Chapter 7 Dressed to Impress - and Dominate

Clive's mom had health issues, so right after the wedding, they headed overseas for her to recuperate.

So after dinner, the men all put on a decent show - chatting and laughing their way out of the room. That left the tea-talk to be handled by the three sisters-in-law.

"Paisley, eat more meat, will you? You're way too skinny. It's not great for having babies, y'know. Grandpa's dying to hold his great-grandkid." That was Clive's eldest sister-in-law talking. She might be from a prestigious family herself, but her words? Syrupy on the surface, barbed underneath.

"Oh, come on. You can't say stuff like that. I can't afford to end up like you - totally wrecked my figure. Not everyone looks good aging like that, right? No offense." Paisley had been polite to them in her past life, figuring there was no point making waves since she hadn't planned to stay with Clive long-term.

But now? Different story. When it comes to women like these, if you don't show some teeth, they'll just see you as a pushover.

Everyone knew Clive's oldest brother had a bad habit of cycling through starlets like he was harvesting crops - nonstop.

"Oh, how things have changed. You used to be the picture of obedience and manners - your father never shut up about how well you knew your place. And now? After draining Clive's wallet to patch up your family's financial mess, you've finally wormed your way into the Harringtons. Though let's be honest, Clive's heart was never yours to begin with. But hey, with you playing house, I suppose he has to keep his little flings in check - for now."

This came from the second sister-in-law, who leaned hard on her family's backing and rarely thought before speaking. Basically, she was the kind of person you could easily throw under the bus.

She was flat-out implying Clive had feelings for someone else - and that Paisley only managed to "lock things down" because she could keep his wandering heart in check.

"Oh, you're so right," Paisley replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "As long as Clive spoils me, I'm good. Just before we got here, he even asked if I had enough spending money - and then handed over his secondary credit card."

Right now, her biggest leverage was Clive's affection, and she had zero intention of letting that go to waste.

Noticing the skeptical look on Second Sis-in-law's face, she called out casually, "Jane, bring up the gifts I prepared for them. If any of you aren't digging the ones I picked, feel free to swap them in my room. Honestly, the storage's overflowing. Some are still stacked in the guest room. Don't be shy!"

I mean, who doesn't love a good handbag?

Sure, buying one with your own money is one thing, but buying loads using your husband's card? Now that hits different.

Third sister-in-law was the sharp type, though. She kept a cool distance and didn't join the mean-girl energy.

Later, needing some air, Paisley stepped outside to the garden. All that small talk had really frayed her mood. She stared up at the pale moon for a long while, trying to settle herself.

"Out here moon-gazing, Mrs. Harrington?" Clive's voice teased gently as he strolled over. Talking to his brothers had been just as exhausting for him, by the look on his face.

"Please don't bug me. I'd like some peace." The second she saw him, the irritation flared again - especially after Second Sis-in-law had said her dad patched his debts with Clive's money. The nerve.

Not that she could say it outright.

"Grandpa says to come in for some food he had the kitchen make," Clive said, casual but sincere. Grandpa Alfred really did like Paisley a lot - enough to send Clive out to fetch her personally.

"I'll pass. I might accidentally tell Grandpa you've got a mistress on the side." Paisley's tone was deliberately sharp.

Yep, she wanted to call out Clive's sweet little first-love romance as what it really was: cheating. Let's see if he liked that.

And if things blew up over it? Even better. Perfect excuse for a clean break.