The conversation wouldn’t move forward unless they addressed the elephant in the room. Only then did Maryanne take the matter seriously.
“She’s married but still has to work to support herself. Meanwhile, Xavier the Hound is out living the high life. Marriage is nothing but a grave for women. Do you really want me to end up like that?
“Watch your language!” Marika scolded her with a stern expression “Xader takes after his mother. They’re cold–blooded people by nature.
“He’s certainly not the type to dote on his wife, but calling him a playboy is a stretch. Besides, that’s their marriage. Not every marriage is like theirs…”
Maryanne wasn’t buying it. “Just take a look at the design plans. Lily’s waiting for feedback. Stopnlipicking and approve it. That way, she can get her commission and finally quit that miserable job.”
The commission from this project would be substantial. She could get at least six figures. It was enough for her to upgrade to a better home!
Marika remained unimpressed. “Does she truly need that commission? She’s the daughter–in–law of the Folton family. You’ll never have as much money as she does no matter who you marry in the future.”
The Fulton Jamily’s influence was unshakable.
“Yes, she does.” Maryanne insisted as she shoved her phone toward Marika “Just look at the design plans already!”
“I’ll look if you agree to go on a blind date! Marika said without hesitation.
“What blind date? Lity divorced Xavier that bastard. Why else do you think she’s working? She’s living in a single–bedroom apartment that’s smaller than your bathroom.
“Here is miserable. Look at the design and approve it as soon as possible. Stop dragging this out! Maryanne couldn’t hold back anymore and exploded.
Marika was stunned “Divorced? When did that happen? Why hasn’t anyone in the Fuhon family mentioned it?”
“They don’t know yet!” Maryanne took advantage of the moment to stuff her phone into Marika’s hand. “Don’t let this matter slip. I don’t want to cause her more trouble. She’s struggling right now, so we should help her however we can…
Lily and Maryanne had known each other since childhood. Marika had always treated her like a second daughter
Marika started piecing things together when she thought about the recent swirl of rumors surrounding Xavier. “Alright. Fine. There’s no need to look. Approve it right away. We take the best materials and the most expensive ones. The more commission she eams, the better”
“Great! I’ll message her now!” Maryanne took her phone back and replied to Lily
Marika leaned over and added, “I’ll find her a good match too. You both can go on blind dates together.”
Maryanne was speechless.
“She can only move on from that marriage when she finds someone new!” Marika said matter–of–factly. “We should still find someone for her even if you don’t want to find one yourself.”
“Fine. Then find someone for her!” Maryanne relented instantly.
Meanwhile, Lily had just received Maryanne’s message saying that the design had been approved before receiving another message from her about the blind date.
Maryanne said, “I won’t sign the contract if you don’t go on a blind dare!”
Lily thought she was joking. “This isn’t a small project. Are you sure Mr. Devereux, Mrs. Devereux, and Terence are all happy with it?” Maryanne replied, “They’re satisfied Let’s arrange for a time to sign the contract. We’ll sign the contract on the day of the blind date. Deal?”
“Deal” Lily tossed her phone aside and started calculating the project costs after replying to the message.
She didn’t take the blind date seriously. After all, Maryanne had always been casual about these things.
Lily left work early to meet Hayden for dinner at night. The location Hayden sent was a five–star restaurant.
She got off the bus and walked over. She immediately spotted Hayden at the entrance.
“Lily!” Hayden waved and jogged over to her.
“Did you already reserve a table? Lily knew Hayden would choose the fancy restaurant to celebrate her birthday, but she had to be practical. “Let’s pick another place. It’s just the two of us. There’s no need to be extravagant.”
The Joyner family was no longer what it used to be. They were going downhill:
However, Hayden grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the restaurant. “Lily, Mom and Dad are here too. Just enjoy the meal. They’re paying ”
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