SWNOVELS Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Cynthia looked over, only to see Roseanne walking in, all shy and clingy on the arm of Jeffrey, When the two sisters' eyes met, Roseanne's face froze for a moment before she mocked, "Wow, Cynthia, what are you doing here?"
Roseanne never liked Cynthia recently returning to the Larson family. She'd restrained herself before, but after the juice matter, Roseanne wanted. nothing more than to make Cynthia's life miserable. Seeing Cynthia alone in the shop, Roseanne's mind raced with a hundred ways to vent her frustrations.
As soon as Roseanne entered, Sara ignored Cynthia and rushed over with eagerness. "Ms. Larson, what can I assist you with today!"
The blatant favoritism Battered Roseanne to the sky. "We're here to pick out a wedding ring," she announced with her nose in the air, teetering on her super pointy high heels and sashaying into the shop's depths.
Sara hovered at her side, fawning. "Wow, you're getting married? Congratulations!"
Sara's flattery hit Roseanne's sweet spot. She plopped down next to Cynthia, smugness written all over her face. She raised her voice on purpose, commanding Sara, Fetch me the best rings you have here. I want to see them"
Today was Roseanne's day, and she had been waiting for it forever. Finally, Jeffrey's mother had given in and agreed to the marriage.
Sara caught the hint and brought out the most expensive rings, including the very one Cynthia had noticed earlier, to show to Roseanne. She even pointed out the iris flower ring, flattering. "Ms. Larson, you're truly accomplished. The ring you designed is the jewel of our store. It's a beautiful thing to walk down the aisle wearing your own creation."
Sara was crafty, knowing just the right things to say to brown nose someone important, and her service was meticulous. Indeed, of all the rings there, the iris ring stood out the most-though the price was ridiculously high, nearly a million dollars.
Roseanne eyed the price tag, feeling awkward. She had talked big, mainly to show off in front of Cynthia, without actually intending to buy such an expensive ring, Sara really didn't get it.
a million dollars was no small amount. Despite being part of the Sullivan family. Jeffrey just belonged to a branch and only inherited a modest slice of the profits each year. Plus, his mother never quite approved of Roseanne, and only recently, after the day's incident, had she reluctantly agreed. to set a wedding date. Roseanne feared the ring thing would displease her future mother-in-law, leading to a massive loss instead of a clever ploy.
Caught by Sara's words and with Cynthia watching, Roseanne felt trapped, unable to step down gracefully. Her look towards Sara lost all traces of its earlier warmth and turned venomous.
Despite winning a jewelry design competition with the piece, Roseanne was thoroughly unfamiliar with it. Only a month had passed, yet she'd forgotten all about her award-winning creation. If Sara hadn't specifically pointed it out, she wouldn't have noticed.
Roseanne entered this brand's jewelry contest back then, and as the deadline for submission approached, she hadn't even started a draft. By chance, she saw Cynthia's design sketch and was instantly captivated, so she took it without a second thought.
Since the design wasn't the fruit of her labor, she stumbled over her words when presenting her design concept after winning. Somehow, the managed to scrape by. Once the contest ended, she tossed the entire thing from her mind,
"I had no idea you could design jewelry too. Quite talented, aren't you?" Cynthia teased, her chin propped in her hand.
Guilty as charged, Roseanne's heart raced uncontrollably at these words, her fingers tightening at her sides.
She pondered, Did this witch figure it out? It shouldn't be possible. There were dozens of sketches on her desk, and I only took one. Cynthia probably didn't notice. If she did find out. Id deny everything. There were no cameras; no one could know my doings. If the truth came to light, who would believe this uneducated country girl!
With the thought, Roseanne steadied her nerves. She scanned the room and quickly hatched a plan.
She looked at Cynthia and said arrogantly, "Dear, you grew up in the countryside; there's still so much you don't know.
"Dad invested a lot of money fostering these interests of mine.
"I suppose I should thank you for stepping aside. Otherwise, I couldn't have enjoyed Dad's affection all to myself"
She knew Cynthia always craved family love, yet her words struck directly at the latter's heart. She wanted to enrage Cynthia, and then carry out her next plan- lesson for Cynthia and a way to escape her own present dilemma.
Cynthia saw right through Roseanne's gleaming schemes and stickered inwardly, "How dare she scheme in front of mer in the borderlands where she'd spent over a decade fighting for survival, sur'd picked up some psychology-few could hide a thing from her.
"That's a questionable investment then, learning nothing but tracks and petty theft, Cynthia coolly remarked.
Roseanne had never been talked down to so bluntly. Instead of fulfilling her goal, she was now seething with anger. She lunged at Cynthia.
Chapter 20
Unprepared, Cynthia was tackled to the ground, both tangled on the floor. Thankfully, neither was hurt due to the low stools.
The fall caused chaos in the store. Roseanne seized the opportunity to slip the ring into Cynthia's bag.
After setting her trap, she still found herself on top and, driven by vengeance, swung a hand towards Cynthia.
Discerning her intent and acting before anyone could assist, Cynthia sharply bent her knees.
Roseanne's hand was mid-air when a jolt of pain struck her back. Before she could react, her face made a close encounter with the ground, creating a new connection with the floor's rugged surface. A few cuts appeared, bleeding profusely.
"Ahr Roseanne clutched her face in pain.
Jeffrey rushed to aid Roseanne, while Sara fetched the first-aid kit.
The ruckus, or perhaps Roseanne's piercing scream, was so loud that even the manager, resting in the back, rushed to the scene. He was taken aback, scurrying 10 help. After all, those who patronized this establishment were reputable figures he couldn't afford to offend.
Cynthia stood up swifily, dusting herself off with cool resolution. She gave the theatrically groaning Roseanne a disdainful glance and headed towards the exit.
Before reaching the front door, she heard a sharp cry from behind. "Ah, the ring!"
Not caring about the sting of antisepties, Roseanne waved her hand in the air, showing the bare finger
where there sho
should have been a ring.
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