CHAPTER 808: CHAPTER 809

"I just can’t bear the thought of my darling daughter getting tired, so I figured we’d have her New Year outfit made by professionals outside."

Louisa’s words sparked a wave of envy among the designers. When a wealthy mom doted on her daughter, she really went all out.

"Your mother is so good to you."

"I’m so jealous you have such a caring mother."

"We’ll do whatever you want. Just tell us how you’d like to tweak the designs."

"The adjustments you made to Mrs. Collins’s outfits were simply stunning. You’ve really got an eye for this."

Just then, Edith approached with excitement, "Mrs. Collins, Ms. Rose, Miss Myrna is here!"

Myrna was Chasel’s girlfriend.

"Perfect timing, let her in!" Louisa said, getting up to greet her warmly.

"Kenneth, Louisa, hope I’m not interrupting." Myrna stepped in, changing her shoes, her face beaming with a lovely smile.

Her gaze inadvertently fell on Rosemary lounging on the couch. "Rose, you’re here too! I just texted you."

At this hour, she’d assumed Rose would be at work, so she had even sent a message saying she was dropping by the Collins’ to deliver some things, including a little gift for Rose.

"Rose was busy revising the designs and missed your text, but you could have messaged me!" Louisa said, noticing Myrna’s arms laden with bags. "Why bring so much stuff? And where’s Chasel? Didn’t he comes back with you?"

"He’s still on a mission," Myrna replied with a smile. "With the holidays around the corner, I picked up a few things for you and Rose."

She didn’t mention Serena.

"You’re too thoughtful, dear! Come in and sit down. I was just thinking of asking Chasel for your sizes to have some clothes tailor-made for you. Perfect timing, Designer Eudora, could you help measure my future daughter-in-law? She and Rose seem to have similar figures. Could you design a few pieces for her too."

"It’s okay, Louisa, I’m just passing through. I’ve got other missions to do."

Myrna couldn’t stay long. She had planned to visit the Collins’ before the holidays, but her schedule was packed, and today was the only chance she had to sneak away. Glancing at the clock, she added,

"I also came today to extend an invitation. My parents would like to invite you for dinner during the holidays, if that suits you."

She delivered the invitation personally as a sign of respect from her parents to the Collins’.

Louisa beamed at the invitation. "We’d be delighted! We are free anytime. Just let us know when your parents are available. Oh, and how did Chasel do when he visited your folks? I asked him, but he didn’t spill the beans."

"My parents really liked him," Myrna said with a smile. "They had nothing but praise for Chasel."

"Come in and make yourself at home." Rosemary stepped forward. "Let’s not all stand around in the doorway."

Louise suddenly realized she and her future daughter-in-law had been standing and chatting for quite a while. "Look at me, all scatterbrained with excitement," she chuckled warmly. "Myrna, come on in and

have a seat."

"I have to run." Myrna glanced at the clock on the wall. Time was slipping away, and she turned to Rosemary, "I’ll catch up with you another day."

With those words, she wrapped Rosemary in a big hug.

As they embraced, Rosemary whispered in Myrna’s ear, "Is everything safe?"

"No worries," Myrna replied, her smile concealing her caution. She didn’t want to alarm Kenneth and Louisa or let the gossiping designers overhear anything. "I’m off then. I’ll come visit over the holidays. Rose, see you around."

"You’re leaving already? After bringing all these gifts. Wait a minute, let me walk you out," Louise said hurriedly, following Myrna’s steps. "Next time you come, don’t bring anything. It’s too much. Are you

and Chasel off for the holidays? You should come over for dinner!"

"Sure," Myrna said with a smile. "I love the vibe at your place, Louisa. Why isn’t Serena here today?"

Normally, having a designer come over for a fitting was an event Serena would never miss.

"She." Louise, considering Myrna as part of the family, didn’t intend to keep secrets. "I sent her next door to reflect on her behavior."

As Louise relayed the story, Myrna’s expression turned to one of anger. "Why hasn’t she learned her lesson? Last time, she told her classmates that Rose managed to sweet-talk her way into your hearts just because she’s pretty and smart, and that’s why she was taken in as your goddaughter, given the Collins name, and lived under the same roof as her. If I hadn’t stumbled upon her lies, who knows how much more she’d have slandered Rose!"

"What?" Louise couldn’t believe her ears. It had been months since that incident, and she never imagined Serena would be so outrageous, mouthing off without restraint at school!

"The classmates thought Rose, an adopted daughter, was bullying Serena. They were all sympathizing with her! I’m an outsider, after all, and this is a Collins family matter, so I didn’t want to interfere too much. That’s why I had Chasel go to the school. In front of Chasel and me, Serena at first pretended to faint to find a way out, but then her friends found out she was lying. They’ve all fallen out with Serena."

Louise felt a coldness settle in her heart. She had never expected the child to turn out this way, lying compulsively and being two-faced.

She was always such a well-behaved and sensible child, excelling in everything from a young age.

How could she have changed so drastically in just six months.

"Louisa." Myrna felt it necessary to speak her mind. "Serena bullying Rose isn’t new. She even cried and promised Chasel there wouldn’t be a next time, and Chasel gave her a chance, not telling you or Kenneth. But after all this time, she did it again at Mr. Eugene’s birthday party. This shows she never thought she was wrong. On the contrary, she’s been looking for chances to get back at Rose. I think, as long as she’s around, Rose will only suffer more."

Louise was profoundly shaken. She had wanted to give Serena another chance, but now it seemed the child was beyond redemption.

"She’s good at putting on a show in front of others, but she often bullies Rose in private." Myrna glanced at her phone, really out of time now. "Louisa, I really have to go. You’ll have to consider this."

After all, she wasn’t officially part of the family yet and it wasn’t her place to say too much.

"Come for dinner with Chasel when you can." Louise watched her leave and then returned to the main house. Looking around, she wondered, where was her precious daughter?

"She had something come up suddenly and went upstairs to handle some work." Kenneth approached Louise quietly. "Honey, maybe it’s time we cool things down a bit."