Chapter 211
Grace assumed that since Edward's first wife had died, Claudia, his new wife, probably wouldn't want to associate with her family. Rosalie's last name was Talley, so, like everyone else in the village, Grace figured Rosalie was Edward's late wife's niece. Edward never objected.
Upon hearing Grace's assumption, Edward grinned sheepishly and said, "Rosalie wanted to come back, so we brought her along."
After hearing this, Grace scoffed. Rosalie, who was answering the phone on the balcony, glanced at her and whispered, "She's buttering you up to get something from the Grahams, Edward."
Even though Edward had little sense of shame, he still felt awkward. His silence led Grace to believe he was too shy to confront Rosalie. Using her seniority, Grace pretended to worry and said some hurtful things.
"Edward, don't blame me for interfering. I know you're kind-hearted. You want to help your late ex-wife's family. But this girl has no manners. Her aunt's been gone for twenty years; there's no connection between your families. Why does she keep pestering you? She's just after your money," Grace said.
Claudia listened silently beside Grace, a smug look on her face as Grace disparaged Rosalie. The Graham family thus fell deeper into their self-deception, believing the Talleys' wealth was rightfully theirs and Rosalie was merely after their money.
Seeing Claudia's smile, Grace, convinced her words were pleasing her, spoke with even more enthusiasm.
"Edward, you built your family estate from scratch. It's for Helena and Riley. Don't let your niece trick you," Grace said.
Edward still smiled and said, "Aunt Grace, I understand."
Just as Grace was about to speak again, she saw Rosalie return from her call. She quickly changed the subject, but her glance at Rosalie was filled with disdain.
Catching Grace's expression, Rosalie guessed her thoughts but wasn't in a hurry to retaliate. Grace had plenty of time to enjoy herself; Rosalie could wait.
Since Rosalie was present, Grace didn't say much more and left after chatting with the Graham family for a while. Except for last year, when Rosalie spent Christmas with the Calloway family after marrying Julian, she always celebrated Christmas with the Grahams in Mudville.
The usual family chatter around the TV was supposed to be a warm moment, but for Rosalie, it felt like oil on water. The family's calculating, selfish, and shameless nature made her ill. Nevertheless, she stayed, chatting and watching TV, though she wasn't as invested as before.
"Roselia, you missed Christmas with us last year. It wasn't the same. Glad you're divorced now; we can celebrate together again," Helena said, her bright voice ringing out beside Rosalie as she held her hand tightly. Her eyes sparkled with delight, as if Rosalie were the key to her happiness—if only she could mask the gloating in them a little better.