Benny's smile vanished as he turned to find Lindsey, hands neatly in front of her, purse in grasp, greeting them sweetly, "Dad, Kendra.
"Why are you here?" Kendra asked with a scowl, clearly unsettled by Lindsey's presence.
Lindsey glanced at Shelia and responded, "Shelia invited me.
I wanted to see how well she's doing.
Shelia let out a huff.
"Mom, Lindsey doubts I can marry into the Perry family, so I brought her here to see for herself.
Don't be too jealous.
Lindsey simply smiled, choosing to remain silent.
Benny approached Lindsey, peering into her sparkling eyes, yet her thoughts remained a mystery to him.
"Linds, this evening is crucial for us.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtNow that you're here, please keep a low profile.
Don't disrupt Shelia's opportunity, or else..." Narrowing her eyes, Lindsey interjected, "Or else what? Cut ties with me? Dad, remember, I handed that contract to you.
You're the one who ripped it up and refused to sign.
Besides, if Shelia is as competent as she claims, I shouldn't be an issue, should I?" Benny's expression stiffened.
"Do as you wish," he conceded, turning away to mingle with the upper crust, wine glass in hand.
As Kendra passed Lindsey, she leaned in close, her warning low and fierce.
"Lindsey, don't cause trouble, or you'll regret it.
"1 's BunnyBookery Flashing a cryptic smile, Lindsey responded, "Well, since you've put it that way, I'll make sure you're not disappointed tonight.
"1 "You'd better be," Kendra shot back, piercing Lindsey with one last glare before moving on.
"Lindsey, they're throwing a big dinner tonight for the Old Mrs.
Perry's birthday," Shelia said as she strolled up to stand with Lindsey, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Try not to embarrass us, okay? Just stay out of the way and don't act like a country bumpkin.
Jacob made his entrance from upstairs, looking sharp in a perfectly cut suit and a fine bottle of red wine in hand.
His smile widened as he spotted Lindsey and Domenic.
It wasn't just Shelia's idea to have Lindsey around; Jacob had given the nod too.
Ever since he dropped a cool two million at the equestrian club, he'd been itching for a way to get back at Domenic.
This party was his perfect opportunity to put them in their place.
Noticing Jacob, Shelia turned on her charm with a sweet greeting.
"Mr.
Perry.
" Jacob responded by pulling her close and draping an arm around her waist intimately.
He'd just selected a particularly good bottle of wine from his collection.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Stopping a passing waiter, he grabbed a couple of glasses, filled hem, and offered them to Lindsey and Domenic with a grin.
"Shelia wanted her sister and her brother-in-law here to give them a taste of the high life. It's only right I play the gracious host for her sake.
"Jacob lifted his head with a smug grin.
"You see this wine? It's a rare vintage from Romanee-Conti, @sts a fortune per bottle. The content is on el novelenglish.net! Bet you've never imagined sipping on something this fancy.
But hey, I'm feeling generous.
It's on me.
" Shelia, nestled in Jacob's embrace, wore a look of pride.
This time, Lindsey had to be filled with envy and jealousy.
The Perry family was incredibly wealthy, and Jacob showered Shelia with affection.
In the future, she would becMrs.
Perry, a position far more prestigious than Lindsey's.