Laney had managed to infiltrate the Harding family by virtue of her pregnancy. But without Mr. and Mrs. Harding’s acceptance, she could be easily ousted by Kailee.
Furthermore, Garrett was notorious for his playboy antics. Surely, he wouldn’t be content with a woman of such ordinary origins?
The more Kailee contemplated, the more smug and self-assured she became. She could practically taste the victory, as if she could cast Laney aside and ensconce herself in the Harding family in mere moments.
“Mrs. Harding, I must accept my share of the blame as well. Had I been more vigilant, none of this would have transpired.”
With practiced restraint, Kailee hid her glee and adopted a contrite exp**ssion. “The hospital where Laney resides is owned by my family. We shall ensure she receives the utmost care and delivers a healthy child.”
Vera found herself increasingly drawn to Kailee. With a tender pat on Kailee’s hand, she said warmly, “Thank you. Please do visit more frequently. Garrett is constantly occupied with work, and Laney and I have little in common. It’s truly a delight to converse with you.”
Kailee beamed, “I’m thrilled you feel that way. Mrs. Harding, I’ve heard that Prada has released a stunning new necklace that would be perfect for you. Shall we go take a look?” Vera also wanted to go shopping. When she heard this, she nodded and said, “Okay, let’s go and have a look.”
At the boutique, Vera was captivated by the pearl necklace. Just as she prepared to pay, Kailee had already instructed the saleswoman to wr*p it and completed the transaction. “You don’t have to pay for this,” Vera said, with a hint of commendation in her voice though. Kailee gently smiled. “I couldn’t possibly let an elder pay the bill.”
The saleswoman, handing the packaged jewelry to Vera, couldn’t help but compliment her, “My lady, you are fortunate to have such a dutiful daughter-in-law.”
Kailee blushed and demurred, I am not her daughter-in-law.”
“Really?” The saleswoman was surprised. “I apologize. You seemed so devoted I assumed you were this lady’s daughter-in-law.” Vera couldn’t help but ponder the saleswoman’s words.
If only Garrett had chosen Kailee, a woman of equal social standing, impeccable character, and formidable ability. She would have made a remarkable wife and brought invaluable assets to the Harding Group.
Yet, instead, Garrett had wed an orphan, devoid of pedigree and education, who knew nothing of preserving her husband’s dignity. She was anything but a good wife!
Vera’s dissatisfaction with Laney only intensified, while her fondness for Kailee grew. Back at the Harding residence, sensing the opportune moment, Kailee broached another matter, “There’s something else I need your assistance with, Mrs. Harding. Garrett was quite upset with me following his altercation with Laney yesterday. I’d like to find a chance to apologize.”
Imp**ssed by Kailee’s thoughtfulness, Vera assured her, “Not a problem. I’ll handle it.” Vera immediately called Garrett, insisting he return home at once.
The phone was quickly connected. Vera ordered, “Garrett, come back home now. I have something to tell you face to face.” Garrett had no choice but to agree.
After hanging up the phone, Vera patted on Kailee’s hand and said, “Don’t worry. Just tell Garrett what you want to say. He will understand that it’s not your fault.’ An hour later, Garrett arrived, his eyes icy upon spotting Kailee.
“Why is she here?” Dissatisfied with his cold demeanor, Vera retorted, “Kailee came specifically to apologize for yesterday’s incident at the reunion.”
Feigning confusion, Kailee stood and said, “I’m sorry, Garrett. I didn’t look after Laney properly. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
“Since Kailee has apologized, let’s put this matter to rest,” Vera interjected.
Witnessing Kailee’s facade of kindness and Vera’s staunch defense, Garrett’s exp**ssion darkened. He scoffed, then spun on his heel and stormed out without uttering another word.
Upon witnessing Garrett’s blatant disrespect, Vera was incandescent with rage. “Enough! Is there any reverence left in you for me, your own mother?”
It was only then that Garrett halted. He pivoted and eyed the timorous exp**ssion on Kailee’s visage. His words dripped with icy disdain. “It seems you lack respect for me, your son. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have welcomed into our home the woman responsible for Laney’s hospitalization.”
Vera was flabbergasted by Garrett’s insolence. Her fury caused her ch*st to heave tumultuously. She jabbed a fi**ger toward Garrett, rendered speechless by her ire.
Sensing the opportune moment to gain favor, Kailee demurely lowered her gaze and bit her l*p. Her eyes reddened, and her countenance was etched with contrition. “Garrett, the blame is entirely mine. I offer my most sincere apologies. I shall endure any punishment you see fit. But, I implore you, do not quarrel with your mother over this matter. Her intentions were pure.”
Upon hearing this, Vera’s favorable opinion of Kailee soared, while her animosity towards Laney intensified.
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She held Laney accountable for the rift with Garrett. If not for Laney’s instigation, how could Garrett have become so defiant?
Yet, she had entirely forgotten that, without Laney, Garrett would never have quit the Larson Group, much less returned to the Harding Group.
Observing Vera’s shifting demeanor. Kailee was well aware that her and her heart swelled with smug satisfaction.
While Vera remained blind to Kailee’s ruse, Garrett perceived it with utmost clarity. He retorted frostily, “Your apologies should be directed to my wife, Laney.”
Kailee promptly responded, “I shall apologize to her tomorrow and ask for her forgiveness.”
Garrett sneered, “Save your breath. I doubt Laney has any desire to see you now. As her husband, I reject your apology on her behalf.” With that, Garrett spun on his heel and strode away.
As he reached the door, he uttered a scathing remark, “Refrain from your devious games and cease bothering Laney.”
Tears brimmed in Kailee’s eyes as she choked out, “Mrs. Harding, I apologize. This is all my doing. But I truly wish to exp**ss my remorse. I never anticipated Garrett would misconstrue my intentions so grievously…”
Vera sighed, gently patting Kailee’s shoulder in consolation. Don’t dwell on it. Garrett is merely overly concerned for the baby.”
As she spoke, a spark ignited in her eyes.
“Laney has an assistant named Lola. Perhaps you could purchase some gifts and ask the assistant to deliver them as a token of your apology.”
An assistant?
A cunning gleam fl**kered in Kailee’s eyes.
In the studio, Natalie had just completed Hannah’s outfit. As she prepared to deliver the garments to Hannah, she suddenly received the message of Laney s hospitalization.
With Laney on the cusp of giving birth and now unexpectedly hospitalized, Natalie couldn’t help but fret.
She hastily dialed Laney to inquire about her well-being.
Laney quickly answered the call, reassuring her, “Don’t worry. I’m fine. I’m simply in the hospital for the delivery.”