Chapter <b>76 </b><b>Her </b>birthday
*RENEE*
I was beyond surprised to see that I made the interview.
I know and believe in my skills but sometimes I get scared when I see people with strong connections vying for the same position as me.
Of course I know I have a strong connection which is Marcelo but I do not permit him to interfere unless I’m being wronged.
I like to participate in interviews fairly and I am always overjoyed when I’m epted because of my hard work.
The disbelief was evident when I heard the news. “I am offered the position of deputy director of the makeup group?” I echoed.
From the other end of the phone, a staff member from the “Peerless Grace” personnel department confirmed, ” Yes, Miss Hudson. We’re eager for you to join us. The cast and crew convene next Friday for set photos. I’ll forward the details to your email.”
After the call, I turned to Sarah, excitement in my voice. “I’ve been named the deputy director of ‘Peerless Grace‘.”
“Congrattions! You’re the best.” Sarah beamed. “Isn’t today your birthday too? What a day for double
celebrations!”
My smile wavered. “Actually, Sarah, today might not really be my birthday.”
With aforting hug,Sarah reassured, “Sweetheart, any <i>day </i>can be your birthday if you want it to be.”
I found myself agreeing. “Then let’s celebrate today.”
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When Grace and Ro found me as a baby, they said I was about a month old but they didn’t know the exact day I was born.
And so,even if they had chosen a random date as my birthday, they never celebrated it, especially because, coincidentally, the following year, they had Catherine on the same date and month that they had randomly picked for me.
We were just a year apart.
They always celebrated Catherine’s birthday but they told me I didn’t deserve to be celebrated.
They were wrong!
I deserved to feel special about being born.
Sarah had arranged for a cake at Venue Bar and escorted Renee to its secluded area.
Approaching Venue Bar, they noticed the parking lot brimming with luxury cars.
“Looks like there’s a big event, “Renee spected aloud.
Venus Bar was a familiar haunt for the affluent, but such an assembly of high–end cars was typically seen during exclusive gatherings.
Their arrival was interrupted.
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“What a coincidence, Renee. Here for my birthday?“Catherine, draped in a white feather dress, maintained her elegant demeanor even in a bar setting.
Lucia, her friend was holding Catherine’s hand, the girl sneered. “You’re Renee Hudson, right? Just so you know, Catherine’s boyfriend, Andrew, has booked the entire Venus Bar for today. It’s filled with her friends and the elite. I doubt this is your scene.”
“Renee, my friend seems to think you don’t belong at my party. Drew’s arriving soon<b>, </b>and we know about your past with him. Best to leave and avoid any drama,“Catherine said, feigning concern.
One of Catherine’s friends chimed in, “After years of Catherine’s family taking care of you, now you’re after her man? Shameless!”
Surrounded by Catherine’s allies, Renee became the target of their scorn.
Catherine, listening to the usations, felt a surge of satisfaction. Knowing Renee’s ties to Marcelo, the president of KM Group, only intensified her disdain. She had assumed Renee was married to a nobody, not realizing she had inadvertently elevated Renee’s status.
Renee’s misfortune was the only thing that could bring Catherine a sense of satisfaction.
“Catherine, are you paranoid? I’m not a recycling bin. Why should I keep the man you’re with, who seems like a mere junk?“Renee was irritated Catherine, but she wanted to chuckle instead.
Today was her birthday, and Renee had no desire to bicker with anyone. She signaled the waiter to intervene and grabbed Sarah’s arm.
“Come on, Sarah, let’s leave.”
“She’s clearly using her birthday party as a way to show off” Sarah remarked, clearly annoyed.
“The group of people apanying Catherine are hardly A–listers. Just some obscure celebrities and reality show contestants from thest couple of years. It’s clear Catherine isn’t doing too well,” Renee said, trying to soothe Sarah.
“You’re right. I recognized a few faces, too. They’re just here hanging out with their cliques.Catherine’s got a long way to go before she’s in with the elite.”
A few stepster, Sarah was still seething. “I really want to kick Catherine and her posse out. Their money is no good to me.”
“Just rx. Later, we’ll get the bartender to send them the priciest wine on the menu.”
Sarah was taken aback. “Renee, you’re not exactly short on cash. Why don’t you throw them out?”
“Who says I’m not? Do you think my experiments pay for themselves? The equipment and materials cost more than gold,” Renee exined. “Inparison to Marcelo’s wealth, I consider myself destitute.”
“But you’re his wife. What’s his is yours. If you ever divorced, you’d be wealthy. Hang on a second!” Sarah suddenly straightened up, studying Renee closely. “You sent me a photo of that scarf before you mailed it. In the picture, there was a man’s hand next to the scarf, wearing a multimillion–dor Patek Philippe watch.”
The room fell silent for a brief moment.
Sarah finally broke the silence. “Is that Marcelo’s hand in the picture? Just be honest with me.
Renee hesitated. “Would you believe me if I denied it?”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Seriously, Renee. How often do you see Patek Philippe watches around?”
Chapter 76 Her birthday
Renee knew she couldn’t <b>deceive </b>her best friend. With a sigh<b>, </b>she confessed, “Yes, it’s him<b>.</b>”
Sarah’s knack for cutting to the chase was uncanny. Sheughed lightly. “So, he was shopping with you? Things seem to be going well between the two of you. Has the rtionship progressed?”
Renee fidgeted, touching her nose. “Sarah, I haven’t told you everything Marcelo and I, well, we’ve been intimate.
Sarah’s eyes widened in surprise, then danced yfully.
Though Sarah loved a good gossip, she never indulged when <b>it </b>came to Renee’s personal life.
Deep down, Sarah was thrilled.
Initially, she had pitied Renee for her forced marriage to Marcelo. But now, it seemed the two might actually find happiness together.
The private room was adorned with Renee’s favorite flowers<b>: </b>roses and baby’s breath. A majestic crown cake rested on the coffee table.
As the birthday song filled the air, Renee made a wish and blew out the candles.
They chatted for a while until Renee received a message.
ncing at it, she turned Sarah.“Steye says he saw me earlier. He’s asking me toe out and collect a gift.”
Sarah’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Steve? But he’s been tight with Damian since childhood. Given your history ? with Damian, why would Steve offer you a gift so willingly?”
Steve and Renee weren’t really that close.They barely even spoke since high school while his friend Damian derived joy in bullying Renee.
So why would he offer a gift to her now?
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