Chapter 36
Suzanne calmly picked up the teacup, her movements deliberate as she softly spoke, “All done.” She smiled gently, pouring tea for Felicia.
“Here, Mrs. Hall,” she said, handing the teacup with grace.
Once the task was completed, Suzanne’s lips parted as she added, “Enjoy your tea.”
The soft clink of the teacup meeting the table was the only sound until, suddenly, the door flew open.
Suzanne’s eyes lifted instinctively as she saw Yasmine’s icy expression filling the doorway. Dressed in a sleek business suit with her long hair neatly pinned back, Yasmine radiated authority. Her flawless makeup and expensive jewelry only added to her commanding presence. She bore a striking resemblance to Felicia, making her an impossible figure to ignore.
Felicia’s expression darkened immediately. “What are you doing here, Yasmine?”
Yasmine strode into the room, her heels clicking against the floor, stopping in front of Suzanne. She glanced down at her with an air of superiority, her cold tone cutting through the room. “I heard Austin brought home a girlfriend. Mom, why didn’t you bother giving us a heads-up?”
Felicia’s face grew even more severe. She was sure Yasmine was doing this on purpose. They’d already set their sights on the heiress of the Chapman family. There was no way they’d ever accept Suzanne into the family, so why even bother informing them?
And yet, somehow, the news had gotten out.
Suzanne remained composed, not letting the tension in the air affect her. She rose to her feet and greeted Yasmine politely. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Hall.”
Yasmine glanced at Suzanne indifferently before walking over to the tea table. She sat down next to Felicia and picked up a teacup, tapping it lightly before speaking again, her voice colder than before. “You don’t belong in our family. Surely, you know that much.”
Felicia’s expression darkened, and she shot Yasmine a warning glare. “Yasmine!”
Felicia instinctively turned her gaze to Suzanne, expecting a reaction, but Suzanne remained composed, her expression calm and unbothered.
Felicia was momentarily surprised by Suzanne’s poise, the woman’s ability to remain unmoved by Yasmine’s harsh words impressive.
Yasmine’s face twisted in displeasure. She opened her mouth again, as if ready to say something more, but ultimately chose not to. The silence that followed hung heavily in the room, the tension palpable.
Just then, Austin stepped in from outside. His presence seemed to shift the atmosphere instantly. All eyes turned toward him. He cast a brief glance at Suzanne, his eyes unwavering. Suzanne paused for a moment, wondering if he was silently telling her not to worry and that he was on her side.
Austin placed a box on the table in front of Felicia and looked directly at Yasmine. His voice was firm, commanding, as he said, “She’s my wife, Yasmine. I’d appreciate it if you could understand that and show some respect.”
Suzanne stared at Austin, momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected him to stand up to his family for her like this. She’d never imagined he would defend her so openly, especially in front of Yasmine, who clearly had no intention of making it easy.
Felicia’s eyes lit up, and a broad smile spread across her face. That was her son—strong, decisive, and loyal. He wasn’t easily swayed by others, especially not by his sister.
Yasmine’s face turned icy at Austin’s words. She glared at him, her voice dripping with disdain as she snapped, “Over the years, how many of your decisions have I interfered with? If I’m stepping in now, it’s because I know something isn’t good for you!”
Suzanne glanced at Yasmine, her words having some merit. After all, Suzanne was the disowned daughter of the Yates family, with a tarnished reputation. She wasn’t exactly the ideal match for someone like Austin.
Yasmine seemed to sense Suzanne’s gaze. She turned to her with a cold sneer. “A woman always knows another woman best. You grew up without your mother’s guidance. No wonder you’re full of scheming thoughts!”
Yasmine’s words cut deep. She had seen this type before—women who used their looks to latch onto a man and climb their way to the top. Suzanne felt the sting, but she refused to let it show on her face.
Suddenly, Felicia slammed her hand against the table. The sound rang out sharply in the room, drawing everyone’s attention. Her eyes blazed with authority as she opened her mouth to speak. But instead of addressing Yasmine calmly, she pointed toward the door with an ironclad glare. “Get out, Yasmine!”
Yasmine’s expression shifted slightly, the initial surprise fading into an unreadable mask.
