The Kiss that Sparked it All

Besides, for a long time, she had been copying the habits and preferences of Pearl Howard, who disappeared years ago

She did this to win the affection of Pearl’s family, hoping they would pour all their love for Pearl onto her.

Like Balfour, who treated her like his own sister and spoiled her rotten.

However, the Bagleys werent so easily swayed by her attempt to resemble Pearl.

Patricia was frustrated by this, but she hadn’t given up trying to win over the two old folks from the Bagley family

This was because the Bagleys held a significant position among the rich and powerful families, and they were old friends with the Blanchets. If she could get on their good side, she would have a powerful network backing her, which would help if she were to marry into the Blanchet family.

Thus, she had been trying hard to make the two old Bagleys treat her like their long–lost granddaughter, but she had been unsuccessful all these years

“Old Mr. Bagley”

called out softly

a middle–aged man in a grey suit who was walking

Bagley’s friendly face instantly turned sour upon seeing the man and he grumpily asked, “What

birthday today I came to give you a

Bagley grumpily said. “Take it away! The Bagleys don’t need your stuff!”

didn’t get angry and just sighed resignedly. He gave the gift to old Mr. Bagley’s servant and instructed, “Add a little of this when you make soup for old Mr. Bagley it’s good for his health, but remember not to add too much Too much

nodded and

man politely said, “I won’t disturb your birthday celebration, Til come see you another

away grumpily, “Get out! Don’t come to wish me a happy birthday, don’t come here at all, you bring nothing but trouble!”

seemed used to old Mr. Bagley’s

Byran and Patricia

Byran said, “Dad”

said, “Dad, are