Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Nola had long grown accustomed to the way people talked in these gatherings, never taking comments personally. With a smile that could disarm even the most cynical, she said, "Being idle at home all day, might as well kill some time with a little party. With the whole tea

culture craze going on, I thought why not have a tea-themed gathering?"

"Dear Silver, you rarely join these kinds of get-togethers. Your presence today is quite the honor. Please, come inside—"

Nola's words were as sweet as honey, her sincerity making it hard even for Silver, who usually didn't see eye to eye with her, to find fault.

Shortly after, Beverley arrived with Millie in tow.

A new face always sparked curiosity among the ladies-

"Beverley, who's this?"

"Where did this young lady come from? She looks so fresh-faced!"

Beverley, having prepared her introduction in advance, cheerfully said, "This is a friend's daughter, Millie. She's studying at Grandstone Institute."

Millie promptly greeted everyone with a warm smile.

"Ah, still a student? No wonder she looks so young and radiant."NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

"Indeed, and a student at Grandstone Institute, no less. It's not easy for girls to get into Grandstone these days, you know."

Yes, the Grandstone Institute, known for its science and engineering programs, typically attracted more male than female students, making the competition fierce.

The fact that fewer girls pursued STEM fields meant it was somewhat less challenging for them to get in.

What kind of compliment was that?

Unfortunately for Beverley and Millie, they were oblivious to the backhanded nature of the comments.

The other ladies exchanged knowing looks, their faces smiling but their eyes mocking.

They all saw the derision in each other's eyes.

-Her dress looks like it's from a Celine collection three years ago, right? Totally out of style. Where did she even find it? So tacky.

-Exactly! And for this occasion? It's both plain and dated.

-It just goes to show, like mother-in-law, like daughter-in-law!

Did they think they were fooling anyone?

The story about the Sherwood family's son getting a college girl pregnant was all over the social circles.

And now Beverley had the nerve to bring her out in the open, calling her a "friend's daughter"?

Nothing but a feeble attempt at saving face.

But they chose not to call her out, preferring to see how Beverley would play it out. After all, this was prime gossip material, too good not to share! They could hardly wait to recount the story to their relatives over dinner, relishing in the juicy details.

Unaware of the audience's anticipation of a spectacle, Beverley mistakenly thought everyone was genuinely complimenting them.

Millie, experiencing this world of glitz for the first time, was on cloud nine.

"This is quite the treat."

"Ah, if it isn't Mrs. Reynolds?" Beverley said, making her way to Silver's side and taking a seat without waiting for an invitation. "You're here too?"

Hearing about the discord within the

Reynolds family, Beverley thought, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend,' and attempted to charm her: "Oh, your silk brocade skirt is

stunning. The color suits you so well."

Silver gave her a glance, indifferent: "It's damask." Beverley was speechless.

Clearly, Silver was not interested in

b

engaging, but Beverley, undeterred, continued: "Oh, damask! They say an inch of damask is worth an inch of gold. Only something so precious could match your elegance.

Swnow

Beverley quickly changed the subject: "I remember Nola has a skirt like this too. Actually, more than one!"

Silver, finally giving her full attention, raised an eyebrow. "You are..."

"From the Sherwood family."

“Oh, Mrs. Sherwood. You seem quite

intrigued by our skirts. Perhaps you'd like to visit my house

sometime? We could show you just how many of these skirts we have in our wardrobe." en