Chapter 415

“Exactly, Mom, you really don’t need to worry about it,” Yolande chimed in right away. Sure, she wasn’t a top student, but it’s not like she wanted to drop out of college either.

Padgett joined the conversation, his voice relaxed but firm. “If shortcuts were what she wanted, Yolande could follow Patti into show business anytime. But not everyone gets the chance to truly focus on their studies p>

“At her age, she should be hitting the books, not chasing after wild ideas p>

The look on Tiffany’s face changed instantly at Padgett’s words. She’d braced herself for rejection, but nobody likes to be lectured in front of family.

“Grandpa’s right, Mom. I want to finish my degree before I even think about working.” Yolande glanced at her mom, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Or is the real reason you want me to get a job early because you don’t want to pay my tuition anymore p>

Saying it in front of everyone was classic Yolande. She knew exactly how her mother operated.

Tiffany reacted just as expected, snapping right back. “Don’t talk nonsense. Why wouldn’t I pay your tuition p>

“I just want you to get some real-life experience early, so you can land a great job later. But if you’re not up for it, forget it p>

Tiffany loved drama, but she never picked fights with Padgett for long. If he got fed up and called her father-in-law or her husband, she’d be the one looking bad—and she’d definitely get an earful when she got home.

Arguing was one thing, but what really scared her was when her husband cut her spending money. Tiffany lived for shopping and keeping up with the other wealthy ladies. Having her allowance reduced was pure torture.

From then on, she kept quiet about show business and focused on the feast in front of her. If the roast lamb hadn’t been disappearing so fast, she probably would’ve called her son to come and join the meal too.

“Claire’s the lucky one. Back with the Churchill family, no longer just a country girl— she’s got an amazing engagement and everyone is probably so jealous,” Tiffany remarked, clearly trying to needle Claire.

“If your side of the family had been powerful, Tiffany, then Yolande would be just as well-off as Claire,” Claire shot back without missing a beat, completely shutting Tiffany down.

Tiffany’s own background had always been pretty ordinary, and everyone in the room knew it.

Her face turned bright red, and she glared at Claire, clearly seething.

Then Bishop usually the quiet one, always helping out with food and drinks-suddenly spoke up,

าวน p>

it

surprising everyone “That’s not Tiffany’s family was pretty average, just a regular apartment in an old neighborhood. If she’d come from money, maybe she’d have married someone famous instead of your uncle p>

Bishop’s words left no room for pride. The whole room could sense his open dislike for Tiffany.

Claire was a little lost, just giving a quiet blink as she tried to catch up.

Tiffany’s face went pale as she gathered her things, dragging Yolande out of the room without another word.

Once they’d gone, Karla turned to Claire with a smile. “You know, back in the day Tiffany was always looking to marry up even trying to use your uncle as a stepping stone. She even tried to get between Bishop and me, hoping we’d split p>

“Wait, really?” Claire felt like she was hearing gossip from a whole new world.

“If Bishop and I divorced, she

thought she could slide into my

place. She never realized was onto. her the whole time.

“Bishop and I have always been solid. No way she could break us up p>

“She really thought being the prettiest girl on her old street meant she deserved a rich husband p>

“And honestly, she only snagged your uncle by getting pregnant before the wedding p>

Even though all that was years ago and Karla trusted Bishop completely, she still hadn’t totally forgiven Tiffany.

Honestly, it was a relief that nobody in the family really liked Tiffany.