Chapter 31

Marissa flicked her eyes toward Holley, brushing off her biting tone, and offered Theodore a faint smile."It's too packed in there," she said.

Barry had brought three orthopedic specialists to the hospital. They huddled around Rayden, who had just woken up, and bombarded him with questions.

Marissa caught snippets of their conversation and noted their expertise seemed legitimate.

"If you can't fit in, just admit it!" Holley let out a sharp scoff and pushed the door open with more force than necessary."You had better spend more time improving yourself, Marissa. Being a Curtis isn't all glitter and comfort!"

She then lifted a hand to her mouth as if in mock surprise, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, I nearly forgot-you just returned to the family, It must still feel strange walking in our world."

With a feigned sweetness, she deliberately brushed between Theodore and Marissa, her tone taking on a falsely cheerful tone. "Don't worry, Marissa. I've lived in Ozreka all my life, so if you need any tips-food,

shopping, entertainment-just ask me, I know this city like my own backyard. Your brothers are tatally out of their depth with this stuff-they even delegate picking flowers for their partners to their assistants, completely oblivious to what makes a relationship tiek, Oh,Theodore is cut from the same cloth!"

Marissa understood exactly why Holley had pointedly mentioned Theodore. With a sly smirk, she responded casually, "I appreciate the gesture, Holley."

Holley had banked on Marissa losing her cool, like she had done at the villa, snapping back and painting herself as a petty woman in Theodore's eyes.

But Marissa's poised and courteous reply turned the tables, leaving Holley looking like the childish one.

Holley darted a sneaky scowl at Marissa, chewing her lip in irritation, plotting how to unmask Marissa's darker side in front of Theodore.

"What's the matter, Holley? Are you not excited I'm back?" Marissa, a pro at flipping the script, stood tall,arms folded, flashing a cheeky grin.

Holley's face froze under Marissa's stare. She was caught off guard by her words.

With Theodore watching, Holley, though boiling inside,forced herself to keep her cool.

She twisted her head, shooting Marissa a menacing glare-this woman was her ultimate enemy!

"Holley?" Marissa stepped closer, tilting her head with a playful air.

"What's your problem?" Holley instinctively ducked behind Theodore, her pulse racing wildly.

The onlookers were baffled by Holley's reaction,especially Wilbur, who saw Marissa as refined and composed,

Marissa,reading the moment, grinned and locked eyes with Holley cowering behind Theodore, teasing, "What,are you not happy I'm here, Holley?"

Holley was so furious her teeth ground together, but she plastered on her usual sweet, charming mask for Theodore, letting out a few forced giggles before reluctantly stepping out from his shadow.

"Theodore," Holley murmured, hesitantly reaching for the edge of his coat.

As she leaned in, Theodore sidestepped sharply and gave Holley an icy stare. "Holley, you should not stand so close to me."

"Why?" Holley snapped, bewildered.

Theodore, uninterested in elaborating, glanced at Wilbur.

Clearing his throat, Wilbur explained, "Mr. Brooks is engaged to your cousin. He is your future cousin-in-law."

"What? No way!" Holley's head spun with rage as she stomped her feet and glared at Marissa with venom."You can't steal Theodore from me! He is mine!Marissa, please, don't take him-I can't survive without him.I would rather die!"

Holley wailed, lunging toward Theodore with open arms.

Marissa stood back, looking detached, as if he meant nothing to her.

Before Holley could reach Theodore, Wilbur stepped in."Please get a grip!"

"Who are you to tell me what to do?" Holley shoved Wilbur in a fury. "Get out of my way!"

She despised anyone who backed Marissa and stood in her way.

Wilbur, handpicked by Theodore for his exceptional fitness, smarts, and quick reflexes, didn't budge.

Holley couldn't move him and ended up sprawling on the floor.

A sudden chuckle rang out from Marissa.

Holley's shoulders shook with fury,her loathing for Marissa blazing. She looked up, her eyes dripping with malice. "This is all because of you!"