Chapter 4 Shattering the Image

Adeline just stood there, cool as a cucumber, like she owned the place.

Henry shot her a look, trying to keep his cool, and handed her the card. "Adeline, take the cash, say thanks, and bounce."

He wouldn't make any drama happen today.

Adeline's lips twitched into a smirk.

Fifty grand to bail her out?

Fifty grand? Seriously? And wanted she to say thanks? That's a joke!

The Martinez Family was really trying to make her look like some broke freeloader.

Everyone thought Adeline would just take the card and leave, but  she tossed it back like it was nothing!

The room went dead silent.

Angela lost it and yelled, "What the hell are you doing? We're trying to help you, and you try to take advantage?"

"Help me?" Adeline leaned in, grinning. "Ms. Jones, I don't need your help. But I can understand you, after all, it's tough climbing up as a side chick."

"Adeline! You..." Angela was fuming, almost spilling the beans!

Henry's fists were clenched tight. If it weren't for the crowd, he might've lost it.

Angela wasn't Henry's first wife; she snagged him when he was in Eldoria for business, and they hooked up.

Henry ditched his first wife for Angela because of the Jones family's clout in Eldoria, but they kept it hush-hush.

Adeline's words just blew up the perfect little image Henry and Angela had crafted!

Why hadn't they realized Adeline was such a handful before?

Everyone looked super awkward.

Sara frowned, clearly out of the loop.

Stella, who knew the score, figured it was time to shut Adeline up.

She chimed in sweetly, "Dad, Mom, let's head in for dinner."

Stella's words snapped Henry and Angela out of it.

Henry glared at Adeline. "You grew up in the sticks and didn't get a proper education. We won't hold it against you."

He turned to Angela. "Be careful when you try to help people, or your good intentions might backfire."

Angela kept glaring at Adeline, barely hiding her spite.

Adeline just stared back, her eyes unreadable.

Angela was about to blow a gasket.

"Mom, chill. It's not worth it over an outsider." Stella grabbed Angela's arm. "Ms. Cooper is smart and won't get the wrong idea because of some rumors."

Stella's words reminded Angela to keep her cool and gave her an out to save face.

Sure enough, Angela quickly pulled herself together and sighed. "I really messed up this time."

Stella comforted her, "Mom, you did nothing wrong. People these days have big egos. Handing out money can make them feel insulted."

Adeline thought, 'Was she calling me poor and difficult? Nice try, Stella.'