Chapter 23
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Yolanda went upstairs and hopped online to dig up info. Using some old contacts, she found a perfect role for Ian. Coincidentally, it was in a TV show directed by Charles’s aunt, Simone Sinclair.
Simone was a big–time director. The entertainment companies under the Sinclair Group were actually all her doing. Charles had zem interest in that side of the business
And Simone was crazy talented. She cranked out one hit project a year, and she was famous all over the country by now.
Her TV show this year was in pre–production, and they were casting the male lead. If Ian nabbed that part, it could really boost his profile.
Yolanda stared at the name “Simone.” She’d never talked to this aunt–in–law. Simone’s almost always overseas shooting, hardly ever home
I have to get lan this role, Yolanda thought. She stretched, and only then did she realize she’d been glued to the documents for over four hours.
When she stood up to move, she noticed a maid lingering by the door.
“Mrs. Sinclair, the Sinclair manor called. They want you over for dinner tonight–it’s Ms. Simone Sinclair’s birthday,” the maid said.
Yolanda quickly grabbed clothes to change. “Has Charles come back yet?”
The maid looked away. “He said you should head over first. Meet him at the Sinclair manor.”
Yolanda got it. Sophie had made a total fool of herself that afternoon. Chances were, Charles was busy coddling her right now.
A bitter laugh flashed in Yolanda’s eyes. She finished getting dressed and grabbed the emerald necklace Charles had given her for their first anniversary. It was worth over three million dollars, and she’d use it as a birthday gift.
The rich wives in their crowd were obsessed with emerald. That hint of green screamed luxury–whoever got a nice piece would flaunt it everywhere.
When Yolanda first got the necklace, she was so moved that she’d cried. She thought Charles had finally come around and cared about her.
Looking back now, it was laughable. Charles had money to burn–he’d just tossed her that extra trinket to keep her docile at home. She figured she deserved being stuck in this mess.
Yolanda took a deep breath and stashed the emerald necklace away.
The maid noticed and couldn’t help but say, “That necklace was from Mr. Sinclair for your last anniversary, wasn’t it? With your second one coming up…”
Yolanda headed down the stairs, her voice steady. “Doubt he even remembers what he gave.”
The maid went quiet. It was true that Charles couldn’t care less about his wife.
Yolanda didn’t bother calling Charles. She hopped in her car and drove straight to the Sinclair manor.
Stepping into the hall, she spotted Wyatt right away, sitting right in the middle of the sofa. Simone was off to the side, chatting with
someone.
Tonight was Simone’s birthday. Just days ago, she’d snagged a Best Director award. But instead of partying with people from the industry, she’d opted for a family dinner.
Everyone knew Simone was proud. Born into money and status, she brushed off all the sleaze in the film industry. Only the absolute best got to call her a friend.
Simone was thirty–fived. She didn’t dress like the typical wealthy young lady. Instead, she wore a crisp work outfit that made her look sharp and professional, with shoulder–length hair.
She glanced at Yolanda, a flicker of confusion crossing her eyes. Then she smiled, “This is Yolanda, right?”
Wyatt nodded, leaning on his cane, and said to Yolanda, “Flora’s waiting upstairs. Her back’s acting up again, and only your massages help.
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2:14 AM
Chapter 23
Yolanda pressed her lips together, then spoke politely to Simone. “Happy birthday, and here’s the gift.
“I was gonna keep it, but I just don’t pull it off right. It’ll look better on you. You two talk–I’ll go check on Flora upstairs.”
With that, Yolanda leaned forward and placed the emerald necklace’s gift box on the coffee table.
Simone watched the composed Yolanda, a little smile of approval flickering in her eyes.
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She turned to Wyatt. “Dad, Yolanda’s a good kid. She’s been sweet to all of us these past two years. Heard she even made a face mask for Rence. Tell Charles to treat her right.”
Charles was the Sinclair heir–top of the heap. But no matter how he looked down on a woman’s affection, he shouldn’t trample on it.
Wyatt chuckled, “Kids work things out on their own. Why stress? Charles is killing it with the business. Naturally, he’d never waste time on women. He’ll settle down when he’s ready.”
Simone frowned. Grown up in this circle, she knew the old–timer’s deep–down bias toward men–it was like some ancient habit.
As a director in the entertainment industry, she knew closing that gender gap took a hundred times the work. But she wasn’t gonna argue with her dad over Yolanda.
Yolanda headed upstairs. Through the curtains, she caught a whiff of herbal medicine.
Flora had been in poor health for years, and she’d seen countless traditional doctors over the years.
Hearing the footsteps at the door, she called out, “Yolanda? That you?”
A maid hurried over and pulled back the curtain.
Yolanda walked in and sat gently on the edge of the bed, keeping her posture respectful.
“Heard your back’s bothering you again, and came to massage it for you,” she smiled. “It’s Aunt Simone’s birthday today–you’ll be going down for dinner soon. So, let me work on your legs.”
No one in the Sinclair family really liked Yolanda. The night she first married into the family, she came to meet Flora, and her words back then were brutally harsh.
She had said, “Landing a spot in the Sinclairs is your lucky break. How Charles treats you is his call. The Grants taught you proper manners, I hope–so I won’t waste breath.
“Respect your elders, your husband, the kids. Slip up, and Charles can kick you out anytime.”
Back then, Yolanda’d nodded nervously. “Don’t worry. I’ll make things work with Charles. We’ll have a steady life.”
Thinking back now, it felt like a lifetime ago–heavy with sadness. If she hadn’t learned the truth, she’d still be trapped between the Grants and Sinclairs, no way out.
Yolanda took a slow breath and started softly massaging Flora’s legs.
“Has Charles talked to you about having kids yet?” Flora suddenly asked, lying back on the bed with her eyes closed.
The room smelled of sandalwood fragrance. Emerald beads circled her wrists, a ring on her finger–she looked both regal and unyielding.
“He said we’ll wait in a few years,” Yolanda replied. The Sinclair family loomed over her like a shadow. Until she could get away, she had to play by their rules.
“Tsk.
