NovelFinishChapter 757 When Curry approached with Wade, both Mr. and Mrs. Black's faces broke into wide, eager smiles as they hurried over to greet them.
Mrs. Black took Wade's hand warmly. "Wade! I'm so glad you could make it. Cin, have a seat," she said, all hospitality.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut though her words were for Wade, her gaze barely left Citrine the entire time.
Soon enough, she let go of Wade and turned her full attention to Citrine. "You must be President Saunders's daughter, aren't you?" There was a sharp, calculated look in Mrs. Black's eyes that Citrine found instantly off-putting.
When Mrs. Black reached out as if to draw her in, Citrine calmly stepped back, offering only a polite nod to both hosts, her tone distant and formal. "Mr. Black. Mrs. Black." Mrs. Black's smile faltered ever so slightly as she exchanged a quick glance with her husband, then forced herself to keep up the praise. "We've heard all about President Carmichael, such an impressive reputation for someone so young. Now that I see you in person, you really do have a remarkable presence." Citrine merely dipped her head, modest as ever. "You're too kind, Mrs. Black." Mr. Black gently pulled his wife aside and leaned forward in an exaggerated show of deference. "President Carmichael, you don't need to be modest. There isn't a soul in Crestwood who doesn't know about your achievements. Among all the bright young people here tonight, you're easily the most accomplished." A faint crease appeared between Citrine's brows.
Today was Curry's birthday. What exactly were the Blacks trying to pull-did they think this party was just another chance to chase after status and connections? Curry's face darkened; his fists clenched tight at his sides, but there was nothing he could do.
He should have seen this coming. His parents cared only for status, and for his ten-year-old brother-certainly not for him.
Curry hung his head, mortified. He threw a glance at his father, who was practically bowing and scraping before Citrine, and finally spoke up. "Dad, the other guests are waiting. Shouldn't we let Citrine take her seat?" Bartley Black shot him a scowl, clearly irritated. "Stay out of this. I wasn't talking to you." But when he turned back to Citrine, his face transformed into an obsequious grin. "President Carmichael, please forgive the boy. He doesn't know any better." Citrine ignored him completely, not even sparing him a glance. She walked straight over to Wade and sat down beside him as if none of it concerned her.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmOnly then did she look up at Bartley with a slow, deliberate smile. "Mr Black, I'm just wondering-is today really your son's birthday party, or simply another stage for you to show off?" Bartley's smile froze in place, the words hitting their mark.
Before he could recover, Citrine continued in the scalm voice "Mr. Black, there are still plenty of guests waiting for you. Shouldn't You welcthem?" Without waiting for a reply, she picked up her water glass and took a leisurely sip.
Bartley could only swallow his annoyance and nod. "You're absolutely right, President Carmichael. I'll go take care of the other guests now." After he'd gone, Curry finally turned to Citrine. "Thank you, Citrine." She waved him off. "It's nothing. Besides, you're my brother's friend, which practically makes you my friend, too." Curry grinned and teased, "Practically? Doesn't that makeyour brother as well?"
Before Citrine could answer, Wade shot Curry a glare sharp enough to cut glass. "Curry, you really have a death wish."
A moment later, Curry and Gorman had launched into their usual m horseplay, and Citrine, unfazed, simply focused on her tea and pastries. When all the guests had arrived, Curry was about to cut the cake when Mrs. Black called out to him.
"Curry, wait-your little brother wants to help cut the cake. Come, hold him up so he can do it."
She led over a chubby little boy, who glared at Curry before sticking out his tongue in a bratty gesture. re. "Hmph! Mom and Dad are mine, and so is your birthday." fo With that, the boy ran straight at Curry, slamming into him with all the force his pudgy frcould muster.
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