Chapter 500 – Beginning with a Daring Encounter

Immediately, Aaron let out his breath, and he raised a hand to his chest as he tried to calm his racing heart.

“Don’t worry. He didn’t recognize her,” Celsie assured him when Aaron used his hands to cover his face.

“I can’t keep living this way,” Aaron complained, and the cab driver turned to them as he wondered how long they were going to remain in his car.

“We should go in now,” Celsie said as she handed the cab driver some money notes, and they both got out of the car.

“I noticed she came with someone. Do you mind if I sit with you when you speak to her?” Celsie asked, and Aaron shook his head.

“I will feel more comfortable if you are there,” Aaron said, and Celsie nodded.

“Me too. I promised Harry I will take care of you. I won’t be comfortable if I leave you alone with her,” Celsie said, and Aaron smiled.

“Do you mind if I record whatever you both discuss?” Celsie asked, and Aaron shook his head.

“It’s probably best you do that.”

“When you introduce me, tell her I’m your daughter,” Celsie suggested, wanting to see how Sara would react to that.

“She probably knows Harry is my only child and I don’t have a daughter. She would never believe us,” Aaron said, and Celsie shrugged.

“That is her problem. You don’t owe her any explanation. Just tell her that,” Celsie said as she intertwined her hand with Aaron’s hand, and they walked into the restaurant.

Away from there, in Rebekah Miller’s apartment, she walked down the stairs gracefully as she came down to join her daughters who she had been informed were visiting.

Tiffany and Bernice stood from their seats as their mother walked into the living room with her gaze fixed on Bernice.

“What are you doing here? Has she returned to her husband?” Rebekah asked Tiffany, and immediately Bernice stepped forward.

“Yes, I have. I’m sorry for being stubborn and not listening to you, mother,” Bernice said apologetically, and Rebekah turned to Tiffany who gave her a nod.

“My husband was kind enough to drop her off this morning, on his way to the office,” Tiffany assured Rebekah, and she nodded with approval.

“Good. You may now sit,” Rebekah ordered as she lowered herself to her favorite seat and her daughters did the same.

“You almost disappointed me, Bernice. I’m so relieved that you are back to your senses,” Rebekah said as one of the housekeepers came to serve them tea and cookies.

“I’m sorry, mother,” Bernice said with a bow.

“This must never repeat itself again. You are my first daughter and it is your responsibility to guide your sisters on the right path when they are going astray. What example would you be setting for Anita if she heard of your action?” Rebekah asked, and once again, Bernice apologized.

“Anyway, it is a good thing that has been cleared up and you are both here. I have good news to share with you,” Rebekah said with a pleased smile as she lifted her cup of cinnamon tea to her lips.

“You do? What could it be?” Tiffany asked as she exchanged a curious look with Bernice.

“A short while ago, I received a mail from Eric Howells.”

“Eric Howells?” Both sisters chorused in surprise as she had expected and Rebekah’s smile widened.

“Is it the same Eric Howells we are thinking?” Bernice asked their mother in disbelief, and Rebekah laughed delightfully.

“Yes, my darlings. Eric Howells has sent an invitation for me and my daughters to appear on his show. You know what that means, don’t you?” Rebekah asked, and laughed happily when both Bernice and Tiffany squealed with girlish excitement.

“It means we are celebrities!” Tiffany cried as she embraced Bernice.

“I can’t believe we have become so famous to be acknowledged by Eric Howells! This is unbelievable! It feels like a dream!” Bernice cried, and Rebekah smiled.

“It is indeed a dream come true. Now I want you both to remember something. We never would have gotten this far had I allowed your father to drag us down with him,” Rebekah said as she looked from Bernice to Tiffany and then back again.

“We must let go of silly emotions such as love. Those are for nobodies. If you want to achieve great things, you must not allow yourself to be tied down by such foolish emotions,” Rebekah warned as she looked at Bernice.

“If you desire greatness, stick to great people. If you want to be considered rich, associate with only the rich. If you want to be influential, stick with influential people,” Rebekah schooled them, and both daughters nodded in agreement.

“I will never forgive any daughter of mine that chooses a different path from the one I have set for her,” Rebekah threatened, and Bernice nodded.

“I will never disappoint you again, mother,” she promised.

“Now we need to get ready for the show. We have to go shopping for a new outfit. It all has to be limited edition designers. And do not let your sister, Lisa, know about this. You know how she is. Even though she’s married to a wealthy man, she is completely different from us. I don’t want her embarrassing us. I will let Eric know that she’s expecting her baby soon and as such, she can’t be on the show with us,” Rebekah said, and once again they nodded.

“What about Anita? Will she be joining us?”

“Of course, Anita has to be there with us. We have to ensure that she looks her best. I want Benedict Delgado to see her and know that Celestia Miller is nothing compared to Anita,” Rebekah said with a smirk as she thought about all the plans she had in store for Celsie.

“I might say some shocking things in there. Try not to be too startled, and just play along, okay?” Celsie warned Aaron as they walked into the restaurant. The last thing she wanted was for him to be shocked and have a heart attack or something.

Aaron turned to her, “What do you plan to say?” Aaron asked under his breath as they approached the table where Sara was seated.

“I can’t tell you right now, but please trust me and play along,” Celsie said as she took out her phone and turned on her sound recorder.

As Sara watched them approaching she turned to her assistant, “Who is the lady coming with him?” Sara asked as she raised her wineglass to her lips.

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