Bogus Billionaire By Shining Riviera

Caroline and Kirk were eating when they heard knocking on the door. She looked at the time and wondered aloud, “Who could be visiting us at this hour?”

“I’ll get the door,” said Kirk. He got up and headed toward the door. After peeking through the doorhole, his expression changed.

“Who is it?” asked Caroline.

She had just asked her question when Kirk opened the door to admit a haggard–looking Marietta. Caroline rushed to her and led into the house. “Mom, what happened to you?”

Marietta looked lifeless. “It’s confirmed that Yvonne is my daughter,” she mumbled.

“Isn’t this great news? Why do you look so-” Marietta started mumbling again, leaving Caroline’s sentence unfinished. Her voice was low, so Caroline couldn’t tell if she was talking to her, or simply mumbling to herself.

“But she doesn’t accept me as her mother,” Marietta muttered.

Caroline paled at her words and gripped Marietta’s hands to comfort her.

Kirk headed into the kitchen to pour Marietta a glass of water.

laced with concern. “Can you

explained what transpired. Although her sentences were sometimes unclear, Caroline still managed to get

her arms and said, “It’s fine, Mom. She might

a fragile little Carrie, do you think

canary.

the frail–looking woman and felt her heart

say anything. Only

as he

cold as before. It suddenly dawned on her that Caroline

“Please finish your meals. Don’t mind

+15 BONUS

big deal,” Caroline told her. “Have you

replied with a gentle smile. She abruptly recalled how Yvonne had yelled at her to leave, and her heart broke at the thought. Still, she put on a smile as if to comfort herself.

turned to look at Kirk. He reached his hand out

at him, puzzled. But