Chapter 265: Chapter 1211-1220

“I can’t believe it! Is Mr. Manson and Julian Gilmore…”

Queenie was baffled as well. One was the heir of the Manson Group, while the other was a young, award-winning actor, yet the two had never been in any rumors with any women. If these two handsome men got together, it had to be true love, no doubt!

She made up an entire novel’s worth of stories in her head as she fantasized about the possible romance between the two men before a thought suddenly came to her. Considering my relationship with Nigel, I’m sure I can get Julian’s signature!

Queenie couldn’t wait to get off work.

At long last, she survived until her shift was over. She had gotten Nigel’s personal number this morning, so she waited until all her colleagues were gone before calling him up while massaging her calves.

“Hello?” Nigel’s crisp, cool voice rang out.

“It’s me, Queenie. Are you getting off work now, Mr. Manson?” She introduced herself first, as he seemed reluctant when she asked for his number this morning, so she figured he wouldn’t have saved her number.

“I’m giving you five minutes to get to the fountain,” he said before hanging up.

Queenie grabbed her things and ran out. She left the building through one of the side exits and headed to the fountain area. The evening glow made the fountain gleam like diamonds scattered all across. It sparkled in the light, and the mermaid statue in the center looked as if it had a golden veil draping over it.

There was a black SUV stopped on the road beside the fountain. Queenie jogged over and opened the door to the front passenger seat.

Nigel was seemingly deep in thought as he rested his arm on the car door.

Queenie recalled her promise to her mother that she would be going home today, but she loathed the thought of going back!

“Where are we going, Mr. Manson?” she asked with a smile.

“Have dinner with me.”

She nodded. “Sure! You’re buying me dinner now, but I’ll pay you back in the future.”

Nigel glanced at her. “Are you sure you’ll pay me back?”

“Hm? Of course. I made a record of every single meal you bought for me. I’m not going to take advantage of you!” Queenie was someone who knew how to be grateful. She always remembered the kindness of others.

Nigel started the car and drove off. Queenie’s calves were still sore, so she bent down and started massaging them again. Then, she started kneading her shoulders as well. It was clear that she was tired from the day’s work.

Nigel glanced at her once more. It was already pretty commendable for a pampered young lady like her to stand in the lobby all day.

“Have you worked as an assistant before?”

“I’ve worked as my father’s assistant during summer vacation.”

“In that case, from tomorrow onward, you’ll be my personal assistant.” He gave her a promotion; she had jumped from working at the front desk to becoming his personal assistant.

Queenie was stunned by the news at first, but she quickly recovered and exclaimed with glee, “Really?

I’m going to be your assistant?!”

“You’ll be on probation for one month. I’ll fire you if I’m not satisfied with your work,” Nigel added coolly.

He didn’t want to let this get to her head.

“Sure, I’ll do my best.” She wasn’t about to waste this opportunity. Furthermore, being his assistant meant that she would get to see Julian every so often, which was an additional bonus!

“Mr. Manson, could you do me a favor? I’d like to have a signed photo of Julian Gilmore. I’ll give you the photo, so can you get him to sign it for me?” she asked expectantly.

Nigel side-eyed her and shot back, “Why should I help you?”

“Well… Since we’re acquainted now, couldn’t you just do me this one favor? You and Mr. Gilmore have a close relationship, so… so I’m sure you can help me, right?” Queenie clapped her hands together and pleaded. She was willing to act a little shamelessly for the sake of owning a signed photo of Julian.

Julian was one of the most famous celebrities in the entertainment industry. Numerous young women from wealthy families had fallen head over heels for him, and Queenie couldn’t escape from it either, though she merely admired his talent and was drawn in by his incredible acting.

“Not doing it,” Nigel declined icily.

Queenie pouted at him for a moment before a mischievous glint flickered across her eyes. “Mr.

Manson, aren’t you worried I’ll expose your relationship with Mr. Gilmore if you don’t do as I wish?”

Oh, now she’s threatening me? Just what sort of drama has she been watching? With her here, there’s never a day that goes by without anything happening. Just what does she think is going on with Julian and me? “What are you gonna expose to the public?” Nigel wondered what was going on in her head.

Queenie smiled. “I’ve finally cracked the code. Mr. Gilmore has never dated any actresses he’s worked with before, and I finally know why.” She stared at Nigel. “Because he likes you!”

Nigel almost crashed into the car in front of them, but fortunately, he had a quick reflex and slammed down on the brake right away. Though, it still gave Queenie a scare.

Why is he overreacting? Did I hit the bull’s eye? Is that why he’s panicking? “Careful, Mr. Manson. I’ll keep that a secret. Nobody’s gonna know.” She regretted bringing that topic up when he was driving.

She almost caused a car crash because of that.

Right then, Nigel pulled over to the side of the road, which was empty of cars.

As Queenie was wondering why the man had parked the car in this spot, she heard an icy voice coming from the driver seat. “What did you just say?”

She turned to him and noticed the fury in his eyes. If looks could kill, she figured she would be dead by now.

Her skin started crawling. Was it something I said? He doesn’t want anyone to find out, does he?

“Sorry, Mr. Manson. I didn’t say anything. I don’t know anything. That was just a joke, and I have seen nothing.” She decided to take back what she said. So, he doesn’t like anyone talking about his preference.

“Did you just say I’m in love with Julian?” Nigel was getting dangerously close to her.

Queenie took a deep breath and answered calmly, “Calm down, Mr. Manson. I’m an ally here. I’m not going to judge you because of your preference. In fact, I’ll be supportive of your relationship with Julian.

Love is love, so who cares what the public thinks?” She thought that would calm him down, but it did the contrary.

Nigel pressed his lips into a thin line, veins popping around his neck. He was refraining from yelling at her. How did she even get to that kind of conclusion?

For some reason, Queenie thought the air was getting thinner as he inched closer. His pearly white skin tone made his cold, handsome features appear all the more menacing as she started to suspect he was a vampire.

Was that not enough to calm him down? She was panicking, and her palms were sweating. I knew I shouldn’t have spouted his secrets just like that. It brings nothing but trouble. “I promise I won’t tell anyone about it. I’ll even come up with an agreement. If I tell anyone—” She didn’t get to finish that sentence.

Nigel finally snapped. He held her cheeks with both of his hands, which resulted in her lips puckering up, looking like a heart-shaped jelly. He closed his eyes as if he were making up his mind before he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. Her lips were sweet and soft, not as detestable as he thought. He even shivered upon making contact with her lips as if a current of electricity had been running across his body, and by instinct, he pried her lips open and went in for a French kiss.

Queenie quivered as well as if she were shocked by electricity. Instinctively, she shoved him away and shifted herself close to the window by her side, covering her mouth with her hand.

“W-W-What was that?” she stammered. I-I thought he likes Julian? Why did he kiss me? Is he a bi? Oh my god.

Nigel lowered his head slightly as he brushed his finger across his lips. For the first time, he realized kissing wasn’t as bland as he thought it to be. In fact, he wanted more of it from Queenie.

If she hadn’t pushed him away, Nigel felt he could have kissed her forever. He stared at the woman sticking close to the door in disbelief, his gaze burning with the passion that was usually not there.

Queenie blushed and averted her gaze the instant she met his eyes, then fiddled with her fingers awkwardly.

He poked the insides of his cheeks with his tongue and explained, “Listen closely. Julian’s my best friend. Say he’s my boyfriend again, and I’ll kiss you. I don’t mind doing that.”

She blinked her eyes in shock. “A-Are you sure he’s not your boyfriend?”

Seeing the doubtful expression on her face, he couldn’t stop himself from roaring, “I’m straight, you hear that?!”

Queenie felt her ears buzz and almost leaped up at his sudden roar.

I should speak up for Julian, or she might think he’s not straight. Nigel snorted. “Julian is straight too. If you try to match us up again…” He curled his fingers up and threatened to knock on her head.

She quickly held her head and responded, “Fine, fine. I got it already, Mr. Manson.”

He was still a little miffed, so he flicked her arms, earning a gasp from her. “That hurts.”

“That’s the point.” His lips curled into a smirk.

Queenie shot him a glare. “You could have just said so. That kiss was unnecessary.”

Nigel started up the car and snorted again. “You think I wanted to kiss you? I just wanted to prove my point and stop you from coming up with stupid theories again.”

She wanted to get mad at him, but she couldn’t. After all, she was the one poking around with his business, so she could only accept the consequences followed by her action.

In the meantime, a couple was getting out of a car. The guy was trying to cheer the girl up as he opened the door for her and pulled her out of the seat. The girl pursed her lips and got out reluctantly.

“I’m sorry, Bonnie. I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have let my mind run wild,” Leslie apologized.

“If you think I’m cheating on you, we can break up. I have a line of men who would kill to be my boyfriend,” Bonnie snapped.

He quickly held her hand. “I’m sorry, but you wouldn’t take my calls, and I was worried. Look, I have reserved a spot at your favorite restaurant. Let’s go inside. Don’t be mad already, alright?”

She finally cheered up. The food here cost a ton, but she wasn’t worried. After all, she wasn’t paying for her meals; Leslie was.

Not long after they went into the restaurant, Nigel showed up and parked his car. Queenie got out of the car, and Nigel stood beside her. She looked rather petite under the light.

She was wearing a long green dress and had not put on any makeup, but that only served to make her look even more refreshing, unlike most women. “This place isn’t cheap,” she muttered under her breath. She had come here once, and it cost about 14 hundred dollars just to have a meal.

Nigel cocked his eyebrow. “Are you saying we should leave?”

“No, we should go in,” she quickly answered and shook her head like a kid. He’s paying. Might as well take advantage of it. It’s not like one little meal can bankrupt him.

He was about to pat her head, but then he thought it was inappropriate, so he balled his fist and pulled his hand back.

They went up to the top floor. The place looked like a portrait with the sunset as its backdrop.

“We’ll take the table by the window,” Queenie told the waitress and went to the last window seat.

The waitress apologized, “Sorry, miss, but this spot is reserved. They’re in the bathroom right now.”

Well, this is awkward. Queenie took the spot beside the window seat. She couldn’t have a full view of the scenery, but at least the vista was still okay.

“I think we should get ourselves a room,” Nigel suggested. He didn’t like having his meals in the common area.

“But I like the common area.” Queenie loved lively places, and she didn’t want to stay in a room alone with him.

Guess there’s nothing I can do about that. Nigel then pulled back the chair opposite her and sat down.

She skimmed through the menu. Wow, the food costs a lot. She ordered a few of her favorites and handed the menu back to the waitress. On the other hand, Nigel had ordered a lot of food.

The food here was great, but the portions were minuscule. But since he has ordered a ton, I can now eat all I want.

After that, the waiter poured two glasses of wine for them. Queenie held up the glass and took a sip as she enjoyed the sunset view.

The beauty mark under her eyes stood out like a little glowing obsidian. Nigel was sipping on his wine as well, but instead of the sunset, he was enjoying the view of the lady before him. He couldn’t believe the kiss just now almost made him lose control of himself. The feeling was so overwhelming that he even had a strong physical reaction.

That never happened before. Even when he had a crush on Anastasia, he felt more respect than affection for her, so he had never touched her before. However, when Queenie said he wasn’t straight, he just felt the need to prove that he was indeed into women, and the kiss was the best way to go.

Queenie noticed someone coming out of the restroom, and she looked at them, but all it did was stoke her hatred. What a coincidence. It just has to be them that we run into out of all the people out there.

Bonnie was holding Leslie’s hand, coming back to their spot with her head held high like a proud peacock. Just as she was about to flip her hair with her other hand, her movement froze when her eyes met Queenie’s gaze. Her eyes went wide. It was surprising to see Queenie and Nigel here, and even more surprisingly, their seat was right next to hers.

Bonnie quickly pulled back her hand, which was held by Leslie, as if doing so could prevent a misunderstanding.

Leslie saw them both as well, and his face fell. Did she bring him here to get her revenge on me?

“Queenie, fancy seeing you here.” Bonnie approached Queenie with a big smile. She then greeted Nigel as well, “Hello, Mr. Manson. We meet again.”

Nigel frowned at the couple. He disliked getting disturbed.

“We should go back to our table now.” Leslie tried to take Bonnie back to their table.

She purposely evaded Leslie’s touch stiffly but then willingly returned to her seat after a brief contemplation. After all, it was facing Nigel. She could still impress him right over her spot. “Dad and Mom are worried about you, Queenie. Come home. Please don’t make them worry, alright?” She put on a concerned act.

Queenie sipped some wine and looked at her. “I’ll come home tonight.”

Nigel clenched his glass and narrowed his eyes. She’s going home?

Leslie looked upset as well. Never thought she’d be capable enough to date someone like Nigel. He’s uber-rich. He also noticed how Bonnie was staring at Nigel from time to time.

“The common area is a bit rowdy. Why don’t we get a room?” Leslie decided to stay away from Nigel and Queenie since he felt uneasy around them.

“I think being here is fine.” Bonnie refused to change spots. She loved to keep Nigel in her sights.

However, right then, Nigel waved at the waiter, who quickly came over. “What can I do for you, sir?”

“Get us a room,” Nigel said.

“Room number eight is vacant. I’ll take you there.” The waiter got him a room right away. Being the VIP here had its perks.

Queenie thought the room was a good idea, so she picked her handbag up and followed Nigel.

Bonnie’s smile went stiff. She bit her lip and saw them off, feeling green with envy.

She’s staring at him again. Leslie coughed slightly to catch her attention. “Let them be, Bonnie. Let’s have dinner.”

Right on cue, a waitress came over to serve them food, but Bonnie had no appetite. Just the thought of Nigel and Queenie flirting with each other in the room soured her mood. She thought stealing Leslie from Queenie would break her heart, but instead, Queenie got herself an even better boyfriend.

“Here, say ‘ahh.'” Leslie tried his best to cheer Bonnie up.

“This doesn’t taste good!” she snapped and turned her face away.

On the other hand, Queenie felt instant relief as soon as she moved to the room. Finally some peace and quiet, she thought. She was just about to get some water when Nigel asked coolly, “So, you’re not going to stay at my home anymore?”

She blinked and nodded. “My mom told me to go home. I don’t want them to worry, so I’ll be heading home tonight.”

“Great. It’s not like I want you in my home anyway,” he commented cockily.

Queenie smiled. “Good for you, then. Nobody is going to steal your snacks anymore.” Though, it’s cute that a guy has so many snacks at home.

“Will you still be coming to work, then?” He squinted. She has returned to her family now. Guess she doesn’t need the salary already. Is she gonna quit?

“Of course! You made me your assistant, remember? There’s no way I’m letting such a great opportunity slip by.” The thought of quitting never crossed her mind. Work gave her life meaning, making her days not as dull as they used to be.

“Don’t be late, then,” Nigel said.

“I won’t, don’t worry.” She bit her lip and counted something with her fingers. “Your snacks cost about 41 hundred dollars, the clothes you gave cost about 14 hundred, and all the food you treated me to cost about the same. So, I owe you 69 hundred dollars. I’ll give you the money tomorrow.”

Queenie never liked taking advantage of people. She had spent his money for a while now, so she must pay him back, or it wouldn’t sit right with her.

Nigel froze up for a moment. Does she have to go that far? Is she serious about paying me back? “It’s alright,” he answered generously. “You don’t have to do that.”

“No. I do have to do that,” Queenie replied stubbornly.

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do. And I will!”

“Well, I’m not taking it, then.”

Queenie laughed and stared at Nigel. “Fine, I won’t do it, then.”

He stretched his legs out. “I have never asked any woman to pay me back.”

She smiled and looked outside the window. The street lamps started to light up like fireflies flying through the city, and she was engrossed in the view.

As she stared at the street lamps, Nigel was also staring at her profile. She was more beautiful than he thought.

Queenie noticed the look he was giving her. Most women would have looked away in embarrassment, but she wasn’t like any other woman. She turned her head and stared back at him boldly. She then rested her chin on her hand, not even once averting her gaze from his.

No hints of fear showed in her eyes as she continued to stare at him. She blinked and pursed her lips, but never once had she shifted her gaze away from him as if the first one doing so would be the loser or something.

In the end, Nigel blushed a little and coughed before looking away.

“You think I’m pretty, don’t you?” Queenie asked confidently.

He looked at her again. She was confident and straightforward. Perhaps, it was because she grew up in a family lacking nothing, so she was not an overly ambitious or scheming woman. Nigel then commented, “Just average.”

Queenie was slightly disappointed by that comment, but she wouldn’t beat herself up over it. She joked, “At least I’m not ugly.”

Nigel froze for a few moments. She cheers herself up like that? He wanted to tell her she wasn’t ugly. If she debuted in the entertainment industry, she would look better than most celebrities.

But then food was served, and Queenie’s eyes shone. “I’m starving.”

She was about to take some food, but someone opened the door, and in came a tearful Bonnie. “You have to help me, Queenie.”

Queenie stared at her estranged sister in confusion. What’s going on?

Leslie came in after Bonnie and quickly explained, “You took it the wrong way, Bonnie. I never flirted with anyone else. That was just a joke.” He tried to hold Bonnie.

Bonnie reacted fiercely. “Don’t touch me!”

Leslie looked shocked, and Queenie was surprised Bonnie found out Leslie was hitting someone else up.

“Listen to me, please. You’re the only one I love. I promise I won’t say anything stupid anymore,” he quickly promised. There was panic in his eyes.

Bonnie snapped coldly, “I don’t care about your promise. Don’t touch me.”

“Bonnie…” Leslie couldn’t do anything about the situation. Bonnie was usually a seductive woman, but her temper was atrocious.

Bonnie suddenly hid behind Queenie. “Tell him off for me, Queenie. I don’t want to see him anymore. I wanna break up with him. Tell him to leave me alone.”

“Don’t drag me into this. Dad and Mom can handle this,” Queenie told her.

Bonnie started tearing up again. “I’m sorry, Queenie. Can you forgive me?”

Leslie was starting to fumble a little. This is going to be hard to handle. “Don’t interrupt them while they’re having dinner. I’ll take you home.” Leslie tried to take her away.

But Queenie jumped like a shocked little bunny. “I’m not going with you. Don’t touch me. Go away!”

Wow, if I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought Leslie abuses her every day. Queenie frowned, and Leslie had no choice but to leave things in Queenie’s hands.

“Take her home, Queenie. She’s a little unstable now, so try to keep her calm.” And then he left.

Queenie turned around and sneered. “I thought you loved him. Did you fall out of love?”

Bonnie held her tears back and put on a sorrowful look. “Can I come with you, Queenie? I don’t want him to harass me.”

Queenie still hadn’t finished her dinner, so she sat down. “After I finish my dinner.”

“Can we have one more set of cutlery here? I’m still hungry,” she asked quietly and turned her pleading gaze to Nigel.

A waitress came back in with a set of cutlery, and Bonnie started eating as elegantly as she could. She didn’t even feel awkward at all. Gotta show myself off.

Just a few bites later, Queenie lost all her appetite. Gah, I hate seeing her. She told Nigel, “We’re going home. Have fun, Nigel.”

“I’ll give you a ride.” He grabbed his car key and stood up.

“It’s alright. We’ll just get a cab.” She didn’t want to trouble him.

“This is not the best place to get a cab. We gotta walk for miles,” Bonnie interrupted. She refused to get a cab. The reason she put on that act was so that she could ride in Nigel’s car. Now that she showed him she was breaking up with Leslie, it would put no pressure on him when she eventually went to seduce him.

Nigel left, and Queenie followed. Bonnie got her wish of riding in his car, and her eyes glinted with joy.

He’s my target now. Leslie can never be a tenth of a man Nigel is.

When they came to his car, Bonnie pretended she had chest pain and asked, “I don’t feel well today, Queenie. Can I have the passenger seat?”

Yeah. Not like I wanna sit with you anyway. If you have the passenger seat, I can have the backseat all to myself. “Yeah, sure.” Queenie got in the backseat.

Nigel looked at Bonnie for a moment before turning his sight to the reflection of Queenie in the rearview mirror, and then he revved his car up.

Bonnie sweetly told Nigel where her house was. He turned the GPS on and drove straight to the Silverstein Residence. A gust of wind blew in through the window that had been rolled down, causing her hair to flutter. She thought she looked really beautiful with her hair swaying in the air, and she kept giving suggestive looks to Nigel. Ah, he’s so hot even when he’s driving. Her heart started thumping.

Queenie was leaning against the window, feeling sleepy. The neon lights that zipped past her felt almost hypnotic and almost drove her to sleep.

Nigel put on some music, then put his hand back on the steering wheel. Bonnie stared at his hand, imagining how it would feel if those hands were grabbing her body. She heated up.

Eventually, they arrived at the residence, and he parked right outside the gates. Bonnie was disappointed that their time together only lasted for a short while.

She got out of the car, and Nigel waited for Queenie to get out as well. Hey, why is she taking so long?

He turned around and saw her sleeping against the door. Damn. She can fall asleep anywhere.

He got out of the car and opened the backseat door, but someone slid down, and he quickly held her before she could fall.

Queenie gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, practically giving him a tight hug.

When Bonnie came around the car, she saw Nigel holding Queenie in his arms with one hand on her hips and the other on her lower back. Queenie was wrapping her arms around his neck, and their faces were only an inch away. It looked suggestive, and Bonnie’s eyes went wide with rage. She pretended to sleep and fall out of the car, didn’t she?

“Can you put me down?” Queenie was red. It was the first time someone was holding her with all his might, and it felt great to be held in his arms. So safe.

He let her go, and she landed only to wobble and fall into his chest, bumping her head against him and bouncing back.

Oh, she’s gonna hit the door. Nigel held the back of her head and pulled her to safety before he closed the door.

Queenie was embarrassed, but she said, “Drive safely.”

He got back into his car and turned it around before disappearing into the night.

Before Queenie could snap out of it, someone mocked, “Well, someone is an expert in the art of seduction.”

Queenie looked up and was met with a jealous gaze. “I don’t do seduction like you,” Queenie answered and went into the residence.

But then Bonnie suddenly said, “I like men like Nigel too.”

Queenie froze and turned around. “What do you want?”

“Nothing. You’re not the only one who’s allowed to have a crush on him,” Bonnie answered innocently.

But Queenie was infuriated. She hissed, “Don’t even try to pull any of your tricks on him. Stay away from Nigel.”

Bonnie stared at her face and answered without any shame, “Oh, but I refuse.”

The look in Queenie’s eyes could kill. “Then, you’ll pay for that.”

Bonnie froze for a few moments, but she thought things were getting interesting. If I get my hands on Nigel, she’s gonna cry, isn’t she? I’m looking forward to that.

The first thing Queenie saw when she came into the house was her father sitting on the couch. He wasn’t even watching the news like he usually did. Instead, he was sipping some tea, looking like he was waiting for her. She felt a little guilty for having left now that she saw how much her father cared about her.

“I’m back, Dad,” Queenie said.

Brandon sighed. She’s fine. I shouldn’t have been so harsh to her. I even raised a hand against her.

She’s my beloved daughter whom I never want to hurt. “I see. I heard you found a job. You can quit if you want.” Brandon loved her. Queenie never had a job before, nor did she even have any job training.

He didn’t want her to just stand there and take the workplace’s beatings.

“I want this job. Working is fun,” she answered seriously.

“Even when you’re just an usherette? Can you even stand for hours on end?” She’s so frail. I don’t want her to do this job.

“I was an usherette, but I’ll have an office from tomorrow onward. I’m the president’s assistant now.”

Her eyes glinted with anticipation. Should be interesting working as Nigel’s assistant.

“Who are you working for?” Brandon frowned. I thought she quit her job, but now she’s someone’s assistant? Probably some small-time company.I shouldn’t have yelled at her. She must feel really hurt if she went so far to support herself.

“I’m Manson Group’s president’s assistant. You know who he is, right?”

Brandon looked shocked. “You’re working for Nigel Manson?”

Bonnie came just in time to hear that, and envy filled her eyes. She became Nigel’s assistant in two days?

How did she do that? Bonnie sneered. But we have the same face. He’ll fall for me sooner or later. He’ll see that I’m more feminine than she’ll ever be. Any man would pick me over her.

I am better in bed than she is, and I know how to please men. It’s a good thing she’s involved with him now because it’ll be easier for me to make him mine. “I’m back, Dad.” Bonnie came in holding her handbag and stared at Brandon like a kid who did something wrong. “It’s my fault you did all that to Queenie.” She brought up the slap.

Queenie was about to let it slide while Brandon didn’t want to bring it up, but he did feel a pang of guilt.

Now that Bonnie brought it up, they had to talk about it again.

“You should have shut up if you know it’s your fault.” Queenie shot her a nasty glare.

“If you’re still mad at me, then I’m sorry.” Bonnie always acted like she was the victim whenever Brandon was around.

“It’s in the past now. Go back to your room, Queenie,” Brandon said.

“Where’s Mom?”

“Shopping with Lisbeth. She should be back soon,” Brandon answered.

At this moment, they heard the humming of a car engine in the yard and subsequently, two women chatting happily. A short while later, in came Maggie, and the servant behind her was holding a few big bags. Apparently, the ladies shopped a lot.

Bonnie quickly went and held Maggie’s arm. “Mom!”

When Maggie came into the house, Queenie said, “Mom.”

Maggie was delighted. Her daughters were both gorgeous. Getting pregnant with them was hard work, but it was worth it. And ever since Bonnie came back, her days were filled with laughter. Even some of her ailments like migraines, depression, and insomnia, were gone. She used to cry just from looking at Bonnie’s stuff and had to take medications for it, but now she was okay.

She bought two different handbags for her daughter and asked them to choose what they wanted.

Bonnie looked at Queenie, waiting for her to make a choice. Queenie picked one and said, “I want this one, Mom.”

“Oh, that one looks nice. It’s my lucky color today. I love it,” Bonnie said on purpose.

Ugh, she just has to take whatever I have. Queenie raised the bag. “Fine, you can have it.”

She picked up the other bag and was about to leave, but Bonnie handed the first bag back to her. “I just said I liked it, didn’t say I wanted it. I wouldn’t take anything from you.”

Disgusting fake b*tch. She snapped, “What do you want, then? Pick one and stop pestering me.”

Bonnie bit her lip and teared up. She looked to her parents for help, and Maggie came over. “What would you like, Bonnie?” she asked gently.

“I’m fine with anything you bought me.” Bonnie pursed her lips.

“Fine. You can have both of them. Happy now?” Queenie picked her bag up and went upstairs.

Bonnie pouted. “Was it something I said? I made her angry again. I didn’t mean to.”

“Queenie is a feisty girl. It’s not your fault. Here, you like this one, don’t you?” Maggie gave Bonnie the bag she wanted.

Brandon sighed. “Stop making her mad, Bonnie. You’re her sister. Get along.”

“Got it, Dad.” She blinked nicely. “I’ll take this to Queenie.” She picked the other bag up and went upstairs.

Queenie had just entered her room and was about to sit down, but someone knocked on the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me.”

“I don’t want to see you,” answered Queenie.

Bonnie opened the door anyway. She closed it behind her and came over to hand Queenie a bag.

“Here’s yours.”

Queenie was really happy her mother bought her a gift, but her mood soured all because of Bonnie.

“You like them both, don’t you? Take them and leave me alone.” Queenie turned away.

Bonnie smirked and remarked sarcastically, “I love everything you have. I do want to take them, but that depends on my whims.”

She was not just talking about the bags. She was talking about everything in the house, including the men Queenie liked.

“I try to be a nice sister, but you’re making this hard. I don’t understand how you can be so evil.”

Queenie was flabbergasted. We’re sisters by blood. Even if we grew up differently, we should share the same kindness.

But ever since Bonnie came back, she had been nothing but fake and vicious. Queenie tried to hold it in, but Bonnie kept toeing the line. She could even make herself look like a victim over one little handbag.

Yet, she was now being intentionally obnoxious. She takes my stuff on a whim? That’s not something a girl should say to her sister.

“I grew up in the dregs of the world, sister. You have no idea how it is to live like maggots. Dad and Mom gave you everything you wanted. Piano classes, dance classes, vacations all over the world.

Every single thing you use, I could only dream of. No matter how much I tried, my adoptive parents wouldn’t give me what I wanted.” Her eyes were dripping with venom.

Queenie should have felt pity for Bonnie and shower her with some sisterly love, but she couldn’t.

“Fine, just tell Dad and Mom whatever you want, but stop being fake. Be kind.” She opened the door and told Bonnie to leave. “I need to sleep.”

Bonnie pursed her lips and smirked. “But I have no idea how to be kind. Do you wanna give me lessons on that?”

Queenie’s patience ran out, and she pointed at the door. “Piss off.”

The moment Bonnie left the room, she turned around and shouted, “Queenie, I came all the way to give you the bag, and this is how you treat me? What did I ever do to you?”

Maggie was on the porch, and she asked, “What’s wrong, Bonnie?”

“Queenie told me to piss off,” Bonnie said sadly.

“Queenie, you just got home. Can’t you be nice to your sister?” Maggie admonished softly.

Queenie stared at the smug Bonnie. I can’t believe Mom would take her side without even asking.

“Fine, Mom,” Queenie answered. Not like she could say anything else.

After she closed the door, she teared up. How did our family end up like this? I don’t want to let Dad and Mom down, but this is hard.

Shortly after, Maggie came to discuss something with Queenie. “Your father talked to the Paynes. We will cancel your marriage with Leslie this Saturday. But first we’re gonna have dinner and tell our friends. And then your engagement will be canceled.”

“You can also hold Leslie and Bonnie’s engagement party at the same time. They have my blessing.”

“Really? You’re blessing them?” Maggie was really glad her daughter could be so generous. It delighted her.

“Yeah. Since he loves her so much, I think I should let them be together. And nobody else is better suited for a guy like Leslie than Bonnie. Get them hitched,” she said seriously.

“That’s what your father and I think as well. He loves her, and we’re good friends with the Paynes. It’s our wish that Leslie and Bonnie can get married.” Maggie was happy.

Right after Maggie was gone, Queenie smirked. I’m going to match them up no matter what. One’s a b*tch, while the other’s a f*ckboy. If Bonnie has Leslie on her plate, she won’t have time to harass Nigel. She had a good night’s sleep.

Morning came, and she changed into professional attire for work. Queenie even put on some makeup and managed to make herself look like a princess.

She had a more natural look compared to Bonnie. It felt like her face was a perfect opal. It was glimmering and comfortable to look at, while Bonnie’s looks had a hint of aggression to them.

She took her car key and went to the underground garage. The place used to only have a white Ferrari, but now it also had a red one which belonged to Bonnie.