Chapter 235: A Familiar Insult

Miriam Caldwell was accustomed to this tone of speech and didn't feel targeted at all. Instead, she smiled warmly.

"Staying idle at home is so dull. Why not host a tea gathering for some excitement? Tea ceremonies are quite trendy lately, so I chose this theme specifically."

"You rarely attend social events, sister-in-law. Your presence today truly honors me. Please, come in—"

Miriam's words were gracious and sincere. Even Lenora Voss, who usually clashed with her, couldn't find fault.

Soon, Catherine Holloway arrived fashionably late with Paige Lawson in tow.

The unfamiliar face immediately drew the ladies' attention.

"Catherine, who is this?"

"Such a young girl. Which family does she belong to?"

Catherine had prepared for this moment and introduced with a bright smile, "This is Paige Lawson, the daughter of my dear friend. She's currently studying at Calder Institute of Technology."

Paige promptly greeted everyone with practiced politeness.

"She's still in college, no wonder she looks so youthful and vibrant."

"Female students at Calder Institute of Technology are quite rare. How impressive."

Calder Institute of Technology was renowned for its rigorous engineering programs, dominated by male students. Women had relatively easier admission—was this really a compliment?

Unfortunately, neither Catherine nor Paige caught the underlying sarcasm.

The ladies exchanged knowing glances. Their polite smiles masked the disdain in their eyes.

—That dress is a three-year-old Celine design. Completely outdated. Probably dug up from some thrift store.

—How embarrassing to show up dressed like this at such an event.

—The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Everyone in their circle knew about the Holloway heir getting a college girl pregnant.

Yet Catherine had the audacity to parade the girl around, passing her off as a friend's daughter?

What a pathetic cover-up.

They played along with the charade, already anticipating the juicy gossip this would provide later.

Catherine remained oblivious, mistaking their feigned admiration for genuine praise.

Paige, intoxicated by her first taste of high society, floated on cloud nine.

"Mrs. Bennett, you're here too?" Catherine sidled up to Lenora. "You look radiant today."

Hearing rumors of discord between the Bennett sisters-in-law, she decided to curry favor.

"That horse-face skirt is exquisite. It makes your skin glow like porcelain."

Lenora gave her a cool glance. "This is keshi silk."

Catherine's smile faltered.

When the other woman clearly showed disinterest, she pressed on undeterred.

"Ah, keshi silk! They say every inch is worth its weight in gold. Truly magnificent."

Her eyes gleamed as she added pointedly, "I recall Miriam owns similar skirts too. Several, if I'm not mistaken."