Chapter 301 Katherine Outperform Her
Katherine flashed a warm smile at the old man. "Hi, Mr. Ayers. I'm Katherine, and I'm twenty."
Macus squinted, studying her face. "Twenty, huh? So, who are your folks?"
"We're just an ordinary family," Katherine replied. "You probably don't know my parents. They live in Janetrick."
If he pressed further, she'd mention the Galatea family. Though she didn't see them as her real parents, she didn't want to stir up any unnecessary suspicion.
Macus nodded. "Did Aria scare you earlier? She thought you looked like our long-lost daughter and granddaughter."
Katherine smiled kindly. "It's fine, I wasn't scared. I understand Mrs. Ayers' feelings. It's an honor to resemble your daughter and granddaughter."
Mr. Ayers observed her calm demeanor and simple attire. Unlike other young girls who wore sleeveless and short dresses even in winter, Katherine was in a white shirt and straight pants. She looked plain but spirited, with a rare youthful energy.
Macus felt a growing fondness for Katherine. He nodded thoughtfully. "Katherine, you mentioned your parents are in Janetrick. What about your grandparents?"
Katherine shook her head. "I never met them."
Mr. Ayers looked at her with pity. "In that case, would you be willing to..."
"Katherine, you're here too! I didn't expect you at my grandpa's birthday party!" Scarlett interrupted with a bright smile, cutting off Macus.
She did it on purpose, knowing what Macus was about to ask. She wouldn't let that happen!
Macus was about to ask Katherine if she'd like to be his god-granddaughter. With Aria's worsening dementia, she often muttered the names of their lost daughter Claire and granddaughter Laura, forgetting almost everything else. Macus had been searching for a girl who resembled them to be a god-granddaughter and keep Aria company.
Macus had high standards and wasn't satisfied with the eager girls introduced by friends and family, so the search dragged on.
Scarlett believed that if she mimicked the habits and personality of the Ayers' lost daughter and granddaughter, and even made herself look like Claire in old photos, she'd win the grandparents' favor!
But she never did. The Ayers grandparents never gave her a second glance, and Mr. Ayers never considered letting her comfort Aria.
Today, though, Mr. Ayers saw Aria mistake Katherine for their long-lost daughter and was moved to make Katherine his god-granddaughter!
Luckily, Scarlett was there to interrupt just in time, not giving Katherine a chance to agree.
What a joke! If Katherine got the Ayers family's backing, even as a god-granddaughter, she'd gain much more respectability. That would boost her confidence in competing with Scarlett for Alex.
No way was Scarlett letting that happen!
Katherine stayed calm. "I heard it was Mr. Mitchell's grandpa's birthday today, so I came by after work to wish him well."
Scarlett, hiding her dark thoughts, smiled sweetly and linked arms with Katherine, whether she liked it or not.
"Really! Thanks so much, Katherine, for coming to wish my grandpa a happy birthday!" Scarlett said.
"Miss Mitchell, you're too kind. It's the least I could do." Katherine's face stayed neutral, trying to free her arm, but Scarlett held on tight.
Scarlett wasn't letting go. She couldn't give Katherine another chance to talk to Mr. Ayers.
She turned to Mr. Ayers with a sweet smile. "Mr. Ayers, you must be tired from standing. Why don't you sit down and rest? I prepared a special birthday gift for you on stage later. You and Mrs. Ayers will love it!"
Mr. Ayers's eyes darkened as he glanced at Scarlett, still ignoring her efforts.
Since Scarlett interrupted him, he didn't want to continue the conversation and signaled his attendant to help him to the front to sit down.
As Mr. Ayers walked away, Scarlett still didn't let go of Katherine's arm.
Just then, Sunny came over. "Sis, what gift did you prepare for Grandpa? Why so mysterious?"
Feeling triumphant that Grandpa didn't mention making Katherine his god-granddaughter, Scarlett smiled at Sunny. "Be patient, Sunny. You'll find out soon!"
Sunny frowned. "What is it? I want to know now!"
Scarlett winked. "Sunny, be good. Listen to me. The gift is something boys can't see in advance! But girls can take a sneak peek!"
She turned back to Katherine with a sweet smile. "Katherine, let me show you the birthday gift I prepared for Grandpa!"
Katherine sensed Scarlett was up to something.
She had no patience for Scarlett's games today. She forcefully pried Scarlett's hand off her arm. "Sorry, Miss Mitchell, I'm busy right now."
Unexpectedly, Scarlett approached again, putting on a sweet demeanor. "Katherine, please help me take a look! It won't take long. I just want your opinion before Grandpa and Grandma see the gift!"
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