Chapter 20
Mia’s face froze, that sweet innocent look cracking in an instant. She stared at Katherine in disbelief. “What did you just say? You mean I can’t afford it?”
She let out a stiff laugh and retorted, “Sis, you gotta be kidding me.”
Mia and Katherine were about the same age, but when they were kids, Mia never liked admitting that Katherine was her sister
Miranda had even told Richard that it was just a sign that the two girls got along well.
Most of the time, Mia only ever called Katherine “Sis” when she felt guilty or needed a favor, and even then, she said it like she’d just bitten into something sour
Right now, Katherine couldn’t be less interested in hearing that word come out of Mia’s mouth.
I ain’t kidding. I’m dead serious,” Katherine said, shifting to lounge on her side while sparing a glance at Mia’s awkward face.
Katherine was in the best mood. She smiled, “Of course, you could just not pay me. I’ll have Dad dock it from your allowance,”
Katherine thought, Wow. How did I not realize before that I could totally mess with Mia whenever I want? And thinking back. I used to go out of my way to please her, worrying she’d get mad. That’s ridiculous.
“Kate, why are you even mad at me?” Mia asked, taking a couple of steps forward, wearing her most pitiful face.
But in her mind, she thought, I have to figure it out today. If I drag this out, once Katherine’s belly starts to show, nothing can be hidden
then.‘
Katherine said in a light tone. “Oh, nothing. Just finally saw through your true colors.”
Every word hit Mia like a lightning strike. She touched her chest without thinking and retorted, “My true colors? What’s that supposed to mean? What exactly did y
you see?”
Katherine frowned, and Mia instantly realized she’d slipped. She softened her tone. “Kate, just tell me what’s wrong. We’re family, aren’t
She hinted, “Don’t let outsiders mess things up between us.”
While speaking, Mia stepped onto the carpet. Drops of water from her hair fell onto the fine wool carpet.
“Oops. You messed it up. Pay up, Katherine cut her off. ‘100 grand. Cash or wire transfer?”
Mia looked down at the soft carpet under her feet and frowned. She though Tm trying to talk from the heart, and she’s just calculating how to take my money.
Mia’s face grew cloudy. She went for her usual move and spoke up, “Kate, you’re really gonna nickel–and–dime me like this? All these years, my mom worked her butt off to take care of you, gave you money, and…”
“Hold it” Katherine clicked her tongue, cutting Mia off. “First off, the money wasn’t from your mom. It was from my dad. Second, she was my stepmom. I was underage buck then. Taking care of me was her job, wasn’t it?”
Katherine forced a mocking smile as she stared at Mia. “Or are you saying all that care and concern you guys gave me back then was just to guilt–trip me now?”
Mia’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. She thought bitterly. This is not the Katherine who used to agree with everything we said. Look at her, sharp–tongued as hell… Has she been faking it in front of us all along?”
Mia showed a bitter laugh. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
Right now, she couldn’t think of anything else. All she could do was try to calm Katherine down for the moment
Katherine tilted her head, flashing Mia a bright smile. “You didn’t mean that? Then don’t say that stuff again. I hate to hear those words.”
Mia told herself, Breathe. Just breathe, Remember why you came here!
Katherine was already waiting for Mia to blow up. Honestly, she was kinda hoping Mia would come over and take a swing at her. Then, she’d have an excuse to call security, have Mia roughed up, and toss her out.
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Chapter 20
Too bad Mia wasn’t that dumb. She knew better than to completely burn bridges with Katherine.
Mia’s face kept switching between pale and flushed until she finally forced out a stiff smile. “Yeah, let’s just talk about something else.” Right then, Maeve came back with some clothes and led Mia to a room on the fir
first floor. “Ms. Grant, this way please.”
Mia stared at the room door and frowned. “Wait, you’re telling me to change in the maid’s room?”
She turned to look at Katherine, but Katherine just picked up the fresh–squeezed Of, turned her back to Mia, and acted like shed heard nothing-
Katherine thought, Just a room to change. You should be grateful for having a space to do that. What are you even whining about?” Sering Katherine stay quiet, Maeve felt a little thrill. She marveled. Finally, Madam sees her sister for who she really is
Maeve didn’t hesitate but retorted, “Ms. Grant, if you don’t like the room, feel free to change in the living room. The second floor is private. Without Mr. Graham’s permission, nobody but Mrs. Graham is allowed up there.
Mia didn’t dare blow up at Katherine, but no way was she letting a mere housekeeper talk down to her. She shot back, “Didn’t you just go upstairs? You think I’m that easy to fool?”
Maeve’s tone stayed even. “I surely got Mr. Graham’s permission. If you insist, I can call him for you right now.”
She lifted her chin, showing a hint of challenge and scorn in her eyes. “Ms. Grant, do you need me to make a call now?”
The second Mia heard Meave mention Derrick, she went quiet. She knew Derrick didn’t play by the rules. His methods were ruthless, and he didn’t blink when coming after someone.
Right now, Mia and Miranda’s personal accounts were still frozen. Thinking about that, Mia wouldn’t dare actually bother him with a call
Mia shot Maeve a nasty glare and threatened. “Just you wait.”
By the time Katherine finished her juice, Mia finally came out of the room. She tugged at the dress and complained, “What is this? It’s so tight”
The dress itself was nice–a dark red velvet gown that really showed off one’s figure. The problem was that it was one of Katherine’s old dresses.
Mia had a good–looking face, but she was curvier, and on her, the dress just looked a bit off.
Katherine even wondered, “How the hell did she even get into it?
Maeve came out of the kitchen with a little cake, and what she saw was a long red lump wriggling in the living room. She couldn’t help but laugh.
Mia glared at Marve, barking the order like she owned the place, “What are you laughing at? What the hell is this dress you gave me? Go get me another one.”
Maeve ignored Mia and set the cake down in front of Katherine. “Ma’am, should I bring her another outfit?”
“Nope. Katherine scooped up a bit of frosting and popped it in her mouth, closing her eyes in bliss at the creamy texture. “Mia and I don’t have the same build. No matter how many outfits she tries, it’ll all look like this.”
Mia’s face went dark upon hearing that. In the end, she could only sit down beside Katherine, the dress squeezing her like a boa
Kath
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