Shirley, however, didnât seem to understand her motherâs intentions.
She was almost furious, saying, âI donât care! Mom, sheâs so mean, she doesnât respect me at all, and sheâs too close to Andrew.
I have to teach her a lesson today!â
With those words, Shirley started gathering her power again.
Again?
I quickly prepared to defend myself if necessary.
Andrew stepped in front of me just in time.
Ignoring everything, Shirley was about to attack me when suddenly, Veronica scolded her sternly.
âThatâs enough, Shirley! Havenât you embarrassed yourself enough?â
Her serious tone filled the hall.
Veronica looked at Shirley with a mix of disappointment and anger.
âYouâve turned this banquet into a joke.
Have you forgotten what youâre supposed to do tonight? With such recklessness, do you plan to ruin everything?â
Shirley stopped moving instantly, and her magic disappeared.
Suddenly, Shirleyâs expression changed, becoming somewhat shy.
Her lips tightened slightly, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks.
She glanced at Andrew.
But when she looked at me, her arrogance returned.
âDebra, you should consider yourself lucky!â Shirley said with a hint of arrogance.
âToday, Iâll be generous and let you off.
But soon, you wonât have any chance to get close to Andrew again.
â
Debraâs POV:
I was confused.
What did Shirley mean by I wouldnât have any chance to get close to Andrew again?
I turned and cast a questioning gaze on Andrew.
That was when I saw that he had a grim look.
His usual polite smile was gone from his face.
He looked lost in thought.
This confused me even more.
Something must have happened to elicit Shirleyâs comment and Andrewâs downcast demeanor.
Unsure of what was going on, I asked softly, âWhatâs wrong, Mr.
Pierce? You look upset.
Did something happen?â
My voice seemed to snap Andrew out of his internal reverie.
His polite smile returned, and he said, âIâm fine, Debra.
Thereâs nothing to worry about.
â
I pursed my lips doubtfully.