Mrs. Carter dragged Evette into her room, and patiently persuaded her to return the jewelry to Nathalia.
"Huh," Evette was vexed and frustrated. She turned away and refused to let go of the box.
They are in my hands. They are mine, and no one can take them away from me.
Mrs. Carter carried on for a while before she ran out of patience. "Why can't you be a little bit smart? Think about all these people at the shop today. What will they say if they see you wearing the jewelry, especially Spencer Davidson?"
It would mean that it was true that Mrs. Carter had been mistreating Nathalia, and it would ruin her reputation, which she'd worked so hard to maintain.
At the same time, people would think Evette a bossy and controlling sister to Nathalia. What's more, they definitely didn't want Spencer Davidson to think badly of them.
Mrs. Carter's last question made Evette think. Still, she struggled. It was never easy for her to give in. "But, we can't just let Nathalia have everything!"
Mrs. Carter understood and completely agreed with her daughter. She patted Evette on her shoulder and comforted her "There's no hurry. Think long-term. Spencer Davidson is only playing games with her. Once he gets tired of her, he will dump her, and that will just put her to shame. Then, it's our chance, and you will get all the good things you deserve."
"Alright. I will let her borrow it for now. Just temporarily." Evette complied and handed the box to Mrs. Carter unwillingly. To Evette, the jewelry belonged only to herself.
"That's my good girl." Mrs. Carter was relieved, but only for a short while, as she remembered the incident today. Why the hell were they at the jewelry shop today?
As Evette informed her of the bits and bobs, Mrs. Carter grew sullen and concerned.
It sounds like the cheeky thing has grown smart. What's she plotting?
Evette didn't think much of it and assured her mother, "Mom, what are you worrying about? She's under your control. It's all good."
Nathalia's grandparents passed away when she was little, and she didn't really have any other family members or relatives, nor money or power. Everything she did, they had been watching. There was no way she could escape from their control.
Today was an exception—an annoying one.
Mrs. Carter thought about what her daughter said. True. She is just a naïve little girl. There's no need to worry. She abandoned her worries and focused on dressing her daughter up for the party. Her daughter would have to be the most stunning one, to be in the limelight.
Evette put on her dress and posed in front of the mirror, adorning herself. She was thrilled by her own beauty and grew more and more excited about the party, or to be exact, about being the focus of the show at the party. She saw herself to be the most beautiful in the world. The thought of becoming Mrs. Davidson popped up in her head again and stuck there. "Mom, I want Spencer. Please help me get him. I have to be Mrs. Davidson." She grabbed her mother's arm tight as she implored.
The incident earlier in the day at the jewelry shop had awakened her competitive nature. I'm the swan. The most beautiful and elegant of all. It's impossible that I will ever be beaten by that ugly duckling. Spencer must have been somehow oblivious to my beauty. That must be the reason why Nathalia got the attention today. Yes. That's why! I knew it.
Mrs. Carter was thinking practically. "But, we, the Carters…"
Evette would not listen to any reasons or excuses. She was a spoiled one, and she had to get what she wanted, as always. "I don't care. I know I'm the only one that deserves Spencer. Mom, please, I have to marry him. And, it will be great for the Carter when I'm Mrs. Davidson!"
Indeed. It would be tremendous for the Carter, but one had to be realistic.
Mrs. Carter understood that her daughter would never take no for an answer, so she promised that she would try her best. Evette took it as a definite yes and was so pleased that she showered her mother with thankful kisses.
Then she suddenly remembered something and frowned, "Mom, are you sure Nathalia should go to the party?"
Mrs. Carter sneered self-assuredly. "No worries. I have a plan. She will serve as an ugly contrast to you, and you will be in the spotlight at the party."
We've had enough from her today. She will know herself better tonight. Yeah, Spencer Davidson had her back, but if she was not one of the Carters', she would be nobody.
Evette gave Mrs. Carter a grin for what she said. "My mom is the best!"
The Wilsons were a respectable family in the community, and every time they threw a party, they would surely have influential and reputable guests.
The party was opulent and extravagant. There was a band playing; people were laughing and dancing; expensive liquor flowed, and the Wilsons' house took on a carnival atmosphere.
In the corner stood several good-looking young gentlemen, champagne in hand. They were sons of wealthy families, with plenty of dollars to spend and fancy cars to ride about, enrolled in elite schools, and all were successful entrepreneurs themselves.
One stood out from the group, and he was Spencer Davidson.
"Here comes the Carter's."
Mrs. Carter walked in with her daughters by her side and instantly impressed everyone at present.
Her beauty and glamour were tantalizing. Even though she was a mother of two children, she had retained her charm wonderfully. A red wrap dress showed off her curves. Extravagant pearls adorned the shawl around her shoulders and screamed for attention.
Evette was wearing an elegant floor-length mermaid dress and a sparkling diamond necklace, fully displaying adorableness and magnificence.
They dazzled, and they knew they did, especially Evette, with her chin up, showing pride and superiority.
The spotlight shone on her wherever she was.
Spencer Davidson heard some murmuring, looked up, and spotted the Carter's. Though fascinating the mother and daughter did look, he was captivated by the comparatively plain-looking figure next to them.
Tut tut. It looks like these two aren't going to get what they are planning for. That girl isn't a naïve one. She knows how to play. I shall be glad I decided to bring myself here tonight as there will be another good show on. He smiled knowingly.
The other gentlemen were astounded by Spencer's smile, wondering what was going on in his head. It wasn't a smile they were familiar with.
Patrick Burton caught sight of Evette and gazed in awe, "Look at that sexy one. Hey, why don't we have a bet and see who gets her first?"
It was one of the games they played to kill time and for fun.
Steve Walken gave up "Nah, we all know Spencer will win as he always does. I'm out. By the way, Spencer, do you know her?"
Spencer Davidson swirled the champagne in hand indifferently. He had this graceful aura that absorbs admiration from every corner.
Casually he answered, "I do. I'm not interested. You guys have fun."
His eyes fell on Nathalia every now and then, and he found her strangely desirable.
She's different. Smart. Sexy. Great at acting. Intriguing.
And delightful. Exactly what I desire.
James Kingsley laughed, "Haha. Great. Don't regret and keep your word."
Spencer couldn't care less. "Women are just like clothes. I have plenty and don't need another one. You guys are my friends, that's different."