"Why’s that?" Eunice asked with a playful smile.
"If there truly is a mole within the Griffith family, they’d be terrified of getting caught if they’ve been undermining Uncle Bard behind his back. Rumors have it that Alexander is quite fond of you. Since you spent such a long ti there and suddenly returned, the mole must be worried that Alexander has shared so secrets with you.
They’re scared you’ll spill the beans to Grandpa and Uncle Bard. So, your attendance at the birthday bash is basically bait!"
Eunice’s eyes sparkled with admiration and approval.
"Tonight is undoubtedly their best chance to act. Catch whoever takes a swing at you, and we’ve got our mole!"
Eunice’s laughter was as radiant as her beauty.
"You’re truly my clever niece, thinking layers deep. You’re certainly not just any college kid. Is there sothing else about you, sothing your auntie doesn’t know?"
"It’s nothing much," Rosemary played it down, and Eunice didn’t pry further, sensing that this girl was sharp and far from ordinary.
"I brought you along because you’re clever and quick-witted, ready to adapt on the fly. If things go south and I can’t get out in ti, with your skills and smarts, you can still get a ssage out for ," Eunice explained with a laugh. "If I brought Serena along, she’d probably end up in tears."
That’s also why she didn’t bring Serena.
"And you can guess why I didn’t bring your uncle, right?"
"You want to draw the mole out into making a move on you. If Uncle was there, they’d be cautious, maybe too scared to act. So, you purposely kept Uncle Bard busy elsewhere?"
"Not exactly on purpose." Eunice’s laugh was enigmatic, leaving things unsaid.
"Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ve got this."
Rosemary knew tonight’s birthday celebration held danger, but she didn’t know who exactly might be targeting Grandpa and Uncle Bard.
Why did it have to co to this within one family?
Thirty minutes later.
They drove up towards the hilltop mansion, which shone like a beacon in the night with its glittering grandeur.
The driveway was lined with dozens of luxury cars, a testant to the wealth and status of the attendees.
The driver opened the door for them and followed, carrying the gifts Eunice had prepared in advance.
In the garden, guests chatted in small groups, enjoying the evening.
So guests did a double-take upon seeing Eunice.
"How did she get an invite?"
"I heard Alexander was smitten with her, that she wasn’t out of the picture. Seeing her now, it seems true."
"What was Bard thinking, keeping a woman like that around?"
"And letting her co to tonight’s birthday soiree."
"How can she be the lady of the Griffith family?"
Rosemary overheard their snide comnts from a distance and frowned.
"These people are so rude."
"You get used to it." Eunice’s stride was confident, her red dress accentuating her commanding presence. She ignored the murmurs, striding past them into the main building.
The other won felt a pang of irritation. That damn Eunice, treating them like they were invisible.
What was there to be proud of, for a woman who had been toyed with?
Inside the mansion.
Relatives surrounded an elderly man, keeping him chuckling and in high spirits. He looked vigorous, his charm undiminished by age, a birthday hat placed humorously atop his head.
The driver handed the gifts to Eunice and Rosemary, with Eunice stepping forward with a beaming smile to lead the way.
"Happy birthday, Arlen. This is just a little sothing from Bard and ," Eunice said as she handed over a gift.
Arlen’s butler stepped forward to take it imdiately.
"You folks might not be aware of Rose’s true identity. Allow to introduce her. She’s the long-lost daughter of Louisa, Rosemary Collins, who has only recently been found. Rose, this is your Arlen."
"Mr. Arlen, I wish you a happy birthday and many a hearty laugh," Rosemary said, offering her gift.
Eunice added, "This is the girl’s way of showing her respect."
Arlen looked taken aback and stared at Rosemary for a good while before asking, "You’re Louisa’s daughter?"
Before Rosemary could respond, he turned to Eunice and asked with uncertainty, "And Kenneth’s?"
"Who else?" Eunice replied with a confident smile.
"How did she end up lost? And you found her in Dawnstar? Did you and Bard take her under your wing?"
"Oh, Arlen, co on. The Collins clan holds Rose dear. How could they bear to have her fostered away? She’s here to visit her grandfather. Hearing of your birthday bash tonight, she made a point to co and celebrate with you."
"Ah, well, that’s thoughtful. It’s good to have you back," Arlen replied with tepid enthusiasm, showing little warmth toward Rosemary.
A servant took the birthday present from Rosemary’s hands.
Rose and Bess watched them with eyes that could kill.
Unable to hold back, Bess snapped, "That red dress of yours is stealing Arlen’s thunder. Anyone would think you’ve co to outshine the birthday boy."
The older won started to posture.
"This is Arlen’s ho, and today we’re celebrating his birthday. Isn’t it a bit much for a junior to take center stage?"
"Away for a while and still as showy as ever!"
"Young people just don’t know how to be subdued."
Eunice’s lips curled into a smile, radiant and stunning.
"It’s Arlen’s birthday, so naturally, I wanted to make a bold statent. Rose and I dressed in those colors to wish Arlen nothing but prosperity and success. But Bess, here you are in black on such a joyous occasion. What ssage might that convey?"
Bess was itching to tear Eunice’s mouth off.
Another elder chid in defensively, "Black signifies modesty. Do you think everyone wants to be as loud as you?"
"In a ti of celebration, black is an on of bad luck, gloom, and misfortune. As an elder, Bess should be aware of such taboos. Or is it intentional?"
Bess was fuming. This brazen girl was becoming more insolent and irritating by the minute!
"Enough," Arlen said, his expression souring. "Eunice, I heard Bard had to leave on business this afternoon."
"Yes."
"And who’s this? What’s her na?"
"Rose."
"Fine. Take Rose around, get so food."
"Sure thing. Co on, Rose," Eunice said, leading Rosemary away, both still radiating charm.
Bess was seething.
"That little hussy. I haven’t even settled yesterday’s score with her! And today she dares to be so brazen, showing off in front of us elders! Does she really think we won’t put her in her place?"
"You knew today was Arlen’s birthday, yet you chose such attire, handing others a reason to mock. And now we’re the laughing stock. Go change, or at least throw on a shawl!" Calvin Griffith couldn’t help but reprimand her in a low voice.
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