Filed to story: Rebecca Perry and Vance Bradford Romance Book PDF Free
It’s just that this occasion is very important, and since you haven’t been exposed to such occasions, we’re afraid you might not handle it well and end up embarrassing yourself. “
All night long, the same tiresome arguments had circled endlessly, with Catherine’s every word and sentence branding Rebecca as an utter embarrassment, until Rebecca had finally reached her breaking point. ” Alright, if you want to avoid embarrassment, stay away from me, ” she said. ” I’m on the edge right now. Who knows what unpredictable things I might say or do? In your eyes, I’m already a complete disgrace, so why should I fear making it even worse?” She deliberately embraced a reckless, devil – may – care demeanor, wishing these intrusive people would simply back off and spare her the mounting irritation. Yet Vance remained rooted in place, unmoved. The other two lingered as well, settling into seats around her. Desmond returned carrying a glass of juice, his eyes scanning the trio before he let out a bemused chuckle. With no vacant spots left near Rebecca, he handed her the drink and chose a chair a short distance away.
Catherine then launched into an effusive monologue extolling the Mueller family’s unparalleled prestige, reserving her most extravagant praise for Tracy Mueller, the enigmatic powerhouse steering the Mueller Group, a distinguished Harvard alumna, and the esteemed president of numerous international associations, among other accolades. ” He is the eldest son of Mr. Sean Mueller, and rumor has it he’s returning to assume formal control of the group, ” Catherine cautioned Rebecca, casting a glance at Vance as if to highlight her own exemplary discretion and foresight.
“When he makes his appearance later, you absolutely must not commit any faux pas. ” Desmond, who had been listening, interjected with a light – hearted chuckle. ” That’s peculiar. I was never aware Mr. Mueller had such a son.”
“Of course you wouldn’t be privy to that, ” Catherine retorted, rolling her eyes in blatant contempt. ” You’re merely a dancer, so how could you possibly know about such matters? ” She nursed a simmering grudge against him for unmasking her pretense as Mrs. Bradford.
Her discreet inquiries had confirmed he was nothing more than a performer from the Soliaridge Troupe, lacking any significant influence or connections. Who knew how he had even gotten into this high – end business gala in the first place? ” Rebecca, ” Vance interjected, ” Cathy does make a valid point. It would be wise for you to familiarize yourself with the Mueller family’s background to prevent any missteps.”
“What does my misstep have to do with you? We’re strangers here, remember?” Rebecca countered, secretly amused by Catherine’s fervent references to the so – called eldest son of the Mueller family. ” Forget it, Cathy. Don’t bother with her, ” Aiden said, rolling his eyes. ” She’s already said she doesn’t know us. Clearly, she couldn’t care less about Vance’s well – being. Why waste your breath?”
“But we can’t just ignore it. We have to look out for Vance, ” Catherine insisted, looking utterly devoted.
The duo orchestrated their exchange like a well – rehearsed duet, their words meticulously crafted to provoke Rebecca and deepen Vance’s growing aversion toward her. In fact, their audacity stemmed directly from his tacit indifference. People invariably gauged others’ reactions and pushed limits accordingly. Had Vance demonstrated even the slightest respect for her, they would never have dared to belittle her so brazenly in his presence. ” Rebecca won’t hold it against me, will she? ” Catherine muttered, her voice quivering. ” Will she think I talk too much?
“
“You do talk quite a bit, ” Desmond chimed in with a sly, amused smile, taking a sip of his drink. ” Mr. Schroeder, I presume? ” Vance glared. ” What entitles you to interfere repeatedly in my family’s private matters?”
“Your family? ” Desmond scoffed. ” My apologies, but I only acknowledge Rebecca as your lawful wife. As for the others present, what roles do they play, exactly? Take this lady, for instance. Does contemporary society still condone the archaic notion of concubines? ” Catherine whined, irritated, “Vance…” Vance’s expression darkened ominously. ” Mr. Schroeder, I have no desire to escalate this into a confrontation in such a setting, but I will not tolerate anyone bullying those under my protection. If you have grievances to air, perhaps we can address them privately afterward. ” D
“Are you proposing we settle this with a fight? ” Desmond was unshaken by the veiled threat. ” Rushing to her defense like a knight in shining armor? Yet it strikes me as profoundly ironic. You’re prepared to clash over your lover, while I’m standing here advocating for your wife. Doesn’t that inversion feel utterly bizarre?”
“It’s not your place to advocate for anyone, ” Vance retorted sharply, his usual poise fracturing under the strain. ” Regardless of the accuracy of your characterizations, neither of them has anything to do with you.
But for your egregious rudeness, I wouldn’t mind giving you a piece of my mind. ” Vance had been driven to the brink of his endurance, otherwise, this paragon of calm restraint would never have uttered such overtly confrontational words. Desmond was undeterred by the provocation. ” Are you so sure you can handle me?”
“Try me, ” Vance replied icily. Catherine tugged at his sleeve. “Forget it, Vance. Why bother with a dancer? We can’t go down to his level. ” Rebecca could barely suppress a laugh at Catherine’s inflated self – importance.
Just then, a ripple of excitement stirred through the assembled guests. Joyce and her husband, Sean Mueller, had made their entrance, accompanied by a poised young woman who could only be Tracy Mueller. ” They’re here, ” Catherine whispered, rising to her feet with eager anticipation. ” And it seems they’re heading our way. ” In a gesture of collective courtesy, the group stood as one, including Rebecca and Desmond. Joyce smiled from a distance. ” You look stunning today. I could hardly recognize you. ” Catherine beamed with excitement, leaning toward Vance. ” Is Mrs.
Mueller complimenting me? ” But Vance sensed an undercurrent of discrepancy, especially since Desmond’s expression betrayed subtle amusement. Moreover, the warmth in Joyce’s gaze seemed disproportionate for someone like Catherine, whom she had met only fleetingly. Rebecca smiled, knowing Joyce was addressing her. Just as she prepared to step forward in greeting, she tripped over something and stumbled forward. ” Rebecca! ” Joyce gasped. Desmond was a bit too far away to help, while the closest people to her were Catherine and Vance.
Vance reacted with lightning reflexes, seizing Rebecca’s arm and hauling her upright with a firm pull, though the momentum caused her to collide squarely with his chest. Catherine rushed over to help Rebecca, explaining anxiously to Joyce. ” I’m sorry, Mrs. Mueller. Our companion here has a problem with her leg. She didn’t mean to make a scene. She has a limp. Look… ” Catherine lifted the hem of Rebecca’s gown, exposing her scarred calves for all the surrounding guests to see.
A wave of visceral humiliation surged through Rebecca, shattering the tentative confidence she had mustered to reengage with the world outside her isolation. Panic clawed at her as she frantically tugged at her dress, desperate to cover her legs. Desmond’s features contorted with fury, but Joyce moved first, her brows knitting in disapproval as she advanced decisively. She displaced Catherine with gentle firmness, encircling Rebecca’s waist in a protective embrace. ” Are you alright, dear?” Rebecca inhaled deeply, drawing comfort from the subtle, floral fragrance emanating from Joyce – a scent that evoked an inexplicable sense of security and solace. She shook her head, her voice shaky. ” I’m fine. Thank you ” Joyce patted her back soothingly, then turned to her husband. ” This is Rebecca, the special friend I mentioned before. ” Sean appeared momentarily lost, trying to place the name amid his recollections.
Catherine froze, darting a bewildered glance at Vance, as if asking, ” Why is Mrs, Mueller being so nice to Rebecca? ” Vance was equally puzzled, unaware of any connection between Rebecca and the Muellers. Joyce shot Sean a mildly reproachful look. ” Honestly, have you forgotten our son’s lifesaver? ” Recognition finally flickered across Sean’s face. ” Ah, yes the girl from the dance academy, right? Blame my poor memory. ” Catherine and Vance were even more confused. How did Rebecca become the lifesaver of the Mueller family’s eldest son?The young woman, who had walked in with Joyce, extended her hand to Rebecca with a friendly smile. ” I’m Tracy. It’s nice to meet you, Rebecca. ” Rebecca regarded Tracy for a moment, her mind flashing back to Catherine’s earlier boasts. Her lips curled with quiet amusement. Catherine’s face flushed crimson and eventually turned ashen with embarrassment. Adding insult to injury, Desmond chuckled, ” Tracy, you need to step into the public eye more often. Otherwise, people will think the eldest son of the Mueller family has three heads and six arms.”
“Is it that exaggerated?
