Chapter 36: The Woman in Blue
“Fine, I’ll go with her.”
Isabella said flatly.
“Thank you, sis. I’m sure we’ll have a
delightful time tonight.”
Charlotte grinned, the picture of
innocence…
This was Isabella’s first visit to The Wraithwood estate. Compared to
Windsor Manor and Alexander’s
Wisteria Hall, it was rather shabby, just a medium–sized villa.
The back garden was ablaze with lights, the air thick with perfume and
the rustle of silk.
The Wraithwoods were a pretentious bunch and indulged Evelyn’s every whim. So although this was just a
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student party, it was an extravagant affair.
Elegant symphonies echoed through the space. Isabella felt like an ugly duckling who had stumbled in by mistake, completely out of place amidst the finery.
As soon as they entered, Charlotte was whisked away by a gaggle of girlfriends. Isabella found a secluded
spot to sit, well aware that Charlotte and Evelyn must have some nasty scheme brewing. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down.
To the right stood several beautifully manicured trees. No sooner had she sat down than she heard a rustling
sound from that direction.
The party was attended by
schoolmates, including several
couples. It was inevitable that one or
two, emboldened by drink, would
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sneak behind the trees for some
hanky–panky.
Isabella’s brow furrowed. She was
about to leave when she heard an
unfamiliar male voice from within the foliage.
“Remember, our target is a woman in a blue dress. As soon as people come out, we make our move.”
Isabella stiffened. As far as she could see, she was the only one wearing blue.
Though unsure of their intentions, it couldn’t hurt to be cautious.
She hurried away, only to run into Charlotte and Evelyn, flanked by Charlotte’s faithful entourage.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Isabella. What’s she doing here, Evelyn? Did you
invite her?”
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Evelyn arched an eyebrow, eyeing Isabella with disdain. “As if I’d invite this country bumpkin. Everyone knows we don’t get along at school.”
Isabella snorted. She had expected
them to seize the chance to
humiliate her, but not with such a
juvenile ploy.
“Since Ms. Wraithwood objects to my
presence, I’ll take my leave.”
She turned to go.
Charlotte rushed forward and
grabbed her wrist.
“Don’t be like that, everyone.
Actually, my sister came with me.”
“Charlotte, you’re just too
kind–hearted. If I had such an
embarrassing sister, I’d have cut ties with her long ago.”
Charlotte’s smile remained gracious.
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and poised as she explained unhurriedly, “She may be my parents‘ adopted child, but she’s still my sister. Anyone who says we have a poor relationship is spouting
nonsense.”
Charlotte’s face was the picture of sincerity. If Isabella hadn’t known her true nature, she might have been touched by those words.
She shook off Charlotte’s hand in
disgust and made to leave, but Evelyn blocked her path.
“Since you’re here, why not join the fun? There’s an Uno game starting over there. Let’s play a few rounds.”
“I… I’m not very good at it.”
Hearing this, the others exchanged glances, their enthusiasm growing.
If she lost, wouldn’t she be at their
mercy?!
