Lilith rolled her eyes at Perla, saying, "Mom, there's nothing | can do if you don't like me. The deed is done, and we're hitched. You might as well come to terms with it." Aurelia persuaded, "Lilith, if you can really get a grip on Ritchie and get him to do something worthwhile, if you can whip your household into shape, you'd be a real credit for the Hawthorne family." Lilith was quick to inquire, "Is there a reward for a real credit?" Aurelia gave a slight smile, "What reward do you want?" "lI want a Hermes bag," Lilith said without any hesitation.
"Deal," Aurelia nodded. If anyone could tame Ritchie, it would indeed be a blessing.
"That's the spirit." Lilith laughed, her eyes shining with pride.
Everyone in Elysium knew that Aurelia was the real power behind the Hawthorne family. If she could get on her good side, she'd never have to worry about money.
As for her grouchy mother-in-law Perla, she was just a penny-pincher with more bark than bite.
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Without the luxury of a wealthy matriarch's life, she still suffered from a rich matriarch's ailments.
After lunch, Ritchie sprawled out on the couch, diving into his video games, completely ignoring Margot and Bella, his two daughters.
The girls weren't close to him and instead followed Arnold, Avery, and their two brothers out to the backyard for a game of baseball.
The elders retreated to the card room for some chess.
Aurelia and Emma sat in the shade, chatting and watching the kids play.
Lilith scampered over and took a seat beside them. She'd never seen so many celebrities in one place. If her phone hadn't been confiscated by security, she would have secretly snapped a ton of pictures to boost her followers during her live streams.
Aurelia read her like an open book.
"Lilith, let me make one thing clear. We have a strict privacy policy in this family, especially concerning Avery. So, not a word about what happens here leaves this house." Lilith made a face and thought, "Can she read minds or something?" "Got it.
She sneaked a glance at Avery, "Avery really doesn't have a girlfriend?" If Avery had a girlfriend, she would have shown up for Belinda's birthday. It was a big deal.
"No," Aurelia said flatly, "Avery's focusing on his career. He won't be dating anyone until he's at least thirty." Lilith chuckled, "I knew it. Avery is an honorable man. Some stars might not have girlfriends, but they sure have a list of flings. Just a few days ago a celebrity broke out in scandal.” Aurelia seemed to remember something and asked, "Have you told your parents about your marriage? Lilith shrugged, "Haven't told them yet. I'll get around to it eventually." Emma gave her a knowing look, "Lilith, you only married him because he's Avery's cousin, didn't you?" Lilith stuck out her tongue playfully.
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She was a wildflower, unrefined, with little formal education, hitting the streets right after middle school.
Her parents were too busy laying bricks at construction sites to guide or educate her.
But even a skinny camel was bigger than a horse. No matter how lackluster Ritchie was, he was still related to the high and mighty, which was leagues better than the nobodies she used to hang out with.
If she hadn't married Ritchie, she wouldn't even get to see these celebrities.
"| just wanted a peek at Avery. Ritchie would boast about being his cousin in the bars, but no one believed him.
They all thought he was full of hot air. After all, he doesn't hold a candle to Avery in the looks. | was the only one who believed him. And it turns out, he wasn't lying or bluffing." Aurelia nearly choked on her drink. Reasons for a shotgun wedding were a dime a dozen, but this one took the cake. She had to hand it to Lilith. This little girl was something else.