Caleb was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had met people from all walks of life.
Hence, he immediately realized that the middle-aged lady was no pushover.
She seems especially hostile to Lynnie.
His initial friendly expression slipped as he asked icily, âLynnie, do you know this lady?â
Did he just call Ashlyn âLynnie?â Are they that close to each other?
Mary froze, and her breath caught in her throat.
Behind her, Penelope felt as though someone had punched her heart forcefully a few times. Her heart ached so much that she could barely breathe.
After all, she had just been humiliated in public.
Ashlynâs gaze swept over them before landing on Jenny and Hera, who were standing a distance away.
A mocking glint flashed across her eyes. âOf course I know them.â
Massaging her brows, she replied impatiently, âThey are my stepmother and stepsister. We used to stay under the same roof.â
Everyone could not help but frown after hearing her explanation.
Oh, I see. The crowd who was watching the debacle was inwardly surprised.
Stepmothers were known for being evil, and Maryâs reaction proved that she was not on good terms with Ashlyn.
Calebâs gaze darkened as he observed Mary and Penelope, who were all dressed up.
His gaze turned icy. There was even a tinge of anger in his countenance.
He knew that Ashlynâs family did not treat her well, but he had no idea her stepmother was this horrendous.
Lynnie got bullied because no one would back her up. This is too much! Penelope is not even as pretty and elegant as Lynnie! Ha! I canât believe they had the guts to demand to know if Iâm Lynnieâs mentor.
How could they ask that question in public? Are they fools?
His expression was wintry as he asked, âMaâam, what do you want?â
The impatience in his voice was so evident that everyone instantly realized he found Mary annoying.
He was not about to spare her dignity.
âI-I just want to know how you got to know Ashlyn. She never even went overseas before, and sheâs just an ordinary person,â Mary stammered.
She could not wait to hear Caleb talk about his relationship with Ashlyn.
Her curiosity got the better of her. Calebâs frosty expression scared the wits out of her, but she refused to give up.
Her gaze then landed on Ashlyn. âHow could you be Mr. Powellâs student? Stop spouting nonsense!â
Everyone bristled at how impudent Mary was.
James, especially, was already scowling in displeasure. âMs. Canter, please watch your mouth. Youâre in your fifties, right? How could you say that? Donât you think youâve gone overboard?â he chided.
Hearing the underlying meaning in his words, Mary could not stop her cheeks from turning scarlet.
Ashlyn was used to Mary and Penelopeâs brazen attitude.
They were greedy and materialistic hypocrites who looked like uncultured nouveau riche.
âHeâs my mentor, so thereâs no way heâll be someone elseâs mentor in this lifetime,â came Ashlynâs calm answer.
Her lips curled up into a smirk, and the corner of her eyes raised in an arrogant manner.
She looked extremely haughty.
Upon hearing that, Caleb could not hide his delight. âLynnie, are you finally admitting that Iâm your mentor?â he asked earnestly.
He had been chasing after Ashlyn for some time, so hearing her affirmation made his heart leap up with joy. He could hardly contain his happiness.
Mary had never seen anyone as arrogant as Ashlyn. âHow could you talk to me that way?â she instinctively retorted. âIs that how you treat an elder?â