Chapter 387
In the depths of Stephanie’s mind, a sense of victory was growing as her plan neared completion. Even the dry bread she held seemed sweeter with the anticipation of success.
Hum,aren’t the Burnetts favoring Milly? Isn’t Bonnie rushing to secure her contract too? Let’s see if the disgraced Milly still holds their loyalty!
Stephanie’s eyes flickered with a brief hint of resentment. As she glanced at the camera with the flashing red light, she immediately looked like being overtaken by a wave of concern. “How is Milly faring among those steep cliffs and crags? I hope nothing terrible happens to her.” With a practiced flourish, she finished her statement with a display of fake tears.
Meanwhile, Matthew, frail and worn, was suffering the consequences of his own chivalry. The night before, when Stephanie mentioned feeling cold, he had offered her his warm clothes. Now, he was suffering from a high fever. Yet, seeing Stephanie’s remorseful expression, he gently reassured her, “Dear Stephanie, don’t worry. She’ll be fine…”
Stephanie, still putting on a guilty face, murmured, “If only I had stopped her! We could have all helped each other. Milly won’t last long on her own.”
There was a hint of smugness in her tone as she felt confident in her performance, believing it would shape her image as gracious and virtuous. She imagined she would win over a new wave of admirers. After all, her image of kindness today and Milly’s aggressiveness yesterday were in stark contrast. If she could surpass Milly in the entertainment circle, she would be able to make Milly tortured greatly without the Lloyds’ help. She really wondered if the Burnetts would regret lavishing attention on Milly but neglecting her instead.
But if she had her phone in hands now, her daydream would be abruptly interrupted by the harsh reality unfolding on her phone screen.
Here were the online comments on the live streaming:
“Am I the only one sensing the insincerity in her words?”
“Every word seems like a veiled attack on Milly. Is there some hidden hostility between them?”
“She’s pretending to be concerned while boosting her own image. Such hypocrisy!”
“She should stop worrying about others and focus on her brother. He gave her his clothes last night, and now he’s sick while she plays the saint.”
“Cheesy!!! Why do you mention my Milly once and one again?! She’s very well there. Stop drawing our attention by mentioning her!”
“I feel sorry for the young Burnett, having such a sister.”
“Indeed, absolutely.”
“Wait, isn’t Ms. Hannah looking a bit uncomfortable?”
Hannah had been sitting silently nearby, her icy stare suggesting barely restrained anger. She never responded to Stephanie’s
ridiculous words. If it weren’t for her respect for William’s wishes, she would have gave up and walked away already. Helping Stephanie had been a mistake, bringing nothing but trouble. She had barely slept the night before, realizing that William might have feelings for Milly.
Milly was always talking to William with a serious attitude. When the Tates hired Anna to dress Milly, she had misjudged George had a crush on Milly. But now, she thought maybe it was William who had affection for Milly.
Certainly, George, who was very nice to his brother William, would have encouraged Anna to be there if William required that.
Therefore, her assumption might be totally wrong at the beginning. If Milly were merely William’s sister-in-law, he wouldn’t show her such respect and never care about his own face. The Tates’ influence far exceeds that of the Burnetts, so William wouldn’t need to put in so much effort.
And it explained why he had been so angry after their argument. Anyone would be furious seeing their loved one hurt. If that was the case, there was no need for Hannah to be at odds with Milly. Their goals were different. If Hannah married into the Tates, they might even become family. There was no point in quarreling over trivial matters.
In the end, as the likely future sister-in-law, shouldn’t she step aside?
Frustrated, she cursed Stephanie-if she hadn’t interfered, this realization wouldn’t have come so late. But as things stood, Hannah knew she had to act quickly before the situation worsened.
Suddenly, Hannah stood up, her voice tinged with unease. “I’m worried about William and Milly. I’m going to find them.”
Dakota blinked in surprise but quickly followed suit. “Ms. Hannah, let me come with you. These wild places are dangerous for a lone traveler.”
Hannah didn’t object. “Fine.”
In her mind, Dakota was just an unimportant role and wouldn’t affect her plans. Whether she joined her or not hardly mattered.
As Stephanie watched them leave, she hesitated, puzzled. “Hannah, you…?”
What is this move?
Hannah was by my side just moments ago. Why the sudden urgency to leave?
Ignoring Stephanie’s confusion, Hannah spoke coolly, “You don’t need to come with us.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
Stephanie sensed the shift in Hannah’s demeanor and felt a pang of unease. But the pressing situation left little time for reflection. She quickly got up and followed them. “Hannah, let us come with you. I’m really worried about Milly too.”