Interrupting Elizabeth’s rising frustration, Be intervened with a sigh.


    “Shut up.


    Ste’s just trying to be helpful.


    ”


    Elizabeth’s response was dismissive as she snorted, “Who knows what her intention is?”


    Be felt torn, unsure how to handle her daughter’s outburst.


    With a guilty nce at Ste, she said softly, “We’ve spoiled Elizabeth.


    Please don’t be upset with her.


    You really don’t have to call a doctor for me.


    I’m well acquainted with my body system.


    It’s nothing serious, honestly.


    Thanks, Ste.


    And thank you, Mr.


    rk.


    ”


    Deciding not to pursue the matter further, Ste put aside her suspicions of Elizabeth and shifted the conversation toward design instead.


    Elizabeth wore a frown while they continued to talk.


    After a while, seizing an opportunity, she said, “Mom, it’s bedtime.


    ”


    Noticing thete hour, Ste bid Be farewell and took her leave.


    Elizabeth assisted Be to her room for some rest.


    As she did, her gaze fell on some documents on the table.


    Curiously, she inquired, “What’s this?”


    Be nced at the papers and replied, “Ste just brought these over.


    ”


    A look of satisfaction crossed Be’s face.


    “It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered someone as talented and hardworking.


    I believe she can really help Prosperity Group make inroads into the Dorburn market with these designs.


    ”


    Her tone was filled with admiration for Ste, which did not sit well with Elizabeth.


    This wasn’t the first time Be had spoken so highly of Ste.


    Having lived with Be since childhood, Elizabeth had never received such praise herself.


    The thought that Be might find out Ste was also her daughter and ce more and more importance on her-to the point where Elizabeth might be overshadowed—filled her with dread.


    Elizabeth masked her resentment, cautioning, “Let’s not jump to conclusions.


    Being capable doesn’t necessarily mean one has good character.


    ”


    Just then, Be’s phone rang.


    It was Margery Sanchez.


    Be, distracted, didn’t catch the flicker of resentment in Elizabeth’s eyes.


    Elizabeth saw the caller ID, but Be had already moved away to answer the call.


    Elizabeth strained to overhear the conversation, catching snippets about “evening dress” and “Ste.


    ” However, she couldn’t make out the details.


    After Be ended the call, she immediately asked, “What did Margery want at this hour?”


    Margery was a client who had ced a deposit for one of Ste’s designs.


    Be exined, “She needs to attend a banquet earlier than nned and wants her evening dress by this week.


    I’ll ask Ste to expedite it.


    ”


    Elizabeth, quick to devise a n, raised her hand to interject, “It’s toote now.


    Everyone at Prosperity Group has already left for the day.


    Even if you contact Ste, nothing can be started until tomorrow.


    I’ll make sure to speak to her in person at the office.


    ”Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Be paused to consider Elizabeth’s suggestion and realized it made sense.


    She said earnestly, “Our reputation is at stake.


    Make sure you talk to Ste first thing when you get to Prosperity Group tomorrow.


    It’s crucial.


    ”


    “I’m not that unreliable,” Elizabeth replied dismissively, despite Be’s emphasis on the urgency.