However, life has dulled Fredâs edge.
No one had his back even if he fought for himself, and all he had was an elderly mother and a sister who was still attending university.
His family would be in tatters if anything happened to him!
Frank watched as Fred headed off into the distance and sighed exasperatedly.
The lights of the Salazar Villa in Riverton were bright and dazzling, for it was Violaâs birthday party.
The children of every important figure in Riverton were invited, and even Lane Holdings was on the list..
However, Helen was too busy to attend and sent Cindy in her stead.
Naturally, Cindy certainly could not ask for more for such a social event.
âWoahâ¦â Her eyes were immediately darting everywhere after she entered Turnbull Villa. It might be just a villa, but the furnishing and renovations were a billion times better than what Lane Manor had.
Even the paintings hung on the wall were all worth a fortune!
Suddenly the crowd became rowdy.
âItâs Ms. Salazarâ¦â
âSheâs a goddessâ¦â
Seeing that, Cindy quickly squeezed her way through the crowd to see Viola coming downstairs in a crystalline gown hugging her voluptuous figure.
She certainly stood out among the crowd!
The sons of every rich and important family in Riverton were immediately flocking around her, exchanging greetings or having small talk.
It took a long while for the crowd around Viola to dwindle, and Cindy promptly saw a chance.
Wine glass in hand, she went up and greeted Viola warmly. âMs. Salazar, Iâve been looking forward to seeing you.â
Viola turned toward Cindy. âAnd you areâ¦?
××× âCindy Zonda,â Cindy introduced herself. âIâm the cousin of Lane Holdingsâ CEO. Iâve heard that your beauty is a national marvel, and the rumors are certainly true.â
âOh, you flatter me, Ms. Zondaâ¦â
Viola laughed out of politeness⦠and suddenly noticed the necklace on Cindyâs neck, with the red diamond sparkling over it.
Viola herself had spent a fortune on the necklace, having it designed according to her specifications.
As such, it was one of a kind!
However, Cindy never noticed the look in Violaâs eyes and droned on without a care.
âIâve admired you for a while now and have always wanted to work with your family but never had the chance-â
Before she could finish, Viola suddenly grabbed her necklace and pulled her toward herself!
âOof!â Cindy was choked right then, and she exclaimed frantically, âWhat are you doing, Ms. Salazar?â
Viola had still been all friendly and nice earlierâwhat had gotten into her?
Nonetheless, Violaâs eyes were narrowed as she asked icily, âWhere did you get this necklace/â âYâYou can have it if you likeâ¦â Cindy quickly said.
Smack!
Viola slapped Cindy across the face, leaving her lips cracked and bleeding.
âIâll ask again. Where did you get this necklace?â Viola growled through her teeth.
Naturally, the crowd around them was left in shock, unsure as to what brought about Violaâs sudden madness!
Still Cindy was too scared to lie. âItâs my cousinâs. Her boyfriend gave it to her⦠I donât know anything else!â
âWho is your cousin?!â Viola bellowed, her grip tightening further on the necklace!