Chapter 16
1173 Words
No expectation, no demand, just a human-level favor.
How rare.
He shook his head, a faint frown forming.
Such a stark contrast to Ruby Anderson throwing my name around to make Carter jealous.
When she doesn't even know me.
Owen sent another message.
I really owe you, miss. If you ever need anything, just ask.
Ruby didn't think much of it. The only thing she needed help with right now was getting a divorce from Owen Knight.
Some random grandson couldn't help her with that.
The next morning, Ruby escorted Matilda to Madison Avenue's luxury boutiques because the old lady needed some new clothes.
Her grandson was obviously loaded.
The moment they entered the first high-end store, Matilda appeared completely at ease as if she owned the place.
How did you know I love this place, darling? She asked excitedly, as she raced to a rack of scarves.
I just had a feeling. Ruby chuckled.
Not far away, Isabel was tugging at her father's arm like a spoiled child.
Dad, you're so busy. You really didn't have to come shopping with me.
Warren smiled lovingly at her.
Tonight is your first official visit with the Knight family. The gifts for the elders have to be perfect, especially for Matilda. I've heard that she's a tough one to impress.
Isabel frowned.
Isn't she 87? Why is she so important to the family?
Warren lowered his voice and whispered.
The main branch of the Knights and Owen have been in a quiet power struggle for control.
Matilda holds 20% of the company's shares, which she will give to the heir of her choosing.
If you can get her on your side, your position in the family will be rock solid.
Isabel immediately got to work, her eyes scanning the row of boutiques.
Does she have any particular tastes?
She has Alzheimer's, so her moods can be unpredictable, he said slowly.
He didn't know Matilda personally. He had only glimpsed her from a distance two years ago.
This was all the information he had dug up on her.
Isabel nodded, understanding her mission completely.
The two of them entered the most lavish boutique they could find.
Warren sat down on a plush sofa while Isabel started to browse.
As she walked toward the fitting rooms, she spotted Ruby and a strange old lady who had just stepped out of a stall.
Granddaughter-in-law, what do you think of this one? Matilda asked.
Granddaughter-in-law?
Isabel sneered.
So this must be the grandmother of Ruby's deadbeat husband.
Then she saw Ruby shake her head.
The old lady tried on another outfit, and again, Ruby shook her head.
Matilda sighed.
Why don't I like even one piece from the latest collection?
A flicker of contempt crossed Isabel's face.
As if you can afford anything here, you old bat.
She walked over, a fake smile plastered on her face.
Ruby, what a coincidence. Is this your husband's grandmother?
Ruby's expression turned to ice.
She didn't bother to respond.
Isabel turned her syrupy voice on the old woman.
Hello, ma'am. I take it you've never shopped here before. Everything is quite expensive and, well, it takes a certain class to pull these clothes off.
They aren't really meant for common folk.
Matilda gasped, clutching her chest.
How dare you? Who are you calling common folk?
Ruby quickly put a supportive arm around Matilda, worried about her condition.
Isabel pressed on, taking a s******c pleasure in the damage she was causing.
Ruby, for someone of your grandmother's status, maybe a flea market would be a better fit. You know?
Excuse me!
Matilda almost shrieked.
Get lost, Isabel. Ruby snapped.
The commotion caught Warren's attention, and he strode over.
What's going on?
Isabel immediately put on a wounded expression.
Dad, Ruby brought her husband's grandmother in here to play dress-up, but they obviously can't afford anything.
I was just giving them some friendly advice.
But Ruby took offense.
Warren shot Ruby a disapproving frown.
But then he got a clear look at the old woman Ruby was supporting.
And his eyes widened in shock.
Didn't she look an awful lot like Matilda Knight?
At nearly 90, the old woman's skin hung loose, the sharp features of her youth long since softened by time.
Her bony hands were pressed to her chest, scandalized by Isabel's rude remarks.
No, it can't be.
Warren shook his head.
Someone of her stature wouldn't just wander into a shop by herself.
His eyes narrowed, and he said sternly.
That's enough, Ruby. Your sister is just trying to help.
What is this attitude? Have you no shame?
Making a scene like this in public.
Matilda immediately looked at Ruby.
Granddaughter-in-law, is this your father?
Ruby lowered her eyes.
The word father felt alien on her tongue.
A word tangled with raw emotions.
In the Anderson household, Sheila had made sure to keep her away from Warren.
As a child, she'd lurk in shadows just to glimpse him, watching him dote on Isabel, lifting her high with laughter.
Through nights of Sheila's beatings and hunger punishments, she dreamed her dad would swoop down to save her.
But he never did, never even saw her.
On the rare times they met, all he'd say was, listen to your mother.
The Anderson family dynamic was strange.
Everyone seemed to have accepted Sheila's place in the house, but no one besides Natalia had ever been willing to accept Ruby.
Ruby pursed her lips, not answering the old woman.
She glanced at the clothes Matilda had just tried on and picked out a beautiful scarf from the heap.
She handed it to the sales assistant, ready to pay and get out of there.
Seeing this, Warren stepped ahead.
I know you don't have any money. I'll get the bill.
Consider it a gift for your grandmother.
Isabel, however, suddenly cut in.
Dad, I was just looking around, and this scarf is the best one in the whole boutique.
Madam Knight would love it. I'm sure.
The sales assistant beside them immediately smiled.
The young lady has excellent taste. This piece is pure hand embroidery, a true one-of-a-kind in all of New York.
Perhaps you'd like to see something else?
Hearing this, Warren's eyes lit up.
Then we'll take this one.
He glared at Ruby.
This scarf is for your sister. You can pick something else.
Matilda eyed Warren and Isabel with disgust.
Despite her age, she could see the pain lurking behind Ruby's eyes.
Ruby held an unreadable expression.
Why can't she get another one? She argued.
Because your sister is visiting the Knight family. Warren snapped.
This is a gift for Madam Knight.
So we picked it up first.
Ruby shot back.
Enough.
His tone turned cold.
Get something else for your grandmother.
Do you think she's more important than Matilda Knight?
I'm done arguing about this.
As Matilda heard her own name, she went stiff.
Matilda whispered, why are these uncouth strangers talking about me?
Stunned, she reached for Ruby's hand in fear
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