Chapter 3 Rhea's Arrival

• The interview went exceptionally well. Lisette's polished look, flawless complexion, and kind manner made her a standout candidate for the sales position at the cosmetics company. She began working that very day.
• Her new job was located at Century Mall, the largest shopping center in Lincolnville, known for its upscale clientele and heavy foot traffic.
• Lisette threw herself into the role with enthusiasm, always being the first to arrive and the last to leave. She made it a point to learn about the products, took careful notes, observed her colleagues, and quickly got the hang of things. Within a few days, she was fully adjusted.
• The store manager noticed her dedication and was pleased with her performance.
• One day, after a successful sale, Lisette's phone rang.
• "Mr. Jones, I need to take this call," she said to her manager.
• Managers often appreciate hardworking employees and tend to be more flexible with them.
• "Go ahead," Ken Jones replied.
• Lisette retreated to the storage room, where she froze upon seeing "Rhea" flashing on her screen. Her smile faltered, replaced by a wave of nervousness.
• A year earlier, when William proposed, his parents had strongly opposed the marriage. Despite their objections, William's decision was unwavering.
• Eventually, his parents had to accept it, but they never truly acknowledged Lisette as their daughter-in-law. William had been especially protective of her, never demanding that she tend to his parents. Since their initial meeting, Lisette hasn't seen the Prestons again.
• Now, with her mother-in-law calling, Lisette felt a surge of anxiety.
• "Rhea," Lisette answered, her voice soft and gentle.
• "I'm at Risorette Restaurant nearby. Get here immediately," Rhea said sharply.
• Rhea Preston sounded upset, but being an educated woman, she didn't raise her voice but ended the call abruptly.
• Lisette glanced at her phone, debating whether to inform William about the meeting.
• Given their current situation, she decided against it, pocketing her phone and asking Ken for a brief leave.
• Ten minutes later, Lisette arrived at the restaurant, where a server escorted her to a private dining room.
• The room was empty except for Rhea.
• Lisette approached and greeted her quietly. "Rhea."
• Rhea's eyes scanned Lisette from head to toe, her frown deepening. "Have you forgotten your place?"
• Rhea had come to handle some business and had decided to visit her son. Instead, she found her daughter-in-law working at a cosmetics counter.
• When have the Prestons fallen so low that our daughter-in-law had to take such a modest job?
• Rhea's displeasure was evident.
• Lisette stood silent, surprised that Rhea seemed unaware of her divorce from William.
• Rhea's patience wore thin. "Are you even listening?"
• It makes sense that a lousy family like theirs produced such a rude child!
• Lisette finally snapped out of her shock and attempted to explain. "Rhea, it's not what you think—"
• Before she could finish, Rhea interrupted, "Not what I think? I saw it with my own eyes! Do you want me to catch you in the act before you admit it?
• "Lisette, I'm telling you, we, the Prestons, cannot endure this embarrassment!"
• Rhea's frustration was clear.
• Her dissatisfaction with Lisette was growing. How could William have chosen such a woman?
• Fuming, Rhea stood up. "You need to quit this job immediately and go back to being a proper stay-at-home wife. Otherwise, don't blame me if things get difficult for you!"
• Lisette's brow furrowed, and she felt a pang of anxiety. "Rhea, please listen. It's not as you think."
• It was obvious that Rhea didn't know about the divorce, but since Lisette had already signed the papers, she saw no reason to keep it a secret any longer.
• However, Rhea seemed convinced that Lisette was just making excuses. Ignoring her, Rhea grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
• Lisette hurried after her, but as she left the room, she collided with a server carrying a tray of food.
• The dishes crashed to the floor, spilling onto the floor and onto Lisette herself.
• The strong, unpleasant smell overwhelmed Lisette, and she couldn't hold it in, vomiting right there.
• Hearing the commotion, Rhea turned around and saw Lisette clutching her mouth, clearly ill.
• Rhea's expression softened as she rushed over, calling out, "Lisette!"