Chapter 737

Penelope's wild interpretation left Ellison and Lavinia grinding their teeth in absolute

fury.

Seeing the two of them getting completely ripped apart brought a wave of

satisfaction to Marin. Since they had already set the stage, backing down now would only make her look guilty.

"I still haven't tasted your secretary's cooking. I'm actually dying to know what's so amazing about it that my husband can't stop singing her praises." With that, Marin pulled Penelope toward the dining room.

Penelope gave her an approving nod. "Good call. You have to show them you're not messing around, so they never dare to cross you again!"

Marin scoffed quietly. "You know how I felt when I walked through the door and saw them looking so cozy together?"

"How?"

"Nauseous."

"Totally valid," Penelope agreed.

After the two women sat down, Ellison joined them. Lavinia scurried into the kitchen to finish up, bringing out the dishes one by one. She even set the silverware for the three of them, playing the perfect, attentive host.

But a manipulative girl couldn't help but play her games. Just before sitting down, she specifically placed a plate of mild baked salmon right in front of Ellison.

"Ellison, your acid reflux has been acting up lately, so you can't have anything spicy. I made this mild salmon just for you."

Penelope immediately shot Lavinia a thumbs-up. "What a good daughter!"

Marin had just taken a sip of water and nearly choked trying not to laugh.

Ellison had been trying to tolerate Penelope because she was a guest, but now he was openly glaring at her. Where the hell did this woman come from, and how was her mouth so toxic?

Lavinia's eyes welled up with tears again, playing the victim who didn't dare speak up.

"Which one is the spicy garlic shrimp?" Penelope asked intentionally.

Knowing Penelope was nothing but trouble, Lavinia ignored her.

Since neither of them took the bait, Marin wasn't about to let the tension drop. She pointed to a dish in front of her. "Probably this one."

"I have to try it. It must be a culinary masterpiece for Mr. Jeffries to brag about it so much."

Penelope popped a shrimp into her mouth, immediately throwing up a series of exaggerated thumbs-ups and urging Marin to try it too. It actually

is deficious It's way bette than what my personal chef makes."

Marin played along, taking a bite. "It's alright. Sounds like your chef needs to up their game."

"I have an idea." Penelope looked at Lavinia. "Why don't you quit being a secretary and come work as a maid at my house? I guarantee it pays more than your current salary."

Lavinia forced a smile. "I appreciate the offer, Ms. Laurier, but I couldn't bear to leave our company."

"Can't bear to leave the company, or can't bear to leave a specific person in the company?"

"Ellison and I have a strictly professional relationship! You―"

"I never specifically mentioned you and Mr. Jeffries. Besides, the fact that he managed to marry Marin proves he has incredibly

look

standards. He woultice at you."

"You!" Lavinia trembled with rage.

Ellison swallowed his anger. "Lavinia, offer Marin a toast, and she'll forgive you."

Reluctantly, Lavinia poured a glass

of wine and raised it toward Marin.

"Marin, no matter what you think, l

noxm

really didn't mean to mess up. But

Since youre so upset, let this drink? be my apology. I hope you can let go of your anger and not fire me."

With that, Lavinia downed the glass in one gulp.

"And what if I don't forgive you?" Marin arched an eyebrow.

"Marin, are you really going to force me out?"

"What if I am?"

"I..." Lavinia let out a sob. "I just graduated. I just signed a lease and barely have a

nest egg in this city. If you fire me now, I... I'll have no way to survive."