Chapter 164 You Must Be Better Than Gwenda
The incident with the Kinneys was merely an interlude for Gwenda.
But her reputation inexplicably changed after the birthday feast.
There were no longer any rumours about how she bullied her stepmother and aunt flying around the city.
On the contrary, everyone was singing praises about how she was a good Samaritan for saving young Mr. Kinney.
This caused Pauline to feel anxious.
She spent over 10 years barely managing to ruin Gwenda's reputation, yet all it took was for one incident to change it all.
As a result, she had just been about to bring up the incident between Gwenda and Benson at another gathering with her friends when someone immediately dismissed her. "Honestly, Pauline, you're the stepmother. If you can bear some things, just try to bear them, hmm? Otherwise, word might get out that you're mistreating your husband's kid."
When Pauline heard this, her sad act faltered for a bit before she explained, "You know me best. I treat that girl better than I do my own daughter. Besides, I never said anything. I just feel that it's such a shame that she would turn out to be like this..."
"Let's change the subject. It's not suitable to talk about Gwenda now. After all, Mrs. Kinney keeps praising Gwenda whenever she meets someone. If you say that, it might be interpreted as you disliking her." "I..."
Pauline was at a loss for words, and her anger boiled from within. She could not let it out nor force it down.
"Come on, let's talk about the latest bag arrivals. I just happen to be planning to fly out to order..."
The subject was successfully changed.
Pauline was so upset that her face had turned red from anger. She felt as if something was stuck in her throat and was very uncomfortable.
When Gretchen got back from the company at night, Pauline went upstairs to find her, desserts in hand.
"How have you been doing in the company?"
"Not bad. Dad has found a teacher for me. Soon, I'll be able to record the songs, finish production, and release them. After that, we'll get someone to push the songs onto the listings and promote them. I'm sure that it won't take long for me to be popular."
Gretchen was filled with hope for the future.
Pauline was also pleased. "I can only rely on you now, Gretchen. You must work hard."
"I will, Mum."
Gretchen promised with a smile. "I will definitely do better than Gwenda!"
"Please don't bring her up."
Pauline's mood soured the moment she heard Gwenda's name.
"What's wrong?"
"This stupid brat. She ruined all of my plans by sucking up to the
Kinneys! Now her reputationnet
has
become all good, and it's so frustrating!"
Pauline gritted her teeth, her face filled with cold fury.
"We let our guard down. There was no way we could have known that she would be so difficult to deal with after she changed."
Gretchen's face darkened as well,
and she hissed through gritted teeth.
"But
that doesn't matter! I'm sure
I can defeat her!"
Gretchen was going to see what else Gwenda could do to her once she had gained popularity from debuting some time later.
"My wonderful daughter, I believe in you! You will definitely be better than that brat!"
Pauline encouraged her.
"But of course!"
Gretchen nodded confidently.
"Well, don't stay up late. Take a shower and go to bed after. Sleep well."
"Got it, mum. You too."
"Alright."
Pauline left Gretchen's room and entered the master bedroom, where she saw Benson sitting on the sofa, having just finished with his social engagements.
"Oh, Benson, you're back. I'll make you some tea."
Pauline said in a virtuous manner.
"Ah, forget it. Come sit with me for a while."
Benson patted the spot next to him.
Seeing this, Pauline's eyes flickered with something as she went to sit next to him. "What's wrong? Did you drink too much?"
"No, I'm just a little tired."
Benson lay on her lap and closed his eyes, sighing. "I met a few old classmates at the restaurant today."
"Oh?" Pauline massaged his temples and asked casually, "What did you talk about?"
"They mentioned Gwenda."
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Pauline's movements stuttered for a moment before returning to normal. "And? What else did they say?"