CHAPTER 20

Geneveive Tessa Robert

`I`m surprised you came to my mom's birthday party. I thought you don't hang with trash and these weren't your kind of party or usual crowd,` I said, eyeing her.

Her fingers run through her hair. `You`re right, Tessa. I didn't want to come but Ethan insisted I come with him, and you know, I don't dislike your family, just you. By the way, Kyle`s engagement party is on Saturday, and you`re invited.`

I snarled, `I don`t care about your cowardly brother and your dislike for me. Please excuse us; we were discussing something important before you interrupted us with your boring presence.`

`Keep saying that, darling till you believe it and FYI, my brother isn`t a coward but the boldest man ever, and that explains why he divorced your barren ass. I`m glad he ditched you for Ava. She's a better woman than you.`

`Shut it, Katherine. You should know better about using condescending and insultive words towards your fellow woman. I don't blame you, though. You weren't trained properly.` Vera replied, staring hard at her.

She taunted, "Little Tessa has a Goliath fighting for her. Oh, I am sorry if my words were insultive, but you see, from where I come from, women like Tessa aren't recognised because they`re invisible and worthless to family growth.`

No, she didn't just call me worthless, invisible, and barren at the same time. I wanted to grab her and slap my senses into her, but it seemed Vera read my facial expression and stepped in for me again.

`I feel like slapping you, Katherine, but I won't because of your child. However, I would advise you to stay away from us and maintain your lane. You weren't invited to this party, just your husband, so respect yourself and leave before we deal with you properly,` Vee replied, standing up.

She glared at us and walked away. For a minute, I thought she was going to say something, but she didn`t. That nasty lady! I cursed inwardly. On another day, when we meet again, she won't be so lucky.

`Are you okay, babe?` Vera asked, giving me a glass of water. 

I nodded. `Yeah, I am fine. She should be grateful; this is my mom's birthday party and not some official event. I would have broken her into pieces with words. So rude and arrogant!`

`Honestly, I don`t know how Ethan keeps up with her. Even when I called her out on her insultive statements, she was still sarcastic and proud of words. How can someone be thrilled to see someone else cry or be broken?`

I shrugged, focusing on the food game going on the platform. Dad was winning. I was happy they had not witnessed the exchange between me and Ktaherine. If they had, Katherine would be sitting in a nice cell for public assault. You can trust my parents to find something to keep her there. She would only escape it because of her pregnancy.

`I feel for her, though. She had never been a happy person until she married Ethan. Now that she's pregnant, I wonder if her attitude and character will change soon.`

Vera chuckled, `Don`t put your hopes on that, dear. That nasty lady would become bitter once she delivered. I feel for her child, though. I hope Ethan sees her true self one day.`

`Hopefully, babe. Let's enjoy the party before Mom comes to drag us into the food competition.`

The birthday ended at exactly nine o'clock, but funny enough, I wasn't tired. I picked up the present for mom and walked up to meet her. She was going through the presents while ignoring Dad`s taunting comments.

`Hello, Dad. Hello, Mom. I can see you`re going through the presents. Do you need help?` I asked, dragging a chair.

Mom smiled and said, `No, your dad is helping out already. I think you should get some rest, dear. You and James have done a great job organising the best party ever.`

I chuckled, scanning the hall for James. I saw him immediately. He was flirting with one of mom's friends' daughters. Typical James. 

`You deserve the best, mom. Happy birthday once again! Least, I forgot, a special someone said I should give you this,` I smiled, presenting a blue-wrapped package.

She collected it, staring curiously at the package before unwrapping it. `Wow, this is so beautiful and exquisite,` she said excitedly, bringing out the necklace, then the wristwatch, rings, and earrings. `Did you do this, baby?

I nodded, holding the tears of joy. `Yes, mom. I told you you deserve the best and only the best. I am glad you like it.`

She sniffed, drawing me into a hug. `Thank you, dear. I am grateful. I will cherish this gift always and forever.`

Yeah, it worked. I knew mom wouldn't resist gifts like this, and I also knew that soon she would be the one to tell dad to go ahead with my job appointment. She was quite predictable.

Dad checked the set and carefully rearranged them into the box. I could tell he was thinking about something. Maybe the cost or how I got the money. Oh geez! I was supposed to also inform them about Kyle`s fraud. I had promised Vera I would do so once mom's birthday was over, but that would wait because I had other plans to execute.

`This must have cost you a lot, Tessa. I hope you didn't break your piggy bank?` Dad asked, returning the package to Mom.

I knew he was up to something when he checked the set carefully. Dad started as a jewellery dealer while building his empire, so figuring out the prices of accessories wasn't so old for him. I decided to create a lie—not a big one, though—but something to put him off my financial status.

`Let's just say my savings did a great job. You know I used to work, right?`

`Yes, that's true. I almost forgot. By the way, the lawyer wants to know if we should sue Kyle for not settling you properly after the divorce.`

Okay. I know I deserved some settlements from Kyle. After all, the King's Company wouldn't be where it is if not for me. But would it ruin my plans for him or start an interesting drama? There was also the project. I know he was going to apply for it, and I will make him win and use the power of my family to make him lose his profits. Then, he would return and plead for help. It was a nice plan, and I think the divorce could come in during this period. 

I just had to ensure everything went according to my plans.

I coughed a bit, clearing my throat. `I think it would be okay if we started the process after Robert`s project was done and dusted. I don't want to start something I won't be able to finish and remember—the doctor's order. I should avoid multitasking due to a doctor's order.`

He nodded, munching on my words, `Alright, I agree with you. Your health and my grandchild`s health are more important than Kyle's. We will work on the lawsuit when you're ready. Just remind me, okay?`

`Also,` mom added, `I feel it would be great if you joined your dad on the project. So, you can stop knitting those ugly cardigans.`

I knew she would come around. The jewellery set did its magic. She had a weakness for shiny items and jewellery, and I used it well. I could imagine what Vera would say when I told her about Mom.

I grinned, hugging her, `Thank you, mom. I propose to take daily breaks and not stress your grandchild. Also, for record purposes, I was just testing my knitting skills with those cardigans. You`re yet to see the real thing.`

`Indeed. I will teach you how to make good cardigans; you just have to drop your pride and ask. I am not a hard teacher, you know,` she winked, grinning.

`Yes, you aren't, and yet, you are the one who taught me how to sew, and yet, I still do an awful job anytime I hold a needle and thread.` I pouted, ignoring dad`s guffaws.

`Your mom was never a good seamstress; I am a witness to it. She used to make bad stitches; I had to beg the nanny to take over the mending duties,` he chuckled, dodging a playful slap.

Mom laughed, `It wasn't my fault. I was a working mom with two naughty kids, and you were busy running after video games with your brother. Sharon kept me company most days, and thankfully, she taught me the art of knitting. I'm surprised she didn't show up for the party.`

The memory of Mrs. Sharon crept up immediately, as did our earlier interaction. She really mattered to Mom.