Chapter 183: The Car Came to a Gentle Stop Outside the School Gates

The car came to a gentle stop outside the school gates.

Catherine Holloway rolled down the window and waved at Paige Lawson. "Remember to eat on time. Don't skip meals."

"Understood, Mrs. Holloway." Paige nodded obediently.

As the window rose, Catherine's smile vanished instantly.

"Let's go," she ordered the driver coldly.

In the rearview mirror, Paige's figure grew smaller and smaller.

Catherine glanced down at the gift box on the seat, her brows furrowed.

She lifted the lid. The rose-red scarf inside made her eyes sting.

"What terrible taste..." she muttered disdainfully, tossing the box under the seat.

She wiped her fingers on the leather upholstery as if they'd touched something filthy.

Paige's plain face flashed through her mind again.

So provincial.

Too timid to even laugh properly.

Catherine massaged her temples.

Her gaze caught the scarf again.

Cheap yarn. Crooked stitches.

How dare someone give her such trash?

Suddenly she remembered the designer silk scarf Clara Whitmore had gifted her.

Exquisite patterns. Luxuriously soft.

Now that was worthy of her status.

"Disgusting!" Catherine slammed her palm against the seat.

Why was she thinking about that jinx?

* * *

"Madam is home."

Victoria Holloway jumped up from the couch, eyes locking onto the gift box in her mother's hands.

"Mom, what's that?"

She tore open the packaging eagerly.

"Oh my God!" She shrieked, flinging the scarf away. "What is this monstrosity?"

The rose-red yarn twisted in tangled knots.

The stitching zigzagged haphazardly.

"From your brother's girlfriend." Catherine sneered. "Supposedly handmade."

Victoria picked up the scarf between two fingers, face scrunched in disgust. "Our dog's bed looks better than this."

"If she weren't pregnant..." Catherine ground her teeth.

"Pregnant?!" Victoria's voice shot up an octave. "Paige's carrying my brother's baby?"

Her eyes widened.

Clara had been with Grant for years without conceiving.

This Paige must have some skills.

"She called me today with the news." Catherine rubbed her forehead.

Victoria suddenly smirked. "Don't you think it's odd, Mom?"

"What?"

"Why would my brother's girlfriend tell you instead of him?"

Catherine froze.

"Probably because Grant doesn't want the baby." Victoria said meaningfully. "She's trying to use you as leverage."

She'd seen this game played countless times in wealthy circles.

Every social climber had their tricks.