Predictably, Roscoe attempted to pull away, but finding no success, he stopped trying.
He silently blew out the candles, deciding to act without Doreen.
âI have taken care of it,â Roscoe said curtly, disregarding the upset look on Doreenâs face.
Doreenâs expression hardened.
She forced a smile and murmured, âThanks, Roscoe.
â
Instead of replying to her words, Roscoe withdrew his hand when Doreen was briefly distracted.
At that moment, Nicole happened to lift her head, meeting Doreenâs gaze.
Doreenâs expression softened to a mocking smile as she motioned to Nicole and said, âCome and cut the cake.
â
Instead of calling Nicole Miss Lawrence, Doreenâs tone implied disrespect, suggesting that Nicole was not worthy of her politeness.
As Nicole stepped forward with the plastic knife to cut the cake, Doreen abruptly intervened.
âAh! Stop!â
Nicole halted, turning to face Doreen.
âHave you washed your hands?â Doreen scoffed.
âWith all the people you meet, who knows what youâre carrying? Now you want to cut the cake? Think of the germs you might spread.
â
Nicoleâs hand trembled, and her face drained of color.
Vicki relished the scene, noticing Jarrodâs inscrutable expression, uncertain of what to make of it.
Vicki feigned concern and stepped in.
âDonât be upset, Miss Lawrence.
Itâs just that Doreen likes things clean.
Itâs mot about you.
With the crowd you deal with daily, sheâs just being cautious.
Please, wash your hands and then come back to cut the cake.
â
While Vickiâs words seemed diplomatic, they subtly underscored Nicoleâs occupation at the nightclub, casting her in a negative light.
Her supposed mediation only embarrassed Nicole even more.
âs BunnyBookery But the subtlety of Vickiâs manipulation went unnoticed.
ALl eyes were on Doreenâs difficult behavior.
A barmaid beside Nicole gently took the knife, offering, âGo wash up.
Iâll take care of this.
â
But before Nicole could respond, Doreen snapped at the barmaid, âWho told you to interfere? Youâre just as unclean.
Wait for her to finish washing and then let her handle it.
â
Nicole listened to this and continued washing her hands, her face betraying no emotion.
She knew this spectacle was exactly what Vicki relished.
Vicki had orchestrated her employment here to degrade her.
If enduring humiliation would keep Austin safe, then Nicole was prepared to bear it.
It was clear Vicki reveled in seeing her degraded, and she was resigned to fulfilling that role.
Vicki observed Doreenâs overbearing behavior and inwardly shook her head.
Though this was the drama she wanted, Doreenâs antics were foolish and laughable.
Wasnât it obvious that Roscoe had been uncomfortable since his arrival, his brow furrowed in displeasure? Doreenâs aggressive demeanor would only alienate men further.
Yet, she seemed oblivious, continuing to displease Roscoe.
If it werenât for Doreenâs influential uncle, Jarrod, the Watts family might have long ceased tolerating her jealous fits.
But Doreenâs folly was precisely what Vicki counted on.
Nonetheless, Vicki praised Doreen effusively, complimenting her beauty today.