"Hey, can | ask if you're free the day after tomorrow? I've got a dinner thing, and I'd love for you to cwith
me."
Sylvia read the message and instantly typed back, "What kind of dinner thing?"
"My dad's in town. | want to introduce you to him."
Sylvia stared at her phone, feeling a mix of surprise and nerves. Her fingers hovered over the screen, typing and
deleting responses.
Fay's words from before echoed in her mind. Who wouldn't want someone from their own world when it cto
marriage, especially if you had money and status? Even if Lester's father was open-minded, there was no way
he'd accept someone like her.
In the end, she just wrote, "Better not. I've been pretty busy lately."
A few seconds later, Lester's reply popped up.
"Actually, my dad's the one who wants to meet you. My little sister's about to get married, and I've been single
for years-it's a big deal to him."
Sylvia's heart skipped. She'd thought about a lot of things, but not that Lester might actually want to marry her.
And not so soon.
She almost turned him down again, her finger hovering over the "send" button, but then Ms. Ward's advice came
back to her. Did happiness only belong to people from the right background? Was she supposed to stay stuck,
never even trying?
After a moment's thought, she sent just one word:
"Okay."
In the stairwell, Fay's hand shook as she dialed. She was so angry, she could barely keep her voice steady.
"Ms. Winslet, | can't take this anymore. Why should someone like Sylvia get to compete with me? | want her
gone!"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Kay recognized Fay's tone instantly-Sylvia must've really gotten under her skin. All the better.
Speaking in the calm, careful way of an older family friend, Kay replied, "Fay, don't get so upset. Lester's been
like a son to me, and honestly, | always thought you two were perfect for each other. If it weren't for Sylvia's
tricks, how could Lester possibly fall for her?"
Kay's words were meant to soothe, but they only made Fay angrier. She paced the landing, heels clacking so
hard she nearly snapped one.
Then Kay dropped the bombshell: "By the way, did you know Lester's father is here? Can you imagine how
furious he'll be when he finds out his son's gotten involved with someone like Sylvia?"
Fay's eyes lit up. "Mr. Sanford is here? Perfect. I'll tell him the truth about Sylvia, face to face."
"Wait," Kay cut in smoothly. "We're adults. No one likes a tattletale, right? There's a better way."
Fay frowned. "What do you suggest?"
Kay lowered her voice and began to explain her plan. When she finished, Fay grinned wickedly.
"Ms. Winslet, you really know what you're doing."
"| just don't want Lester to be fooled and | hate to see your genuine feelings wasted on
someone like Sylvia Confovel
belongs to s
"Don't worry, Ms. Winslet. | won't forget your kindness."
Two days later.
Reese walked into the spacious private dining room with her arm linked through Rupert's.
It was the big pre-wedding family dinner, the first tRupert and Scott Sanford would meet officially.
The Garcia family had arrived early
to make sure everything was
perfect steaks sizzling, salad bowls averflowing, apple pies cooling on the sideboard. s
Before long, Scott entered with the rest of the Sanford relatives.
Tristan crossed the room to greet them.
"Scott, thanks for coming. We're so happy to welcReese into your family."
Scott smiled warmly. "You're too kind. Please take care of her for me."
Tristan beamed. "Reese is a wonderful girl-Rupert's the lucky one."
Scott nodded, pleased.
When Reese spotted her father, she
couldn't hide her Tq eyen se
HTRIRe red g Rupert with
her. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
"Dad, I've missed you!" She threw her arms around him.
Scott hugged her tightly, patting her
back. "You're aboytjogst aniel
apdyodve ti fy little girl." The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
Then he looked Rupert up and down,
obvious approval in his eyes. faim,
his daughtey NES b Prindess, and no
marl Would ever be good enough-but,
if he was honest, Rupert was a catch.
s
Rupert extended a hand. “Mr. Sanford."
Scott chuckled, "Still calling'Mister'?"
Rupert replied coolly, "We're not married yet got to keep things proper."
Scott was taken aback for a second, his usual authority suddenly meeting its match. He forgot to reply.
Reese, sensing the tension, broke in and glanced around. "Dad, where's my brother?"
"You mean you don't know?" Scott replied, raising an eyebrow.