Chapter 42

Chapter42 HHas Marissa Ever Come Back

Susanna had basked in a life of luxury/for decades,free from the burdens of household or business affairs. Her days revolved around shopping sprees and lavish getaways with her friends or the wives of corporate allies.

They often met in small circles to focus on fitness and skincare, and even in her fifties, Susanna radiated the elegance of a woman a decade younger.

Evelina, however, couldn't match her mother's polished allure.

Despite the Fletcher family employing a skincare specialist and a personal trainer, they couldn't mold her into a refined socialite overnight.

Caught mid-yoga in front of a large screen,Susanna was taken by surprise by Evelina's words."When did Bryson tell you this? Did he say which family is hosting?"

Ozreka housed many wealthy families, but only a handful ranked as elite. Pausing to think, Susanna rose from her yoga mat and strode toward the walk-incloset, asking,""1Bryson still at the hospital?"

Evelina, still drafting a reply to Bryson's text, trailed behind, typing as she walked. "Yes, he felt eye discomfort right after getting home. His mother had the driver rush him to the hospital before he could even change. She asked me to stay back and brew herbal remedies for him."

"His mother told you to brew herbal remedies?"Susanna's brow arched, her tone laced with disapproval. "And you agreed? The Hardy family has plenty of servants. Why did she ask you to do these things?"

Seeing Susanna's irritation, Evelina hesitated to admit the truth, waving her hands nervously. "No,Mom.Marissa always handled it before-I wouldn't even know where to start!"

The more Susanna heard, the more something felt amiss. Evelina's voice shrank, and Susanna,shedding her yoga wear, eyed her daughter suspiciously. "Evelina, don't lie to me."

Fearing further probing, Evelina swiftly shifted topics, hiding her blistered middle finger behind her back and stepping forward to help Susanna pick an outfit. "Mom, how could I ever deceive you?"

"Your mother-in-law can be challenging, so stay cautious and keep your focus on Bryson." Susanna chose a dress with intricate vintage patterns,holding it up to the mirror while dispensing advice on winning a man's affection. "You can brew herbal remedies, but pick the right moment. And just make it the way Marissa always does."

Susanna knew people often grow careless when comfortable, and she saw it in Evelina.

"Bryson favors you over Marissa. His eyes are healed now, and women will flock to him. You need to know when to overlook things," Susanna advised.

"Bryson swore he would love only me. I'm the one he truly wants," Evelina replied, her face alight with blissful confidence.

Susanna, seasoned by life's twists, felt a pang of unease at her daughter's words. Bryson was no simpleton-he was sharp and calculating.

Yet, seeing Evelina's radiant happiness, Susanna held back her concerns. She finished dressing and joined her daughter at the vanity, picking out jewelry for their outing.

As Evelina focused on the selection, Susanna asked casually, "Did he say this on the drive home?

Were his parents in the car?"

"His mother was, but his father wasn't. There were business matters-Bryson was meant to join his father, but his dad said that since it's our wedding day, tomorrow would do," Evelina answered,slipping a pair of emerald earrings onto Susanna.The gems gleamed in the mirror, enhancing her elegance.

"Mom, you look stunning!" Evelina leaned against Susanna, a flicker of fatigue in her eyes.

She had been consumed with wedding preparations, juggling gym visits and salon appointments while monitoring Bryson and Marissa,fearing they would reconnect.

"Are you exhausted?" Susanna smoothed Evelina's creased brow, gently massaging as she spoke softly."Do you need a nap? Did Bryson say when he'll pick you up?"

At Bryson's name, Evelina's weariness vanished,her energy renewed. She recalled other tasks awaiting her.

Pulling away from Susanna's embrace, she asked,"Mom,has Marissa ever come back?"

Susanna frowned. The thought of the impostor who had lived in luxury for years soured her expression. "Why mention her? She's not part of our family anymore. I'll have the servants clear her things and dump them!"

"No, don't!" Evelina blurted, her voice slipping into a coarser tone she usually hid around the Fletcher and Hardy families.

Susanna flinched at Evelina's abrupt outburst,her brow creasing with an unconscious hint of scorn.Masking it with concern, she asked, "Is your throat bothering you?"