Chapter23
The second Keith saw her, the tension in his face vanished. A warm smile tugged at his lips, and he didn’t spare Linda so much as a glance.
“Let’s go home.”
Dora’s eyes flickered, and a soft smile spread across her face. “Okay. Let’s go.”
As she watched the two siblings walk off together, Linda’s eyes flared with jealousy. They looked so carefree and happy, laughing side by side- and that happiness? That used to be hers.
Her jaw tightened. She clenched her fists so hard that her freshly manicured nails dug into her palms, but she didn’t even notice the pain.
Her breathing grew shallow, uneven. It wasn’t until their silhouettes finally disappeared from view that she spun on her heel and climbed into the luxury car she had once dreamed about for years.
Yes–everything she’d ever wanted was hers now. Luxury cars, a mansion, gold and diamonds, gourmet meals, and a life of glamour. She had won.
“Who needs a brother? Who cares about the Acosta family? Just a bunch of penniless nobodies. I am the true heiress of the Hendrix family,‘ she thought.
When she arrived at the Hendrix family’s sprawling three–story mansion, the bitterness in her chest began to fade. A smug smile curved her lips as she stepped inside.
“Why are you just standing there? Go make some coffee!” she snapped at Betty, full of self–importance.
Betty gave a small bow: “Yes.”
Ever since Linda had moved in, the servants had been on high alert- especially when Audra and Jerrold weren’t around. One wrong move and they’d be on the receiving end of a tirade.
As Betty prepared the coffee, she sighed quietly to herself.
Dora had been demanding too–if the coffee wasn’t just right, she’d ask for a new pot; if the meal wasn’t to her taste, she’d have the chef redo it. But she’d never raised her voice or hurled insults. At least she treated them. like people.
Linda, though? She threw cups, shattered plates–treated them more like slaves than staff.
“Is it ready yet?” Linda’s voice rang out, sharp and furious.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Betty hurried over with the coffee.
Linda took a sip–then suddenly hurled the cup at Betty’s feet.
“What is this garbage? It’s disgusting!”
Betty instinctively stepped back, but not fast enough. The scalding coffee. splashed onto her hand, reddening the skin.
She kept her head down, gently rubbing the burn, then crouched down to pick up the broken pieces. “I’ll make a new pot right away.”
From a distance, the butler had seen everything.
He adjusted his glasses and walked over with his usual calm, composed demeanor. “Ms. Hendrix, it’s time for your etiquette lesson.”
Linda shot him a glare. “Etiquette lesson? I’m not going.”
Unbothered, the butler replied coolly, “The recognition party is scheduled
for this weekend. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix asked me to remind you that
you’re expected to attend every lesson and make sure nothing goes wrong on the big day.”
“And who do you think you are, talking to me like that?” she snapped, standing up in a fury. “You’re just a paid servant–don’t think you can boss me around!”
She hated etiquette class. The instructor was cold and rigid, always holding a ruler, ready to strike at even the smallest mistake–completely ignoring her identity as the Hendrix family’s young lady.
The only reason that teacher dared act like that was because Jerrold and Audra were backing her.
But the butler remained calm. He gave her a slight nod and said mildly, “The young masters will be attending the party.”
Linda froze.
She’d heard the Hendrix family’s two sons had sharp tempers and weren’t casy to deal with. Still, it would be her first time meeting her biological brothers–and she had to make a good impression.
If she could win them over, she’d become the undisputed favorite of the Hendrix family. ‘Once that happens, who will dare look down on me?‘ she thought.
With that thought in mind, she swallowed her anger and reluctantly headed off to etiquette class.
*****
In sharp contrast to the cold, stifling air at the Hendrix family, the little Acosta family home radiated warmth and comfort.
The whole family was gathered around the table, squeezed in tight but
J
cheerful as they shared dinner. Laughter and chatter filled the room as they passed dishes back and forth. Even the two chicken drumsticks were passed around multiple times as everyone insisted someone else take them.
“Drumsticks for the kids, wing tips for the grown–ups, and the middle goes to those in between,” Chris said with a smile as she placed a mid- wing into Keith’s bowl. The two drumsticks went to Dora and little. Dewey–one each.
“Thanks, Mom.”
Keith seemed to be in a lighter mood than usual. Maybe seeing Linda again had helped him finally let go of the past.
