Chapter 988:
With a sly smile, Kaelyn reminded Mabel, “Don’t forget, your family is broken. When you step back into your old life, creditors will be hunting you down. Who knows where you’d be right now if it weren’t for me?”
Each word darkened Mabel’s expression. She hadn’t forgotten her humiliating past and certainly wouldn’t let Elyse off easily.
Kaelyn continued, her voice dripping with malice. “Oh, and your mother died because of Elyse, didn’t she? Your father is still rotting in prison, isn’t he? Who knows how he’s holding up? Elyse destroyed your entire family over something so trivial. If I were you, I’d be angry by now.”
Mabel clenched her teeth, her voice low. “I haven’t forgotten, Kaelyn. Elyse won’t get away with it. Does she want to shine on this tour? I’ll make sure the stage rejects her entirely.”
Kaelyn chuckled darkly. “That’s the fire I love to see in you. Your mom would be proud, watching from above.” Mabel’s eyes welled with tears, a mixture of grief and determination crossing her face. “My mom would still be alive if it weren’t for Elyse.”
“Don’t worry, dear. Everything will work out. Oh, and I nearly forgot—didn’t you love Hyde deeply? Complete this task successfully, and I’ll have a chat with him about marriage.”
“Really?” Mabel’s sadness vanished, replaced with excitement. She leaned in eagerly. “Kaelyn, you’d talk to Hyde about marrying me?”
“I can’t make any promises, but I’ll have a word with him. He’s not getting any younger, after all.” Kaelyn chuckled behind her hand. “But don’t get too attached. Men are fickle—they don’t appreciate desperation.”
Realizing her impulsiveness, Mabel blushed, offering a sheepish smile. “But Hyde’s different. He’s not like other men.”
Feigning a shiver, Kaelyn teased, “You two lovebirds are too sweet. Now that you’ve accepted the task, get out of here. I need my rest.”
Mabel nodded and left with a bright smile on her face.
Once in her car, Mabel pulled out her phone and sent Hyde a message to let him know she had a job. After setting her phone down, she drove to the music hall’s parking lot. Still dressed, Mabel reclined in the driver’s seat and waited for the next day’s dawn.
The following morning, Elyse began to prepare for her tour, but instead of practicing at the music hall, she decided to go shopping for a gown. Trailing behind her with a disgruntled expression, Louise grumbled, “Why do we only have half a day to find a dress? And why so early in the morning? I’m not even awake yet.”