Married To a Stranger

Chapter 36

Ruby paused, then arched a single eyebrow.

Who booked the guest room?

Carter snapped, his patience thinning.

Where are they?

Ruby narrowed her eyes, but didn't say a word.

Just then footsteps echoed from the doorway, and Natalia walked in with Isabel.

Both of them froze when they saw Ruby.

Isabel's face immediately twisted into a scowl, but Natalia's eyes slowly filled with tears.

Ruby. She gasped.

In the ten years since Ruby had left the Vance family, Natalia had never seen her.

The little girl she remembered had grown into a beautiful, poised young woman.

A pang hit Ruby's chest.

Seeing her, Natalia showed no awkwardness or sadness, only pure joy.

Maybe staying away for ten years had been a mistake.

Ruby blinked back the sudden warmth in her eyes, stepped forward and smiled.

Mrs. Vance, it's so good to see you. How have you been?

Good.

Natalia coughed softly as she took Ruby's hand and sat down.

I'm doing well. Ruby, and you? Your father mentioned you got married.

She asked, gripping Ruby's hand tightly while she took a seat.

Ruby just nodded, not offering anything more.

A shadow of regret crossed Natalia's face.

She wanted to ask about Ruby's husband.

But Warren's cold dismissal from the day before, and Sheila's constant cruelty stopped the question on her lips.

Isabel frowned.

Ruby, why are you here?

She works here. Carter scoffed.

Isabel feigned a gasp.

You work here as a waitress?

She clicked her tongue.

My, my.

Natalia's grip on Ruby's hand tightened.

Sweetie, I thought you were with the Knight Group. Why are you taking on side work? Are you short on money?

Ruby kept her tone even.

No.

Oh, Mom, let's catch up later. We have an important guest.

Isabel cut in, her eyes landing on Ruby.

We'd ask you to join us, Ruby, but since you're on the clock, that's probably not a good idea.

We wouldn't want to keep you from your other tables.

We'll be sure to leave a big tip for your trouble.

She added the last part with obvious disdain.

That's enough, Izzie. Natalia snapped.

Then turned to Ruby with a troubled look.

They were both Warren's daughters, yet one lived in privilege while the other waited tables.

The injustice made her chest ache.

She thought Ruby must be devastated.

But to Natalia's surprise, Ruby's expression remained perfectly composed.

As though the disparity didn't bother her at all.

A flicker of approval crossed Natalia's eyes.

Ruby. She said gently.

We're meeting with Dr. N today.

You work in new energy too, don't you?

Knowing them could be a huge help to your career.

Isabel's fists clenched.

Dr. N was supposed to be hers.

What if Ruby stole that too?

What if Doctor N fell for that innocent act of hers?

Her gaze darted around the room and landed on a teacup.

Steam curling from the hot liquid.

She picked it up and walked toward Ruby.

Ruby.

She said sweetly.

Mom wanted me to apologize for yesterday.

I'll toast you with tea instead of wine.

As she spoke, her wrist tilted just enough.

Ruby had been expecting it ever since childhood.

Isabel had always tried to one-up her.

When words failed, she'd used force.

An apology was the last thing Isabel would ever offer.

Seeing the cup tip.

Ruby scoffed inwardly.

She pivoted sharply, her elbow striking the cup and sending the scalding tea splashing right back.

The hot tea soaked the front of Isabel's dress.

Her skin instantly stinging from the heat.

Ruby. She cried.

Her voice thick with fake hurt.

I know you hate me, but how could you?

Ruby lowered her eyes, the picture of innocence.

I'm so sorry.

I didn't see you.

Carter exploded.

Ruby, is this how you do your job?

Injuring customers.

He barked.

Get your manager. Now.

I'm filing a formal complaint.

That's enough. Natalia said urgently.

We're family.

Isabel's eyes shimmered with false gentleness.

It's all right.

Ruby was probably just excited about meeting Dr. N.

The words made Carter's shoulders tense.

He thought to himself that if she met Dr. N, she would get a career boost and be even further out of his league.

He turned sharply to Natalia.

Mrs. Vance, Izzie is my fiancée.

I won't stand by and let this slide.

She doesn't deserve this.

Then he glared at Ruby.

Someone like you has no right to meet Dr. N.

So are you leaving on your own, or do I have to have you thrown out?

Natalia frowned, about to protest, but Isabel clutched her arm.

Mom, Carter's just angry.

Let Ruby step out for a bit.

No need to make things worse.

Natalia hesitated, then nodded, defeated.

She looked at Ruby apologetically.

Ruby, please come home more often when you can.

The next chance I get, I'll personally take you to meet Dr. N.

Ruby opened her mouth to speak, but Isabel quickly changed the subject.

Mom, why isn't Dr. N here yet?

Natalia sighed.

I'll message them again and ask.

That won't be necessary.

Ruby chimed in, a small smile touching her lips.

Dr. N is already here.