Chapter 2 I’d admit, from an aesthetic point of view, she could be considered a beauty.
But no matter how much she dressed like me or how similar her makeup was, I still didn’t see a trace of similarity in her eyes.
The moment I spoke those words, the room fell into an awkward silence. The atmosphere became thick with tension.
The people who had been watching from the sidelines wore expressions that were oddly similar, serious, and complicated.
Kathy spoke up first, putting on a pitiful, helpless act, “Ms. Johnson, your elegance is truly unparalleled. I’m just a small assistant. How could I dare to compare myself to you?”
With that, everyone’s eyes turned toward me, filled with obvious dissatisfaction.
Even my dear cousin, Gary Smith, stood on Kathy’s side, frowning in disapproval. “Gloria, everyone’s appearance is natural. It can’t be changed, and it’s obvious that you two look alike. Why make things difficult for her? When will you stop taking out your bad
mood on others?”
“Taking out my bad mood on others?”
I raised an eyebrow with a smirk as I looked at Gary. “With how advanced technology is, who told you that looks are set in stone and can’t be changed? Let me give you a little lesson today. Take a good look at her nose. Doesn’t it look awkward? And her smile, don’t you think it’s a bit stiff?”
I paused for a moment before continuing, “As for my bad habit you mentioned, I admit it. After all, I’ve seen so many beautiful things in my life. It’s hard not to be in a bad mood when I encounter someone like you, blind and ignorant, around me.”
Gary stood there, stunned, unable to find a response. He just closed his mouth.
But the group of women around us couldn’t hold back anymore and began to defend him.
“Gloria’s been abroad for two years, but her temper is still so fiery. I thought all Frada people were supposed to be graceful.
How did she not learn any of that?”
“I used to think Ms. Palmer and Gloria looked alike, but now, seeing Gloria’s intimidating presence, how could they be
compared?”
“That’s true. Gloria is pretty, but other than that, I really can’t think of any other virtues.”
They were badmouthing me right in front of me, with no shame whatsoever.
It had been two years since I’d been gone, and now they seemed to think I was some kind of kind–hearted, tolerant person.
“Kathy Palmer?”
I smiled, my gaze sweeping over the crowd before I leaned in, speaking louder, “Did no one ever teach you that talking bad
about others to their face can get you punched?”
They all acted like I had a good temper.
I had just been abroad for work for two years, not in a church meditating or cultivating. “Who gave them the confidence to think I would forgive their nonsense? What a joke! Honestly, since I was a kid, I’ve had the worst temper in the whole neighborhood.”
My mom always told me that girls should be gentle and that being fiery wasn’t attractive.
“But I’ve always felt that our temper is something we’re born with, and we should treasure it. I’m not rabid, biting everyone I meet. But if someone provokes me first, I’ll make sure to give it back. We’re all just learning how to live. Why should I always be the one to let things slide? Instead of silently suffering, I’d rather make others feel uncomfortable.”
So, I never let myself suffer any grievances.
As I looked at the group of fake friends who had their masks ripped off, revealing their true colors, I couldn’t help but feel a
bitter amusement.
I couldn’t care less about this welcome party anymore,
I simply turned to Norma, who was chatting nearby and said, “You promised me a welcome party, but all you’ve brought are these awful people who just ruin the mood. And next time they show up, don’t even bother calling me. I might not be able to hold myself back from throwing a punch.”
Not wanting to stay any longer, I stood up and headed for the door.
As I passed Kathy, I saw her suddenly lose grip on her wine glass, and the red wine splashed onto her pure white evening gown, creating a glaring stain of crimson.
In the next moment, the entire place erupted with Benjamin’s angry voice. “Gloria, what the hell are you doing? Do you have any idea how hard it was for Kathy to borrow this dress? She’s not like you. Every penny she earns is hard–earned. If you have a
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