Chapter 788

Chapter 788:

Since they were expected at the Moran residence for dinner that evening, Noreen had dismissed her staff for the night and now answered the door herself. Seeing Wilma standing there, she forced a warm smile, though her mind raced with questions.

“What brings you here at this hour? We were just about to head your way.”

“Humph!”

Wilma’s lips curved into a smile that oozed unease. “Where is Astrid? Summon her at once!”

The edge in her voice set Noreen’s nerves on edge. Trouble was brewing—had Wilma come to settle a score?

“Well…” Noreen kept her gracious smile, masking her uncertainty. “Astrid stepped out this morning. But rest assured, Mrs. Moran, she’ll be punctual for tonight’s gathering.”

“Tonight’s gathering? And what might that be?” Wilma’s gaze dropped, her demeanor aloof and unyielding.

“What do you mean?” Noreen faltered, caught off guard. Wilma’s every syllable dripped with sarcasm, a barb in every breath.

“What do I mean? See for yourself!”

Wilma snapped open her bag and retrieved a hastily printed photograph. With a flourish, she flung it at Noreen’s face.

“You—!” Noreen, a lady accustomed to respect, bristled at the insult. She caught the photo reflexively but refrained from looking at it.

“Mrs. Moran! This is outrageous! Our family may not rival your prestige, but we’re no insignificant brood to be trampled!” Noreen protested.

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Wilma sneered, her voice edged with tension. “You’re yapping like a mongrel!”

“You…” Noreen’s complexion drained of color in an instant. Before she could muster a retort, Wilma slapped the photograph against her face.

“Take a good look at your daughter! Feast your eyes on her disgraceful antics!”

Noreen snatched the photo and peered at it. In a heartbeat, her face blanched as pale as parchment.

Noreen had warned her daughter time and again to cut ties with that scoundrel. Yet here was proof—captured by the Moran family, no less—that Astrid had ignored her mother’s pleas and continued her reckless romance.

“Mrs. Moran!” Noreen tried to speak.

Wilma spat disdainfully onto the floor. “My son is a gentleman of fine caliber. How could he ever tie the knot with such a shameless creature? What rotten luck!”

“Mrs. Moran, surely there has been some mix-up…” Noreen stammered.

“A mix-up, you say?”

The very thought of her cherished son being deceived and dishonored by a woman sent Wilma’s blood boiling.

“Mark my words! I’ve had copies made of your daughter’s scandalous snapshots, and they’re already in the hands of every neighbor you’ve got!”

Shock and fury surged through Noreen. “How could you stoop so low?” All their neighbors knew Astrid and Denver were an item—if those photos circulated, the humiliation would be unbearable.

“Feeling the heat now, are you?” Wilma bared her teeth in a snarl. “Listen well! Your family is banned from setting foot near ours ever again—especially Astrid. Tell her to steer clear of my son! If I catch wind of any scheming, I’ll plaster her shameless pictures all over the internet next time!”

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