Chapter 137

Patricia Lorenz's peripheral vision caught the cherries William Langley had brought. Her lips curled slightly.

"Victoria dear, you bought cherries too? They look a size smaller than Elizabeth's."

Victoria's smile froze. Her voice remained gentle.

"You're teasing me, Patricia. How could we compare with Elizabeth?"

Patricia covered her mouth with a titter.

"Naturally. Richard and Elizabeth always get the best."

Evelyn Langley idly rearranged the fruit platter.

"What did you bring, Aunt Patricia?"

Patricia's expression stiffened.

Evelyn had already bent to inspect the shopping bag at her feet.

"Let's see... Apples, pears, oranges..."

All budget fruits.

"How practical. Exactly what everyone enjoys daily."

The barb stung, but Patricia couldn't object.

"I thought to bring something economical..."

Born to affluent parents who were power bureau officials, Patricia had never known want. Yet she pinched pennies relentlessly, especially with family.

Evelyn smiled.

"You're so thrifty, Aunt Patricia."

Patricia's mouth tightened.

Elizabeth Melville intervened smoothly.

"Enough chatter. Try the fruit."

"Thank you, Aunt Elizabeth." Evelyn selected a cherry. "Delicious."

Patricia chewed mechanically. The fruit might as well have been sawdust.

She sought comfort from her husband.

Charles Lorenz didn't even glance her way.

"Mom, eat!" Tiffany Lorenz urged. "They'll be gone soon."

Patricia scowled.

"Eat, eat! You two are nothing but leeches!"

Tiffany blinked. What's her problem?

Charles frowned. Needs her meds.

The clock struck noon. The housekeeper asked about serving lunch for the third time. Elizabeth looked upstairs.

"Let's wait. Richard's still working."

Grandmother Margaret Roland agreed.

"We eat together for New Year's."

An hour later, Elizabeth grew restless.

"Shall we start? It is the holiday..."

"I'm not hungry," Margaret said, glancing at Grandfather George Roland.

"Nor I."

Margaret surveyed the room.

"Anyone hungry?"

Silence.

"Then we wait," Margaret decreed.

"Waiting for me?"

A crisp female voice carried from the foyer. The newcomer shed her down coat, revealing a tailored suit and impeccable chignon.

"Grace?!" Margaret rose in delight. "You said you were working!"

Grace Deross, a bank branch manager, had claimed she'd be on duty.

"My assistant's covering." She greeted everyone while changing shoes, pausing at Evelyn.

"Evelyn's back?"

"Aunt Grace." Evelyn smiled.

"You've grown." Grace's gaze lingered on Evelyn's face, then dropped to her handbag. Her brow furrowed.

"Come have fruit," Elizabeth offered warmly.

Grace presented a gift box with a smile.

"Happy New Year, Elizabeth. For all your hard work."

Elizabeth looked startled.

"For me?"