Chapter 23

Nonetheless, Tina’s sneaky departure still drew some attention, with Pearl asking suspiciously, “Mother, do you see that attendant? She looks just like Tina from the back!”

Ellen rolled her eyes without even a glance. “Why would she work as an attendant here? She would never have been able to afford to pay us a million dollars if she didn’t have a patron!”

“That’s true…” Pearl agreed that she must be seeing things then.

“Right now, the only thing you have to worry about is how to find Tina,” Ellen said as she patted Pearl’s hand. “You’re smart and come from a good family—all Tina would amount to is getting a patron in Mr. Langford’s assistant. On the other hand, you just might reach Samuel Langford himself and become Mrs. Langford!”

Thrilled, Pearl started imagining herself as the daughter-in-law of the most powerful family in Freesia. “Don’t worry, Mother! I’ll definitely trample Tina beneath my feet!’

Meanwhile, after excusing herself, Tina was just as expected scolded by her ma