Mrs. Harrington put on a facade of concern, saying, "Can't you see what kind of person that Quintessa is? I figured her out in a heartbeat. Sure, Ty fooling around with a bit of a celebrity crush is one thing; all the young folks go through phases like that. But seriously, you don't actually want someone of her... stature, walking through the York family's door, do you?"
Mrs. York asked, "Are you done?"
Thinking Mrs. York was taking her advice to heart, Mrs. Harrington continued, "Cecilia, I know you're a bit naive, but... sometimes, you've got to open your eyes wider. That Quintessa, what is she really? A pretty face on TV? Or to put it bluntly, just an actress, mingling with all sorts. If Ty actually marries such a tainted woman, the whole Emberbrook elite will be snickering behind his back. Ty is your son; do you want him to become the talk of the town?"
Mrs. York remained calm: "Anything else?"
Convinced her words were making an impact, Mrs. Harrington went on, "Moreover... even if you were to agree, do you think Ty's father would? Would he really allow an actress, known for her loose morals and flings, into the York family?"
Mrs. York queried, "Are you finished?"
Mrs. Harrington brushed her hair back, "Cecilia, I'm saying all this for your sake. Can't you see? Both Ty and Alex have fallen for Quintessa. I didn't take her seriously at first, but she must have something going for her, having both brothers smitten. Have you seen it? The relationship between Ty and Alex isn't what it used to be. Do you really want to watch them turn against each other over some floozy?"
Mrs. York replied indifferently, "Susan, normally, I let things slide considering our long history since childhood, and I've never bothered to pick a bone with you. But it seems you've forgotten something?"
Mrs. Harrington frowned, "What's that?"
Mrs. York's expression turned icy as she regarded her, "You will always be the daughter of the Farley family's maid, and nothing can change that. Before you call anyone worthless, remember what you are."
Mrs. Harrington's face flushed red with anger, and Serena looked on in shock, having never heard such revelations about her mother.
Panic flickered in Mrs. Harrington's eyes, "You shouldn't... shouldn't..."
Mrs. York cut her off, pointing at Mrs. Harrington, "Shouldn't what? Spout nonsense? Ha... The level of self-deception you've reached is astonishing. You've been playing this role for years, actually believing you've somehow become better. Today, I won't strike you, giving you one last bit of dignity, but there won't be a next time."
Mrs. Harrington couldn't even maintain her anger, seeing the deep disdain and contempt in Mrs. York's eyes, as if she was nothing more than a nuisance.
"Moreover, Quintessa isn't just some nobody; she's the woman my son loves, and someone I've come to respect. In my eyes, that girl is far more noble than you'll ever be. You spend your days pretending to be above everyone else, but in reality, you're just a fish that can't swim upstream."
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