Mandy felt uneasy watching Esther act so submissive. She couldn’t recall Esther ever being so obedient—she used
to be quite proud. Had Bradley broken her spirit?
As the sea breeze blew, Liora complained, “Mandy, it’s really cold!”
“Mom, we’re in the tropics. It’s warmer than Capitus.”
Mandy couldn’t understand why someone like Richard would choose to be with Liora, who had nothing to offer, over
Selene, who had an excellent family background and looks. What was he seeking? Did he crave some lost sense of
manhood in Liora’s presence?
“Mandy!”
As a maid, Esther extended her hand to help Liora with the luggage.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“Can’t you see the guests have arrived? Serve the appetizers to them!” Bradley barked.
Esther withdrew her hand quickly and served the appetizers to Mandy and Liora.
Liora glanced at the appetizers with a hint of disdain and asked, “Are these organic? If not, I won’t eat them.”
Mandy was rendered speechless.
Bradley looked at Liora and told Esther, “You heard Mrs. Pendleton. Prepare some tea for her.”
With a mother-in-law demeanor, Liora said, “Bradley, I don’t want tea tonight. Red wine will do.”
Mandy was still speechless.
Bradley placed the lighter on the table. “Mrs. Pendleton, why don’t you list all your requests at once?”
Liora stated directly, “I don’t need a huge suite, just a bedroom, living space, bathroom, and walk-in wardrobe.
“All my bedding must be silk and embroidered.
“Breakfast should alternate between Western and Eastern.
“There should be at least 20 types of vegetables and fruits daily.
“The room’s flowers should be changed every day—”
Mandy couldn’t take it anymore. “Mom, you’re asking for too much!”
Tears streamed down Liora’s face. “Mandy, I’m already lowering my standard of living! I—”
“Mom, I can’t afford all of this!” Liliane had been thrilled to become Mandy Pendleton after her plastic surgery, but
now it seemed like she was overwhelmed before enjoying her newfound luxury.
“We’re living under someone else’s roof now. Do you understand? Why are you making so many requests?”
Liora kept crying, showing no sign of apology. “Mandy, you donated your liver to Bradley, and now you’re engaged
to him. Everything I asked for isn’t excessive.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMandy frowned, wondering if Liora had a different definition of “excessive”.
“Bradley, do you think what I said was too much?” Liora asked.
Bradley replied flatly, “No.”
Mandy was at a loss for words.
With Bradley’s response, Liora spoke even more confidently. “Mandy, even Bradley agrees.”
“Mrs. Pendleton, if you’re not satisfied here, I can arrange a plane to take you back to Capitus right away so you
can be with Mr. Pendleton in prison,” Bradley said.
With Bradley’s casual remark, Liora stood up frantically. “Are you the maid? Show me the way!”
Mandy stood and asked with concern, “Mom, what are you planning to do?”
“I’m tired and want to sleep.”
Liora glared at Esther with annoyance while Mandy turned to Esther and asked politely, “Esther, can you tell me
where my mother’s bedroom is? I’ll take her upstairs.”
Esther glanced at Bradley. Her eyes dimmed as if stars had gone out in the night, observing Bradley’s gentle
demeanor toward Mandy.