Chapter 353: Catherine Paid for Every Demand

Donna Russo swept into the jewelry store as if the staff had been waiting all day for her arrival.

"Show me your newest pieces," she announced. "Nothing cheap."

Catherine Holloway stopped just inside the entrance. "We came for afternoon tea. I never agreed to buy you jewelry."

Donna looked genuinely surprised. "Why bring me across the street if we're only going to browse?"

"You brought me."

Trevor Russo had already opened a display case catalogue. He tapped a heavy gold bracelet. "This one looks respectable. Mom's wrists are thin, so it shouldn't cost much."

The sales associate maintained a professional smile. "That collection begins at eighty thousand dollars."

Donna's eyes brightened. "Perfect. Catherine, what do you think?"

"I think you should pay for it yourself."

Donna's smile vanished. "After all the humiliation our family has suffered because of Grant, you begrudge me one bracelet?"

Several shoppers turned to look.

Catherine lowered her voice. "Do not say his name in here."

"Why? Afraid people will remember?" Donna raised her volume instead. "My poor son lost his job, and I'm the one expected to swallow the consequences."

Trevor nodded with practiced misery.

Catherine saw the trap. Refuse, and Donna would stage another public scene. Agree, and every demand would invite the next.

"One item," she said through clenched teeth. "Then we're leaving."

Donna selected the bracelet, a pendant, and matching earrings.

"I said one."

"It's a set."

The sales associate looked down quickly to hide her expression.

By the time Catherine's card cleared, Donna was already asking where they should have dinner. Trevor suggested the most expensive restaurant in the district.

"No." Catherine took the shopping bag from the counter and shoved it at Donna. "I'm going home."

Donna caught her arm. "You promised to show us the city. There's an exhibition next door, and Trevor wants to see it."

Trevor, who had spent the entire afternoon staring at his phone, blinked. "I do?"

His mother elbowed him.

"Right. Culture," he said. "Very important."

Catherine glanced through the glass storefront. A banner across the plaza advertised an imperial-art exhibition. The entrance queue stretched around the building, but at least a crowded museum would prevent Donna from shouting about family scandals.

"Fine. One hour."

Donna immediately handed Catherine the jewelry bag. "Carry this. My shoulder hurts."

Catherine stared at her.

"What? We're family now."

The words landed with all the grace of a slap.

Catherine followed them toward the exhibition hall, the expensive bag cutting into her fingers while Donna complained about the crowd ahead.