“What?”
Patricia clasped her right palm over her mouth in shock. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at her mother, who didn't even spare a glance at her.
“What's with the look on your face, Patricia? Are you going with me or not?” Claudia asked anxiously.
Clearing her throat noisily, Patricia gulped hard. “As much as I hate my step-sister, and wish for her to be thrown out by the Davison's, I don't think I want to risk my life in that manner. Mom, think about it. You can't just invade the privacy of the Davison's. What makes you think they will even let you into the mansion?”
“I'm going to tell them that I'm Valerie's mother. Then, I'll make sure that I humiliate her. Do you think that after causing a scene there, she'll still have a job to call her own?” Claudia scoffed.
With a deep sigh, Patricia shook her head in disapproval. “Why don't you think of something else, Mom? This is a terrible idea, and trust me, I don't think this is going to go smoothly. Have you forgotten for a flash how powerful the Davison's are? I don't want to lose my life.”
Claudia reprimanded. “Shut it! You're so chickenhearted. I don't care what the outcome will be, I just want to make sure that the silly girl loses her job in the mansion. Once that is done, she will have no choice than to come crawling back to us.”
“Mommy, I'm pregnant. I can't get involved in such issues now. Since your mind is made up, and you're really convinced that she will be able to do this, then I'll wish you well” Patricia replied.
Grinning wickedly, Claudia grabbed her purse. “You'll be so amazed to see the outcome of this. That proud wench will come back to us, begging to live off our leftovers. Of course, that's where she belongs. I'll have her locked up in the dog house, and fed with the bones from our table. You don't know how delighted that will make me feel.”
Smiles escaped Patricia's lips as she imagined how it would feel. After Valerie's appearance with the President of Davison's empire at Patricia's wedding, Claudia became a laughingstock to her friends.
No one talked about her daughter's glamorous wedding party because Valerie stole the show. From the dress she was wearing to the shoes, she was the star of the night. The only thing Claudia wished for, was to see her stepdaughter Valerie dragged back to the mud. Under her mercy!
“You have my support, Mom. Humiliate that pest, and let her get out of our lives forever. Even if she has nine lives, I'll make sure we kill all” Patricia smirked maliciously.
…
Valerie narrowed her eyes at the President, who grabbed her arm, preventing her from making the call. “Sir?”
Gulping hard, Ethan turned his gaze away and let go of her arm slowly. “Before calling the number with the landline, why don't you get into Audrey's room and search thoroughly for it. I mean… that's uh… that's the only place you've been to with the phone.”
Valerie nodded her head in agreement. “Oh… okay, Sir” She walked back into the room.
Without hesitation, Ethan quickly brought the cell phone out of his pocket and switched it off before shoving it into his pocket again.
He mumbled. “That was close.”
Meanwhile, Valerie kept on searching Audrey's room to no avail. She walked out of the room, looking worried.
“Valerie, are you okay? What are you looking for?” Clara, who almost bumped into her, asked.
Valerie yawned tiredly, and replied. “I can't find my cell phone. I've been looking all over for it. I don't even know where exactly I dropped it”.
“Oh…” Clara shook her head. Just then, a security guard rushed in and straight to Valerie.
“Miss Watson, your mother is here to see you” He reported, and Valerie exchanged glances with Clara. She was shocked and gobsmacked at the same time. She thought.
“My mother? What mother is he talking about? I don't think I have someone who's a mother figure that'll come to look for me here.”
“My mother? Are you sure about that? I mean, you might be mistaken. Are you sure I'm the one who the person out there is looking for?” Valerie curiously inquired.
“Yes, I'm sure”
Reluctantly, Valerie followed the security guard and walked out of the Mansion. On getting to the gate, she got the shock of her life.
She mouthed in surprise. “Claudia?”
“Are you surprised to see me? Or you simply never thought you'd see me here?” Claudia snorted.
Before she could say another word, Claudia grabbed her by the collar. She was short of words. What exactly was Claudia up to? Why did she suddenly show up at her workplace and grab her clothes?
Everything was happening so fast. Valerie was too shocked to even react. Everyone was watching. Was she going to lose her job after causing a scene at the Davison's villa?
“Oh God! What is this which up to?”
Claudia suddenly burst into tears. “You wretch! What kind of daughter are you? Do you want to kill your mother? After everything that I did for you. What did you repay me with? You stole my money and even sold off my jewelry. You're such an ungrateful child.”
“What… What are you talking about?” Valerie tried to free herself from the grip.
Some servants and the guards rushed to get them separated, but Claudia's grip was tight. She dragged Valerie by her hair.
“Let me go. What are you doing? What money are you talking about?” Valerie groaned in pain.
Claudia continued. “You cheap hoer! All you do is sleep around. What kind of woman are you?”
“What?” Valerie slapped her hard on the cheek.
In defense, Claudia pushed Valerie and she staggered backwards. She was about to fall on the hard ground when someone caught her.
His voice was cold and at the same time deep and sexy. “How dare you?”