And The Daddy Is... The Infertile Guy?! novel Chapter 8

Gwendolyn recalled the words of how Roselind’s money had been ensnared by the stock market crash and worry creased her brow. Even the cheapest garments in the boutique demanded a small fortune, an amount she wouldn't spend in half a year back in the countryside.

Her modest savings wouldn't make a dent.

"A young lady ought to dress in vibrant hues to be the belle of the ball. You are a member of the Chadwick family."

A glimmer of hope flickered in Gwendolyn.

Roselind and Gwendolyn swept through the clothing store like a whirlwind before advancing to the jewelry shop.

Yet, not everyone was pleased to see them.

"Well, if it isn't Roselind. Fancy seeing you out shopping. I heard your son woke up. Congrats. Shame about the paralysis... Now the Chadwick family’s inheritance will surely fall to Bainbridge," the haughty woman said, barely concealing her schadenfreude behind a delicate hand.

Howard’s excellence had cast a shadow over many, and now that misfortune had struck, they were all too eager to kick him.

Roselind retorted with a cold laugh, "Alberta, I heard your precious boy landed in the hospital chasing skirts. Let's hope he doesn't end up six feet under courtesy of his escapades. Ah well, such are the travails of the high and mighty, aren't they?"

"How dare you!" The woman fumed.

"What's wrong? Even with his legs failing him, my Howard still outshines your son! Word on the street is that the lineage of the Peterson family is at risk, with no cure for your boy's impotency. The Peterson family may well die out!"

Roselind's gaze was piercing, her words hitting Alberta right where it hurt.

The inadequacies of the heir of the Peterson family were no secrets to Bayridge City, exacerbated by his penchant for pharmaceutical escapades that often ended in a public scandal.

Undeterred, Alberta shot back, "Howard is no different, is he? We'll find Mr. White eventually. Don't come crawling to me then!"

"Stop kidding! Howard is blessed. For all you know, Mr. White himself might come knocking to treat him!"

When it came to high society sparring, Roselind was in a league of her own.

"Don't forget the Peterson family still holds prime real estate. Let's see how Howard smooths things over with the Chadwick Group and Summit Corp's venture!"

Her face was a mask of resentment. Alberta clutched her purse tightly and stormed off.

The mention of the Summit Corp project cast a shadow over Gwendolyn.