âMm,â Jarrod answered indifferently.
âPlease, take a seat,â Doreen urged, her enthusiasm undimmed as she welcomed the woman behind him.
âVicki.
â
Only then did Nicole realize that Jarrod and Vicki had arrived together.
Naturally, as Doreenâs uncle, Jarrodâs presence at Doreenâs birthday celebration was expected.
Vicki, dressed in a light pink gown that accentuated her elegance and grace, seemed taken aback to see Nicole.
She covered her mouth in surprise, exclaiming, âMiss Lawrence, why are you here?â
Nicole reflected on how Vickiâs acting skills had improved significantly as she had become adept at masking her true feelings.
âIâm working here,â Nicole responded succinctly.
âWorking?â Vicki appeared surprised.
âMiss Lawrence, are you in need of money? I recall you were a high achiever.
How did you end up working here?â
âEvery profession has its value.
I actually find it quite fulfilling here,â Nicole replied, maintaining her composure.
Vickiâs tone softened.
âMiss Lawrence, are you facing some difficulties?â
âNo.
â Nicole smiled as she spoke, her gaze laced with a hint of mockery.
Impatient, Doreen interjected sharply, âVicki, you know, some people are just naturally lowly.
They revel in it, serving in lowly positions.
Donât waste your breath trying to uplift them.
Theyâre content here, serving a multitude of men without ever repeating.
â
Nicole remained silent, but Vicki could barely contain her delight.
With her skills in masking her emotions, Vicki furrowed her brows and chided Doreen, âDonât talk nonsense.
â
Then, Vickiâs expression softened into a slight smile.
âThatâs good to hear.
If you ever face any difficulties, remember you can tell me.
Since you and Jarrod were classmates, we can definitely help.
â
Nicole nodded in acknowledgment but chose not to add anything further.
Vicki, pleased with how she had handled the situation, produced a jewelry gift box and presented it to Doreen.
âDoreen, this is a gift your uncle and I selected for you.
See if you like it.
â
Doreen accepted the box eagerly.
âI love it! I know Iâll Like anything you choose!â she exclaimed, opening the box to reveal a luxurious jade necklace from a high-end brand.
This was no ordinary item.
It required a diamond-level membership for purchase.
The necklace perfectly matched Doreenâs style, and she beamed.
âThank you, aunt.
â
Vicki blushed slightly.
âDoreen, donât call me that.
Itâs not yet.
â
âItâs not far off.
Youâll soon be my aunt, and Iâm just getting used to it,â Doreen interjected playfully.
âAh, you little rascal.
â Vicki chuckled.
Doreen pulled Vicki down to sit beside her before imperiously commanding, âNow, pour wine for my uncle and future aunt.
â