She looked at me cautiously. "You won’t be angry, will you?"
I didn’t respond. Alexander rubbed his brows. "It’s just a small matter. The driver was unsteady. Just be careful. It’s not like he did anything shameful." Catching my reflection in the rearview mirror, he added calmly, "Elizabeth, I hope you won’t make a fuss anymore. That’s enough. Stop giving Charlotte a hard time."
Looking at Charlotte’s smug expression, I said coldly, "From start to finish, I haven’t said a word in the car. Alexander, you keep accusing me. My patience with you has ended."
The car stopped in front of the Worthington residence gate. A servant opened the back door, but I acted first and opened the front door myself. The servants were startled. "Young Madam! I… I didn’t know. I thought you were in the back."
I nodded. "It’s okay. I don’t blame you. The person in the back seat is your future Young Madam."
As I spoke, the servants and waiting guests turned to watch.
Charlotte’s tears fell, and she lowered her head. "Mr. Worthington, I’m not going in. I really haven’t learned my lesson. How could I possibly be here?"
Alexander stepped out from the other side and held the door for her. "Don’t worry. I’m here. No one can give you a hard time."
Haha—love-sickness and a little green tea. What a show. So childish.
I turned away, my chest aching. Seven years of marriage, and now the seven-year itch had struck. Our marriage was arranged, but unlike loveless unions, we had grown together, married passionately, and shared a fiery love. Love can be powerful when it comes, but devastating when it leaves.
I don’t know how far he and Charlotte have gone, but I know his heart has long been unfaithful. I don’t want Alexander like this anymore.
My mother-in-law waved happily. "Elizabeth’s here! Come quickly! Where’s Alexander?"
I forced a smile, my eyes reddening. My aunt leaned over and whispered something. My mother-in-law’s face darkened as she saw Alexander and Charlotte walking arm in arm. Charlotte wore the baby’s breath necklace, freshly put on. Alexander guided her toward me, giving me a warning look. Charlotte stepped forward and handed me a gift box.
"Happy birthday, Auntie! This is my gift for you. I made a bracelet myself, blessed at a temple to bring you health. It’s not pretty, so please don’t mind."
I opened the box. Inside was a simple red bracelet. Ordinarily, cheap—three for ten dollars at a street stall would have been prettier.
Someone nearby burst out laughing. "She’s probably watched too many idol dramas, thinking a slum girl can impress a wealthy mother-in-law with a handmade bracelet."
Another sneered, "I’ve never seen anything like this. If you’re not in our circle, don’t try to get close."
I suppressed my laughter, eyes fixed on Charlotte, filled with contempt. Yes—contempt. A little green tea girl hoping to climb into the Worthington family over me had no chance. With her lowly background, even tolerating her would be degrading, let alone letting her rise. Even without my words, society would teach her the lesson naturally.
Alexander spoke up, "Mom, Charlotte is young and doesn’t understand. This is her gift, so please accept it."
My mother-in-law glanced at her, and the servants immediately reached out to take the bracelet, handing over a red envelope. I smiled faintly. The red envelope came from the plate my mother-in-law had given to the servants that day—a small gesture of mockery, if subtle.
