Chapter 146:
Harleeâs quick action in delivering a slap was still vivid in her mind.
Valentina took delight in watching her husband belittle Harlee, feeling it was only fitting for Harlee to be scorned. She believed Harlee deserved to be ridiculed by everyone.
Evita spoke up.
âUltimately, Harlee has connections to both the Sanderson and Juarez families.
Elvin, heed Lilianaâs words, despite Harleeâs rudeness. Youâre the elder here. You ought to exercise some tolerance with Harlee.â
Evitaâs real aim was to provoke conflict. It was well-known that Elvin had been pampered from youth and was unfamiliar with the concept of âtolerance.â
Predictably, Elvinâs face darkened with fury.
Harleeâs eyebrows knitted together, her cold glare filled with contempt.
âIs that all?â She scanned the room before continuing, âYou seem to think very highly of yourselves, clinging to the Sanderson name while acting all high and mighty. Who allowed you such liberties?â
âHarlee, how can you speak to your grandmother in such a manner? Apologize to her!â Valentina interjected, playing the role of the peacemaker.
Elvinâs face turned stormy, his eyes simmering with suppressed wrath.
At that moment, Evita finally took a good look at Harlee, who stood defiantly before her. So, this was the unruly child the Sandersons had recently found.
Harlee completely lacked etiquette. With a scoff, Evita coldly muttered, âI wouldnât expect an apology from her. Iâm afraid sheâd only revert to causing problems soon after.â
Kaneâs anger burned within him.
As a butler, he knew his place and understood he wasnât allowed to speak.
But seeing Harlee being treated this way, he just couldnât hold back.
He turned away and discreetly relayed the details to Kareem.
A single belittling from Harlee wasnât enough.
Evitaâs eyes, dark and piercing, bore into Harlee.
âBringing back a child who wasnât raised among us was never a wise decision. Who can say what sort of environments sheâs been exposed to? If she acts out, thatâs one concern, but if she brings shame upon the Juarez name, we all suffer the consequences.â
Elvinâs anger boiled over. The idea of Harlee compromising the Juarez familyâs good name was unbearable.
âMom, secure her and teach her proper behavior. We cannot let this wild woman tarnish our familyâs reputation.â
Harleeâs gaze sharply swept over everyone present. She was on the verge of mocking laughter.
âIâve been far too lenient with you.â Her words broke the silence sharply, causing the Juarez family membersâ faces to twist in shock.
Evita, especially, shook with rage.
âYour lack of manners is infuriating! Are you completely ignorant of etiquette?â Evita slammed her cane down with a thud.
Just as Evita was about to discipline Harlee, Kareem made his entrance.
âThe Sanderson family wonât tolerate criticism from those who arenât part of our family.â
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