âWhere would you prefer to talk then? Just donât yank on me!â
Denise looked around and then suggested, âLetâs talk at my daughterâs house. Iâm her mother, and I havenât even been inside her house before. Thatâs not right.â
Feel the thrill at g aln ov el s . com Ruby paused, conflicted. Logically, she had no right to deny Denise access to Eileenâs home. But she feared that letting Denise in impulsively might cause disruptions later.
Ruby thought it over but decided against openly sharing her concerns. Instead, she said, âI rushed out and forgot my keys. I canât get back in. Letâs choose another location.â
âDonât try to fool me!â Denise scoffed, rolling her eyes. âDo you think Iâm stupid? Ruby, how did I not see your shamelessness before? As a stepmother, what right do you have to keep me from entering my daughterâs house?â
Deniseâs sharp words left Ruby speechless.
âMy home is her home, so she has every right to keep you out,â a voice suddenly called. Eileenâs car had pulled up, and she overheard Deniseâs words as she stepped out. Her elegant face was set in anger, and she walked over in her high heels, her eyes a mix of detachment and disgust.
âDenise, blocking and harassing my mother in public is against the law. Do you realize that?â Eileen said coldly.
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