A Film Queen

Chapter 4 Family Feud

She extended her hand and passed the box to Stephanie, saying, “Here you go.” As Stephanie took the box, a faint smirk appeared at the corner of her mouth, barely noticeable but caught by Milly, who was standing nearby. Failure to hold back emotions was taboo in acting. “Oh no! Why is the box empty? Milly, where is Mom’s hairpin? Did you misplace it?” Her voice was overly dramatic and shrill, causing the lively hall to fall silent as all eyes turned towards the unfolding drama. Stephanie continued, her tone anxious, “Milly, did you take Mom’s hairpin?

It’s a family heirloom passed down from Grandma to Mom. How could you take it without asking? Please return it to Mom immediately!” The accusation seemed to point directly at Milly, drawing disapproving glances from the onlookers: “Someone from a humble background like her can’t be trusted.”

“Blood ties mean nothing. An adopted daughter would have shown more respect.”

Milly remained composed amidst the gossip and accusations, meeting Olivia’s gaze steadily as she explained, “Mom, I didn’t take the hairpin. It was Stephanie who asked me to fetch the box. I did as she instructed, and the servants can attest to that.” Her voice was calm yet resolute, cutting through the tension in the hall. “But what if you got the idea to steal it on the way back? No one would know,” Stephanie persisted. The mention of that struck a nerve, causing Olivia to furrow her brow. Despite being new to the Burnetts, Milly was still her daughter. It must have been painful for a mother to hear such accusations. Olivia shot Stephanie a reproachful look, but the younger woman was too focused on her impending victory to notice. Just then, a low, elderly voice broke the silence. “Ms. Burnett,

General. He came from a prestigious aristocratic family above the Burnetts. Accusing him of theft was a serious allegation. Stephanie was taken aback by Andrew’s defence of Milly, her face flushing with embarrassment as she tried to placate him. “Andrew,

and that girl didn’t even touch it. How dare you accuse me of theft?” Realising the gravity of the situation, Stephanie paled, knowing they couldn’t afford to offend the Tates. In a quiet corner, Milly lowered her head, her lips pressed

for the Burnetts to save. Milly found him quite cute and reassured him, “It’s nothing, just a little bump, it will be fine in a while.” Although she was annoyed by Stephanie, she didn’t want to cause trouble for her mother. But Andrew didn’t listen, and he angrily tapped his cane on the floor. “Larry, call

still wants to have a meeting! Tell him to come over right away! Hurry up!” Andrew’s momentum was overwhelming. What? Master George has a fiancee? Milly wondered, Why is he playing matchmaker? Captain Pine dared not disobey the old general’s orders, so he turned around and dialled the

Pine glanced at the old general, whose face was turning red with anger, “Master George, please come to the Burnetts’ place’ the old general … uh

“Okay, I got it,