Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
Her smile froze as she spotted Mirabella, also decked out in formal attire, standing opposite her aunt.
They were obviously heading out, but to where?
“Serena? You’re here!”
Eunice had heard about her arrival at Dawnstar the night before and wasn’t surprised to see her now but greeted her with an affectionate smile.
“It’s been a while, and you’re as mischievous as ever, jumping out to startle me.”
Chuckling, Serena turned to Mirabella and sweetly called her.
Mirabella ignored her, but Eunice, sharp as ever, caught the slight and smoothly interjected, “Why didn’t you let me send a car for you?”
“Aunt Eunice.” Serena suddenly clung to her, her voice filled with emotion, “If you weren’t standing right here, I wouldn’t believe I could ever hug you again. It’s so wonderful you’re back!”
Her voice quivered as she continued, “Aunt Eunice, I’ve missed you. Seems like all those church visits weren’t in vain. My prayers have been answered. Seeing you here, safe and sound, it’s all worth it.””You’ve been praying for me in church?” Eunice looked down at her, smiling, “Why are you crying now?”
“It’s nothing.” Serena quickly turned her tears into a beam, “I’m just overjoyed to see you again, couldn’t help it”
“You silly child,” Eunice chuckled.
“Aunt Eunice, you and sister are all dressed up; where are you heading?” Serena clung to Eunice’s hand like a child, “Can you take me with you? I’m so bored all by myself.”
“We’re off to Arlen’s birthday bash. Your sister and I just need to drop by, Eunice explained with a smile.
“Why don’t you pick a room to rest in? We’ll be back before you know it.”
There was an important matter to attend to tonight, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to bring her along.
Serena had been pampered all her life, and tonight’s event was not the place for her.
“Is it Arlen’s birthday today?” Serena’s eyes sparkled with surprise and joy. “Well, they say the early bird catches the worm. I simply must go and celebrate with him!”
Before Eunice could object, Serena chimed in, “I’ve got a few dresses in my suitcase, and for a birthday gift. I’ll pick something from the presents I brought for Uncle Bard. It’s the thought that counts, right?”
Seeing Serena’s enthusiasm, Eunice smiled with her glossy red lips and said, “Serena, honey, your sister and I will handle it tonight. You just stay home and take it easy, okay?”
Serena hadn’t expected Aunt Eunice to turn her down again, and her eyes betrayed a hint of hurt.
“There will be plenty of other birthday parties to attend, but we’ll skip this one for tonight,’ Eunice said, then turned to Mirabella, “We should get going. It’s getting late.”
“Okay.” Mirabella followed Aunt Eunice, passing by Serena, who couldn’t help but sense Serena’s boiling resentment and jealousy.
That girl never seemed to learn from her past mistakes.
Serena watched Eunice leave the main house and couldn’t hold back any longer. She hurried after her, quickly catching up and taking Eunice’s hand with a firm grip.
“Aunt Eunice, let me at least see you off.
Though she said “you,’ Serena clung to Eunice’s hand with an almost possessive air, as if to assert her territory over Mirabella or deliberately leave her out in the cold.Normally, Serena would sprinkle the conversation with sweet nothings, like “I must not be doing as well as my sister; that’s why Aunt Eunice prefers her company. After all, I’m not really a Collins by blood; it’s only right that I shouldn’t go”
But Aunt Eunice was sharp as a tack, so Serena dared not lay it on too thick.
Instead, she just clung to Eunice’s hand, playing the sentimentality card.
“Aunt Eunice, it’s been so long since we’ve had a chat, and now you’re leaving again. I just want to walk you out; at least that way, I can spend a little more time with you.”
Eunice laughed, “Since when did you become such a clingy kid?”
Serena grinned sweetly, “Ever since last time, when I thought I might never see you again, I’ve been kicking myself for not making more time for the people I care about. Auntie, when was the last time we had a proper walk together like this.”
“It’s been a while, Eunice admitted, stopping in her tracks to turn and wave Mirabella over, “What’s taking you so long? Hurry up.”
As Mirabella caught up, Eunice took her hand and said, “There’ll be a bunch of relatives at Arlen’s place. Don’t be nervous, I’ll introduce you to each one.”
“Okay.”
“My sister’s not one to get stage fright easily, Serena said, her voice bright with admiration. “She’s a lot like you, Aunt Eunice. I need to learn from both of you.”
Eunice smiled but noticed that Mirabella was very quiet, not joining in the laughter, as if she hadn’t heard Serena at all.Serena walked them to the driveway, her voice tinged with reluctance, “Auntie, you and my sister come back early. Otherwise, I’ll miss you.”
“Sure thing, Eunice replied as she opened the car door for Mirabella to get in before instructing, “If you get hungry or thirsty, just tell the staff what you want”
“Don’t worry, Aunt Eunice, it’s not my first rodeo here!” Serena flashed a sweet smile. “Goodbye, Aunt Eunice.
Goodbye, Bella. Have a smooth ride.”
Mirabella couldn’t help but feel speechless. Just yesterday, Serena had drenched her with two bottles of wine, and yet today, she could smile and say goodbye as if nothing had happened.
As if nothing had ever happened.
That mental fortitude was impressive.
Along the way.
Eunice glanced at the quietly composed girl beside her and asked, “Bella, aren’t you curious why, out of everyone, I chose to bring only you to tonight’s birthday bash, and not Serena?”
“Is it because she’s not the right fit?” Mirabella guessed, “Or is it because you want me to get to know what kind of people Mom’s side of the family are?”
“Yes, but that’s not the main reason.” Eunice smiled, her gaze fixed ahead, her red lips curling, “You must have heard enough rumors by now. Take a guess, why have I been by Alexander’s side for so long without ever thinking of leaving?”
Mirabella sensed something in her words.
“Figured it out?” Eunice saw a flicker of insight in Mirabella’s eyes and her smile grew even more beautiful, “So quick to catch on, you truly are my dear niece.”
Mirabella wasn’t entirely sure, but she ventured her guess.
“You were hurt and Mr. Elliot brought you to Alexander. Normally, the first thing upon waking would be to leave, to find a way back to Uncle Bard, because I can tell, you and Uncle Bard truly love each other, you can’t live without one another.””But you didn’t leave, you stayed, and even took the opportunity to win over a number of Alexander’s men.
Those men are fiercely loyal to you. It wouldn’t have been difficult for any of them to send a message to Uncle Bard, but you didn’t do that. This means there’s something there worth staying for. You mentioned true love with Uncle Bard, and that’s a big reason for your staying.”
Eunice urged her on with her deepening smile, “Go on”
“Uncle Bard’s power is unassailable in Dawnstar. Logically, there’s nothing that would require your personal intervention, just a word to him would suffice to settle it, unless it’s something Uncle Bard himself hasn’t noticed, something you stumbled upon unexpectedly.”
“It must be no small matter, likely concerning Uncle Bard’s safety, or perhaps the safety of my grandparents.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth the risk for you to stay.”
“As far as I know, Uncle Bard and the Mafia Rock have always kept to their own turfs, no crossover. But for you to remain so long at Mafia Rock, under Alexander’s roof, it can only mean one thing —
Alexander has something you want. As for what that something is, I haven’t guessed it. Please, Aunt Eunice, enlighten me.”
Eunice laughed, amazed at her niece’s sharpness, “You’ve done well to guess this much.” Outside, they were all talking, saying she was tainted, that she had no business returning to Bard’s side.
“You see things differently than they do,” Mirabella said coolly, aware of the “others” Eunice referred to.
If all she did was scratch the surface, what kind of leader would she be?“I envy Louisa for having such a clever and beautiful daughter.” Eunice beamed, “You’re right, while at Alexanders, I inadvertently discovered someone from the Griffith family in contact with him, plotting to have your grandfather and Bard killed. I found it suspicious and decided to stay and gather evidence.”
Eunice narrated everything in detail.
“Alexander was cautious, always covering his tracks. It took me a long time to gather some evidence, and just when I did, Bard discovered I was still alive and mounted a surprise attack, wiping Alexander out.”
“I understand now,” Mirabella’s eyes widened in realization, “But the trail didn’t end there!”
“Why’s that?” Eunice asked with a playful smile.
“If there truly is a mole within the Griffith family, they’d be terrified of getting caught if they’ve been undermining Uncle Bard behind his back. Rumors have it that Alexander is quite fond of you. Since you spent such a long time there and suddenly returned, the mole must be worried that Alexander has shared some secrets with you.
They’re scared you’ll spill the beans to Grandpa and Uncle Bard. So, your attendance at the birthday bash is basically bait!”
Eunice’s eyes sparkled with admiration and approval.
“Tonight is undoubtedly their best chance to act. Catch whoever takes a swing at you, and we’ve got our mole!”
Eunice’s laughter was as radiant as her beauty, “You’re truly my clever niece, thinking layers deep.
You’re certainly not just any college kid. Is there something else about you, something your auntie doesn’t know?”
“It’s nothing much.” Mirabella played it down, and Eunice didn’t pry further, sensing that this girl was sharp and far from ordinary.
“I brought you along because you’re clever and quick-witted, ready to adapt on the fly. If things go south and I cant get out in time, with your skills and smarts, you can still get a message out for me,’
Eunice explained with a laugh, “If I brought Serena along, she’d probably end up in tears.”
That’s also why she didn’t bring Serena.“And you can guess why I didn’t bring your uncle, right?”
“You want to draw the mole out into making a move on you. If Uncle was there, they’d be cautious, maybe too scared to act. So, you purposely kept Uncle Bard busy elsewhere?”
“Not exactly on purpose.” Eunice’s laugh was enigmatic, leaving things unsaid.
“Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ve got this.”
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.