Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Although she was still swiping her son's supplementary credit card, Beverly felt it was a significant upgrade from the last time when she hadn't spent a dime and only gifted a scarf.

As they strolled into a high-end fashion boutique, the sales associate, with a keen eye for potential big spenders, spotted Beverly immediately.

With a welcoming smile, the associate approached, "Ma'am, may I assist you with anything? These are our latest designs, luxurious and elegant, just like your aura."

Beverly, wearing a chic black Gucci coat and draped in pearls, oozed elegance.

"Sure, I'll try these two on," she responded.

Millie had just reluctantly paid for several designer bags for Beverly, maintaining a calm demeanor despite the internal anguish.

Tens of thousands of dollars!

She had never indulged in such extravagance before.

Even though she was using Murray's supplementary card, she was cautious not to appear greedy, only daring to use it for prenatal check-ups and maternity needs, occasionally splurging on minor items, never venturing into such lavish spending. To date, the only luxury bags she owned were gifts from Murray and Beverly.

Their mansion's master bedroom boasted a wall full of Hermès bags in every conceivable shade and material, but Murray forbade her from touching them.

might be thinking. Just a bit of money

that kids raised in modest families

was another. If Millie had boldly used the card for her

Beverly decided to let it slide, pointing to a display area, "See

of excitement, though she still politely

grew irritated, "Suit yourself

how she had

entrance, exclaiming with joy, "Mrs Reynolds, you're here? We were just about to

What?

as she turned to

high collar, complemented by a pearl shawl and carrying a designer

a classical painting.

demeanor. Though she was over forty, her careful upkeep made her

and the Sherwood families often collaborated, which meant Beverly and Nola crossed

was not particularly

status of the Reynolds

fond of Beverly, knowing her background as a minor celebrity who married into the Sherwood family through pregnancy, opportunistic and prickly by nature. What bothered her most