Chapter 111
111 Yvette Martinez
111 Yvette Martinez
Alice decided to play it safe and avoid stirring anything up before she had the full picture.
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Yvette moved gracefully, lifting the hem of her dress as she walked, then letting it fall neatly into place when she stopped.
“Nice to meet you, Alice. Just call me Yvette.”
Alice offered a polite but distant smile. “It’s our first time meeting, so I’ll stick with Ms. Martinez for now.”
Yvette didn’t look bothered at all. She kept smiling kindly.
She reached out slightly like she meant to link arms with Alice.
But Alice subtly leaned toward Eric, throwing him a warning glance.
Your girl , your problem . Deal with it .
Right after Alice slipped her arm through Eric’s, Yvette said, “You two do seem close.”
Alice knew her gut feeling had been right.
Yvette’s vibe wasn’t just cold–it was downright threatening.
She was playing sweet with Eric and was upset he didn’t treat her like a priority.
The way she talked about them almost felt like she was throwing shade at Eric.
It was like a not–so–subtle complaint wrapped in a reminder.
Alice couldn’t help but think.
This woman knows how to play the family drama game .
Everything Yvette said or did seemed like it had some hidden message behind it.
If Sandy had even a little of that skill, she wouldn’t be shrinking back like she was afraid to even speak.
Irene and Ruby walked over, offering warm smiles,
“You’ve known each other for years–you’re childhood friends! No need to stand around at the door.”
Yvette’s face lit up with a soft smile. Yes, Eric, come inside. We can talk more tire.”
Eric didn’t react at all. He just turned to Alice. “Wanna head in?”
Alice sighed softly. “I’m not a fan of big crowds.”
He didn’t miss a beat.
“Grandma, we’re a bit worn out. Not feeling up for a crowd tonight. We’ll go back first.”
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111 Yvette Martinez
Irene’s mood shifted instantly.
“Eric, what’s wrong with you? This is Yvette’s welcome party!”
Yvette looked a little thrown off.
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She kept staring at Eric, like she was hurt, trying not to show it, and maybe still hanging on to something
more.
Honestly, if he still cared about her at all, seeing her like that would’ve made him soften up.
But Eric didn’t even look her way.
“There are plenty of people here to celebrate with her. Our absence won’t make a difference. We just need to rest. Let’s go, babe.”
Alice actually got chills when she heard that. She gave him a tiny pinch on the arm.
Can you be less mushy ?
Eric glanced over. His gaze seemed to tell her that he’d break her hand if she moved again.
Alice stopped right away.
Ruby smiled awkwardly.
“Eric, you and Yvette go way back. She even brought you a gift this time.
“Back in the day, you’d prepare something for her whenever she came. You truly didn’t get her anything this time?”
Yvette chuckled.
“Ruby, don’t tease. I didn’t tell Eric I was coming. This visit was a surprise, so he wouldn’t have known to get anything.”
Ruby’s smile got even wider.
“Oh, I’m sure he still has something ready. He’s always cared about you most.”
Then, she looked at Eric. “Isn’t that right?”
Eric didn’t even blink.
“Everything I have is handled by my wife. If Ms. Martinez was supposed to get something, only Alice would know. I don’t deal with small stuff like that.”
Alice’s eyes
went wide.
She’d heard of people getting thrown under the bus before, but this was next level.
She hadn’t even touched any of Eric’s stuff. How was she supposed to have all his things?
She nearly rolled her eyes right then. “I haven’t prepared anything.”
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She then added reproachfully, “You never even mentioned Ms. Martinez when you told me about your close friends. So how would I have known?”
Perfect way to toss the hot potato back at him. She wouldn’t take the blame alone.
Eric sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. No need to pay any attention to it.”
Alice blinked and jumped right in. “Whew, I thought I forgot something big for a second.”
They were totally in sync, and it left Irene, Ruby, and Yvette looking embarrassed.
Yvette broke first.
She blinked, then tears started running down her cheeks.
“Eric, are you mad at me because I left Drakoria without saying anything three years ago?”
Before he could say anything, she sighed again.
“You’re right if you are. Back then, things were rough for you. I should’ve stayed and supported you.”
Sandy came over and quickly cut in.
“Don’t blame yourself! Eric was doing fine when you left. You couldn’t have dropped your education.
“And when you heard he was struggling, you did want to come back, but your parents freaked out and threatened to hurt themselves if you returned. That’s why you stayed there.”
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