Predictably, Roscoe attempted to pull away, but finding no success, he stopped trying. He silently blew out the candles, deciding to act without Doreen.
I have taken care of it, Roscoe said curtly, disregarding the upset look on Doreens face.
Doreens expression hardened. She forced a smile and murmured, Thanks, Roscoe.
Instead of replying to her words, Roscoe withdrew his hand when Doreen was briefly distracted.
At that moment, Nicole happened to lift her head, meeting Doreens gaze. Doreens expression softened to a mocking smile as she motioned to Nicole and said, Come and cut the cake.
Instead of calling Nicole Miss Lawrence, Doreens tone implied disrespect, suggesting that Nicole was not worthy of her politeness.
As Nicole stepped forward with the plastic knife to cut the cake, Doreen abruptly intervened. Ah! Stop!
Nicole halted, turning to face Doreen.
Have you washed your hands? Doreen scoffed. With all the people you meet, who knows what youre carrying? Now you want to cut the cake? Think of the germs you might spread.
Nicoles hand trembled, and her face drained of color.
Vicki relished the scene, noticing Jarrods inscrutable expression, uncertain of what to make of it.
Vicki feigned concern and stepped in. Dont be upset, Miss Lawrence. Its just that Doreen likes things
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clean. Its mot about you. With the crowd you deal with daily, shes just being cautious. Please, wash your hands and then come back to cut the cake.
While Vickis words seemed diplomatic, they subtly underscored Nicoles occupation at the nightclub, casting her in a negative light.
Her supposed mediation only embarrassed Nicole even more.
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But the subtlety of Vickis manipulation went unnoticed. ALl eyes were on Doreens difficult behavior.
A barmaid beside Nicole gently took the knife, offering, Go wash up. Ill take care of this.
But before Nicole could respond, Doreen snapped at the barmaid, Who told you to interfere? Youre just as unclean. Wait for her to finish washing and then let her handle it.
Nicole listened to this and continued washing her hands, her face betraying no emotion. She knew this spectacle was exactly what Vicki relished. Vicki had orchestrated her employment here to degrade her.
If enduring humiliation would keep Austin safe, then Nicole was prepared to bear it. It was clear Vicki reveled in seeing her degraded, and she was resigned to fulfilling that role.
Vicki observed Doreens overbearing behavior and inwardly shook her head. Though this was the drama she wanted, Doreens antics were foolish and laughable.
Wasnt it obvious that Roscoe had been uncomfortable since his arrival, his brow furrowed in displeasure? Doreens aggressive demeanor would only alienate men further. Yet, she seemed oblivious, continuing to displease Roscoe.
If it werent for Doreens influential uncle, Jarrod, the Watts family might have long ceased tolerating her jealous fits.
But Doreens folly was precisely what Vicki counted on.
Nonetheless, Vicki praised Doreen effusively, complimenting her beauty today.