Chapter 351
Born into an ordinary family, Lily was never a match for the prestigious Prescott family.
Terrell, her husband, never amounted to much either. They had been living off the family trust for years.
With her own family in decline and her husband lacking ambition, Lily not only failed to win her mother-in-law’s favor but was constantly looked down on by Maggie, who was wealthy and powerful.
Now that Henry had finally gotten a daughter-in-law whom the family didn’t approve of, Lily had come today to watch the drama. She didn’t expect Kayla to show up and ruin her fun.
Lily took a couple of deep breaths, forcing a smile. “I heard the Kingsley family is loaded, and they gave you pretty generous wedding gifts. Good thing you’ve got money. Otherwise, in the Prescott family…”
Lily stopped herself just in time, letting the suspense hang in the air.
Kayla finally realized what Lily was up to. She was trying to stir the pot and cause drama.
Kayla thought, ‘Ridiculous!’
“I’ve put up with enough nonsense from Maggie. I’m not about to let Lily pull the same tricks.
“And now Lily thinks she can try her tricks on me? Not a chance!”
“The Kyle family also gave me the wedding gifts,” Kayla said, glancing up from her game with a confident smile. “Both my brothers are doing pretty well at making money.”
Lily felt another blow.
“I envy you,” Lily said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’ve got the guts to go toe-to-toe with your in-laws. I could never do that. My family’s way too broke.”
“Don’t be so modest, Lily,” Kayla replied, her tone light but firm. “The Prescott family is distinguished. How poor could you be?”
“You’ve always had money growing up,” Lily shot back, bitterness in her voice. “You have no idea what it’s like for people who have to scrape by.”
“If your family ever needs a little extra, I can spot you,” Kayla offered sincerely.
Lily looked touched. “Kayla, you’re so thoughtful! But we’re good for now. I’ll let you know if I ever need help.”
“Alright,” Kayla said, keeping her eyes on her game.
Lily kept peeling her mango, letting out a casual sigh. “You’re so understanding and kind, I don’t see what Maggie has to complain about.”
Kayla raised an eyebrow.
‘Wow, she’s not even trying to hide it,’ Kayla thought. ‘Does Lily think I’m clueless?’
People kept coming and going into the kitchen. After a few minutes, Maggie would hear all about Kayla’s attitude.
“Lily, are you here just to stir the pot today?” Kayla called out, making sure everyone could hear.
Chapter 351
Lily blinked in surprise, feigning innocence. “Kayla, what are you talking about?”
“My mother-in-law might be strict,” Kayla replied, her tone steady, “but she’s only looking out for me. Tuff is her only son, and someday I’ll be running the household. I need to learn the ropes.”
Kayla’s response left no room for argument.
Lily’s face turned red with frustration. “I’m just trying to help you! Why are you calling me out like this?”
“Lily, if you want what’s best for me,” Kayla said, her voice steady, “please don’t talk about my mother-in-law in front of me.”
“You!” Lily snapped, her face flushed with anger as she got up from her seat.
Lily left the kitchen, still fuming.
Kayla just kept playing her game.
Sure enough, it didn’t take long for word of the incident to spread.
Maggie was surprised at first when she heard about it. Then, a satisfied smile crept onto her face. “She’s quick on her feet,” thought Maggie.
“Oh, you,” Betty said, her tone full of meaning, “don’t be so picky. That girl’s a good one. She had a tough life, and none of that was her fault.”
Maggie, still riding high from Kayla’s defense, replied, “I’m just putting her to the test.”
“You talk tough, but you’re soft inside,” Betty said, shaking her head. “Your sharp tongue always gets you in trouble.”
When it comes to mothers- and daughters-in-law, if both sides are always trying to get the upper hand, it’s only a matter of time before things blow up.
“Betty!” Joyce called out as she walked in, carrying a gift.
She was dressed in an elegant chiffon suit that made her look sharp and professional, her long, wavy hair adding a touch of femininity.
“Joyce, you’re here,” said Betty, smiling warmly at Maggie.
Maggie shifted uncomfortably, a hint of guilt in her voice. “I… didn’t invite her…”
But so what? A guest was a guest.
No one wanted even the slightest bit of unpleasantness to ruin such a joyful day for Betty.
“Betty, wishing you health and happiness for many years to come!” Joyce said with a warm, elegant smile.
“Wonderful. Come on, have a seat!” Betty replied, beaming.
“Betty, I hope you don’t mind me dropping by without an invitation,” Joyce said with a gentle smile.
Betty smiled and said, “Not at all!”
“I just got back from a business trip to Norava,” Joyce said warmly. “I hurried over as soon as I heard it was your birthday. It’s been…”
“That’s so thoughtful of you,” Maggie replied. "Since your parents are off enjoying themselves abroad, we..."
Joyce laughed. “My parents love having fun these days.”
“Let them go and enjoy themselves,” Betty said. “They should have fun while they’re still up for it.”
“You’re right, Betty,” Joyce agreed.
While the women were gossiping, the men were busy playing cards and talking business.
Tuff hadn’t been home in ages. He was making the rounds with Landen, introducing him to everyone.
“My son!” He introduced Landen to everyone with a single sentence.
His smugness was honestly off the charts.
Raymond wasn’t a fan of Landen. Word was that the Kyle family had a few crazies in their bloodline. Who knew if Landen would turn out the same when he grew up?
However, Raymond was a master at keeping his emotions in check as the head of the Prescott family. He didn’t let any of that show. He just nodded and said, “I’m counting on everyone here to keep an eye on my grandson from now on.”
Then nobody dared look down on Landen again.
Tuff grinned and said, “Thanks, Dad!”
“Don’t thank me just yet,” Raymond said with a smirk. “I’m still holding out for a grandson of my own, you know.”
“Got it!” Tuff said, nodding eagerly and playing the smooth talker as always. “Once I’ve had fun, I’ll get right at it!”
As for when he’d be done having fun? That all depended on when Kayla finally got her health back.
And if Kayla never recovered, well, he could just keep dragging it out forever.
Kayla was busy today, shuttling between the kitchen and the party hall. No matter where she was, she always found time to sneak in a few rounds on her phone.
Maggie knew Kayla wasn’t helping out, but as long as Kayla wasn’t causing trouble, that was good enough for her. Maggie just turned a blind eye.
As the party began, the three Prescott brothers were the first to toast Betty, followed by their wives and then the grandchildren. When it was Kayla’s turn, all eyes immediately turned to her.
Everyone sized up Kayla, the Prescott family’s new granddaughter-in-law, with curiosity. Then their gaze shifted to Joyce.
Everyone knew Tuff owed the Lambert family a huge favor. The whole clan had expected him to marry Joyce. But in the end, he turned around and married someone else.
Chapter 351
“Kayla,” Joyce greeted softly.
Joyce slid into the seat right next to Kayla after they sat down.
Kayla was a bit surprised but nodded. “Glad you could make it.”
“Yeah,” Joyce replied with a smile.
This table was meant for the Prescott family’s grandkids, and Joyce shouldn’t have been there by the seating arrangement. But with everyone watching, Kayla just let it go.
“Eating,” Tuff shot Joyce a silently sharp look, warning her not to stir up trouble.
Joyce cut straight to the chase. “Tuff, you don’t think I’m still hung up on you, right? You’re not worried I came here to throw down with Kayla, are you?”
Awkward silence fell over the whole table.
The girls all exchanged anxious glances, feeling secondhand embarrassment for Tuff.
“Of course… not,” Tuff said, watching Kayla’s reaction out of the corner of his eye.
Kayla stayed perfectly composed. “An adopted sister is still a sister. There’s no way you’d ever cross that line. Let outsiders gossip all they want, but we’re not about to turn on each other over some stupid rumors.”
Zara gave Kayla a big thumbs-up. “You said it, Kayla!”
Zara was the youngest at the table, and her admiration for Kayla was written all over her face.
Joyce, realizing her opening move had backfired, could only smile. “Kayla, you know how to handle things. Tuff is lucky to have you.”
“Of course,” Tuff said proudly. “Marrying Kayla is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Maggie, seated at the main table, kept glancing over at Kayla, quietly observing her.
Kayla was gracious and composed, always knowing when to advance or retreat. She had the poise of someone raised in privilege.
She would have been a true socialite if she hadn’t been kidnapped as a child. She was perfectly matched with the Prescott family. What a pity…
Maggie felt a pang of regret, and even the wine tasted dull in her mouth.
Suddenly, someone screamed, “Blood!”
Everyone turned to see Kayla standing in the aisle, her face as white as a sheet. Bright red blood was pooling at her feet, and it kept streaming down her legs.
‘Is she… having a miscarriage?’ The thought flashed through everyone’s mind, sending a chill through the room.
Chapter 352