Chapter 22: Linda’s Little Plan
Chapter 22: Linda's Little Plan
The matter of signing the contract was quite important, so Audrey had to call the studio again and reschedule the appointment.
Early the next morning, she went to the company and signed the contract.
In the afternoon, she received a call from Linda. She had almost forgotten about Linda in these past few days and didn't expect her to reappear.
As soon as Linda picked up the call, she said, "Audrey, it's been days since we've seen each other. I've caught a cold these past few days, feeling unwell all over, so that's why I haven't contacted you."
How could Audrey not understand her? Sickness was just an excuse. She was clearly furious.
"Ah, you're sick. I didn't even know. Otherwise, I would have gone to see you." Audrey didn't want to expose Linda and went along with her words.
Linda coughed a couple of times on the other end, feigning it convincingly.
"It's fine, I'm better now. I heard that next Saturday is Uncle Gary's birthday?"
Audrey could guess what Linda was getting at. She replied casually, "Yes, the invitations have already been sent out. I assume the Rofus Family received theirs too?"
There was a touch of displeasure in Linda's tone, "Yes, we did receive them, but you also know the situation in our family. My sister and her mother certainly won't bring me along."
Audrey said, "Well, honestly, birthday parties aren't that much fun anyway. You have to deal with a lot of people."
Just as she finished speaking, Linda anxiously interjected, "Audrey, why are you thinking like this? There will definitely be many important figures at Uncle Gary's birthday party. It's a chance to make connections and friends. I heard Mr. Hill will be there too."
Audrey was stunned for a moment before realizing that the Mr. Hill she was talking about was Evans.
One had to admit that Linda's ambitions were quite grand. Before, she had her sights on Abner, and now it seemed she had shifted her attention to Evans. Both of them were considered the most promising sons-in-law in this social circle.
Audrey said, "Actually, it doesn't really matter who the important figures are. We're not really relevant to them, and they probably won't even notice us."
There was a brief silence from Linda's end before she spoke in confusion, "Audrey, what's gotten into you? You didn't used to think like this. Some things need to be pursued on your own. Don't you understand that? If they won't notice you, find a way to make them notice you."
Audrey felt somewhat speechless. Linda was making attending this party sound like a beauty pageant.
I've just come to terms with things. I've worked so hard all this time, and yet here I am," Audrey said with a tone of resignation.
Linda hurriedly urged, "Audrey, how can you give up so easily? There will be so many young masters at the party. Dress up nicely, and you'll definitely catch someone's eye."
Audrey was speechless, but Linda reminded her that she had to keep a low profile at this banquet. She couldn't be like before, trying to steal Missy's limelight everywhere.
All along, it had been proven that her deliberate actions of stealing others' limelight were no different from asking for humiliation.
Linda's intention behind this phone call was quite obvious, but she didn't reveal it right away. She rambled on for a while before finally saying, "Audrey, could you take me into the party as your friend?"
Audrey's tone sounded regretful as she replied, "I'd love to take you, but I'm afraid that won't be possible. My mom wants me to stick by her side that day. She won't let me go out."
Linda wasn't foolish; she could tell that Anthea didn't like her, and every time Anthea looked at her, it seemed like she saw through her. This always made her feel uneasy when facing Anthea.
"You can find an excuse to sneak out," Linda persisted.
Audrey hurriedly interjected, "Linda, my mom is calling me. Let's talk next time."
Linda managed to call out "Audrey" in haste, but before she could continue, Audrey had already hung up.
Linda was fuming with anger. She felt that Audrey was doing this on purpose, deliberately not wanting to bring her to the party.
Yet, she also found it hard to believe. Based on her understanding, Audrey wasn't capable of such manipulations. If Audrey had that kind of cunning mind, she wouldn't have allowed herself to be manipulated by Linda for so long.
After ending the call, Audrey smiled cunningly and went back to designing her bookmarks.
After spending some time, she had come up with several designs for bookmarks. She wasn't sure which one to choose; she thought every design looked great.
What if she made all of them?
They weren't very expensive, and she could keep them for herself. She could take them out and give them to people whenever needed.
Hmm... Big brother definitely loves reading; she could give him one.
Second brother is quite petty. If he finds out she gave a bookmark to big brother but not to him, he'll definitely start complaining in his peculiar way. Should she give him one too?