Chapter 95

"Ms. Evans, it's your first time dining with the Rivera family. Jennifer's cooking is top-notch, you gotta try it. I've been eating her food since I was a kid, so I'm pretty used to it." Shirley said, finally finding a chance to speak up. Her tone was a mix of trying to be nice and a bit provocative.

Patricia smirked, "So, you're sick of it and don't want to eat anymore,huh?"That comment made Shirley see red, and she snapped, "That's not what I meant."

Jennifer placed her fork down and shot Shirley a stern look, "No yelling at the table. How many times do I have to tell you?" Shirley sat down,feeling hurt,tears welling up in her eyes. She felt more and more like she was losing her place in the family, and Patricia's presence was making her feel threatened.

Patricia took Shirley's spot, sitting between Jennifer and Patrick. Shirley had wanted to sit next to Patrick, but Jennifer's glare stopped her.

Shirley always thought she knew Jennifer's preferences, but now she realized she'd always be seen as less important, no matter who else was around. She felt like just a well-known servant. This realization made her feel miserable during the meal.

After dinner. Jennifer checked the time and said, "Patrick, it's getting late.You should take Patricia home. If her parents are there,say hi before you come back." Patrick nodded, grabbed William's keys, and was about to leave. Shirley stood up and said, "Patrick, let me come with you to take Patricia home. She might feel lonely, and we can chat on the way back."

Patrick didn't mind, but Jennifer frowned and said, "You stay. Elbert is fixing the roof, go help him."

To Shirley. Jennifer mentioning Elbert in front of Patricia felt like a deliberate humiliation. She bit her lip and said,"Jennifer..."

Jennifer cut her off, "Shirley. did you not hear me?" With tears in her eyes.Shirley reluctantly left.

Shirley felt Jennifer was trying to humiliate her by mentioning Elbert fixing the roof in front of Patricia. She was filled with anger and hurt,not understanding why Jennifer treated her this way. She angrily picked flowers and plants along the way, throwing them on the ground. When she saw the servants looking at her, she snapped. "What are you looking at!?"

Shirley's position in the Rivera family was somewhere between a servant and a family member, often the butt of jokes, and no one was afraid of her.Someone rolled their eyes at her and walked away.

Meanwhile, Patrick, driving the car, was lost in thought. He had no idea how Shirley was feeling.

All he could think about was getting back to Crystal Heights Residences after dropping off Patricia. He hadn't seen Emily all day and was feeling anxious.

Though Patricia seemed to be challenging Shirley, she didn't have feelings for Patrick.

Sitting in the car, she looked out the window, thinking about her future.She knew her relationship with Patrick was all about family interests. They didn't like each other.

Patrick drove while Patricia handled business in the back seat, their relationship feeling like that of a driver and passenger who barely knew

each other.

When they got to the Evans Manor. Patricia told Patrick to head back directly. They weren't officially together yet. and she didn't want to introduce him to her family and start any gossip.

Patricia was cautious. Just as Patrick was about to turn towards Crystal Heights Residences. he got a call from Jennifer.

"Patrick, you need to come back tonight. I have something to tell you."Jennifer said firmly.

"Mom, just tell me over the phone." Patrick replied quietly.

"Patrick. don't make me say something harsh. Patricia is a good girl. a perfect match for you. She's the daughter-in-law I've chosen. You'd better understand your place and not make any wrong decisions. In the past.you could date whoever you wanted, but now I can't let you continue like this. You know what I mean." Hearing Jennifer's words. Patrick lit a cigarette, the flame flicering in the dark.