Bonnie was stumped, clearly not knowing how to answer. Since she walked in, her right shoulder had been behaving perfectly, showing no signs of pain.
Kate spoke up for her, "She popped some painkillers before coming; she didn't want to make a scene in front of everyone."
Quick thinking there!
Bonnie went with it, nodding, "Yes, but I'm really okay. Besides, Irene didn't mean to."
"If it was unintentional, then why are you suing me?" I asked, seizing the moment.
Kate was taken aback by my question too. She couldn't come up with a good excuse on the spot.
Bonnie looked a bit awkward, then turned to Gloria.
"It's all a misunderstanding. Once the judge clarifies the truth, we'll drop the charges. We're all friends here; a little spat now and then is inevitable." Gloria was the rock-solid support Bonnie needed. Even when cornered, she remained cool and composed.
I just smirked, "No need. I've already cleared it up myself."
Bonnie looked puzzled hearing this, but it wasn't the right time or place to get into it. She wouldn't ask, and I wouldn't elaborate.
Everyone in the living room was here for Faith's birthday, but we weren't exactly on good terms with each other.
Good thing dinner was ready. The butler announced that we could start eating, breaking the awkward silence.
The round table had eight seats, just enough for all of us.
The moment Faith sat down, Bonnie was ready to sit next to her, but Faith grabbed my hand, "Irene, you sit here."
"Alright." I couldn't refuse.
Bonnie shot Faith a disappointed look, then turned her gaze to Neil, probably figuring out where he was going to sit so she could sit next to him.
Without a second thought, Neil sat down on the other side of Faith, not bothering to arrange seating for anyone else.
I gave Kitty a look. She quickly grabbed the chair next to Neil, then shot a triumphant smile at Bonnie, who was too slow to claim it.
Bonnie was clearly upset about losing her preferred seat again. Gloria patted her arm, nudging her to sit across from Neil.
“Thank you all.” Faith raised her glass with a simple toast.
I joined everyone in taking a sip of wine, then we started eating.
After two or three years, I was having dinner with the Whitmore family again, but our relationship was far from what it used to be.
Faith kept encouraging me to eat more, checking on me like I was still her daughter-in-law. Occasionally, she would also chat with Kitty. She barely had any words for Bonnie, Gloria, and Kate, though.
"Have some more chicken soup. It's good for you." Suddenly, Neil ladled a bowl of truffle chicken soup for me.
His gesture was more powerful than a hundred words from Faith. Of course, only Bonnie and Kitty would care.
While looking at the soup, I felt a bit awkward. I didn't mind using this opportunity to rile up Bonnie, but I didn't want to upset Kitty either.
To be honest, I was hoping that she could win Neil's heart and get this annoying person out of my life for good.
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