While Carol had been abroad this past year, Ida had often used the excuse of being Richard's cousin to come over and disgust me, bringing up Richard and Carol's past over and over.
"How am I shameless? Feel free to elaborate."
My shameless demeanor shocked them both.
Ida's eyes widened.
"You... you do something so shameless and still ask others to explain it."
"I have no idea what I've supposedly done, so I'd really appreciate it if you could enlighten me, Miss Brown."
I put on a confused look as if I had no clue what she was talking about.
Ida's face turned red with rage, but she couldn't find the words to explain.
"Ida just struggles to express herself, but she didn't mean anything by it. Miss White, don't misunderstand," Carol said softly.
"I may not have read many books, but I've never heard 'shameless' used as a compliment. How about I return the favor and give those words to you instead?"
Seeing them both fumble made me oddly satisfied. After a year of torment, I'd developed PTSD from Carol!
But enough fun, there was still business to handle.
Straightening up, I asked, "Miss Green, did you come here for something important?"
"Just say what you need!" I patted my chest, eagerly watching her, signaling that I was ready!
Unexpectedly, Carol's eyes reddened instantly. She took a deep breath as if trying to hold back tears. "I came here with no ill intent. Why do you have to be so aggressive, Miss White?"
Huh? What did I say to make her think I was being aggressive?
Carol continued her performance without skipping a beat.
"I'm just here to deliver an invitation. I hope Miss White and Mr. Yukio can honor us with your presence the day after tomorrow." She placed the invitation on the table and turned to leave.
Was it that? I stared incredulously at the invitation on the table and called out to her, "Aren't you forgetting something? Like, maybe this..."
I held up my thumb and index finger, rubbing them together right in front of her face.
"You! How dare you insult me like this? You've gone too far!"
Watching her storm off, I was completely dumbfounded.
But she didn't get far before running straight into Richard, who had just returned.
Well, to be exact, she didn't quite run into him—Richard stretched out his hand and blocked her entire face with his palm. As a result, her face now bore a large white handprint.
At this sight, I couldn't hold back my laughter.