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Novel Catalog
Chapter 64: Invitation
Kaliyah leaned in close to Kaitlin and whispered a few words in her ear, her tone filled with quiet malice. “Just treat her the way she’s tried to treat others.”
Kaitlin blinked, processing the idea. “Hold my birthday banquet in advance? Do you think she’ll actually come?”
Lindsay, overhearing their conversation, frowned. “I don’t want to see that woman anywhere near our family. Are you really going to invite her to your birthday banquet? Forget it!”
But Kaitlin was unfazed. In fact, her eyes glinted with determination. If Ainsley came to the banquet, there was a good chance Manuel would show up too. And if he didn’t, no one would be there to protect Ainsley. It would be the perfect opportunity for Kaitlin to take matters into her own hands.
Besides, her birthday was only a few days away, so it was easy enough to move the event up by a day or two before the competition.
“Mom, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll hold the birthday banquet earlier. Kaliyah, you’ve got to help me figure out the best way to make sure Ainsley comes. She might not show up otherwise,” Kaitlin said, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Kaliyah smiled, her tone gentle yet calculating. “Kaitlin, think carefully. What does Ainsley need the most right now? Start with that.”
Kaitlin paused, her brows furrowing in thought. What did Ainsley need most?
A sudden realization dawned on her, and a sly smile spread across her face. All of her earlier frustration disappeared in an instant.
“I know exactly what I’ll do,” Kaitlin said, her voice almost gleeful.
The next morning, Ainsley woke up early and headed to school with Serina. The students from the Organization Department had already managed to secure most of the judges for the competition, and now Ainsley was focused on inviting Mollie.
With the competition only five days away, Ainsley knew she needed to confirm whether Mollie could attend in the next two days. Meanwhile, the students from the Planning Department were organizing the event schedule and ensuring everything was in place.
Ainsley called Mollie’s assistant to inquire about her schedule, but the answer was disappointing. Mollie had no time available, and her proposal to discuss the invitation was outright rejected.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Easton. If we can’t get her, we’ll let you know right away,” one of the students said reassuringly.
Ainsley nodded, though a small sense of unease lingered in her chest. As she was about to finish preparing her presentation slides, a knock interrupted her thoughts.
She opened the door to find Kaitlin standing there, an invitation in her hand.
Ainsley’s brow furrowed, and her voice grew cold. “What are you doing here?”
Kaitlin, ever confident, gave a sarcastic smile. “Ainsley, you’re a teacher now. Is this how you treat your students?”
Ainsley’s eyes narrowed. “The Psychological Counseling Room is meant for students with real psychological issues. I don’t think you’re in need of that kind of help, especially considering the last time you came here, you managed to scare away an actual student.”
Kaitlin’s face flushed with indignation, but she forced herself to remain calm. She had come with a clear purpose.
Kaitlin pulled an elegant pink invitation from her bag, the golden letters shining in the light.
Ainsley glanced at the invitation without any interest, her tone dismissive. “Are you seriously inviting me? Do you think I’ll actually go?”
Kaitlin’s expression softened, feigning sincerity. “Don’t be so heartless. I admit I was wrong at the Gage family banquet, and I’ve apologized. But this is my birthday banquet, and I’m personally inviting you.”
Ainsley didn’t answer immediately, her eyes sharp as she studied Kaitlin. “Your birthday isn’t for another few days, is it? I’ve already helped you with several birthday parties in the past.”
Kaitlin’s smile was sly. “That’s true, but I’m hosting it early this time. Don’t you want to come back to the Baldry house and see my brother?”
Ainsley didn’t respond right away, her gaze cooling as memories of her past with Cason resurfaced. She knew what Kaitlin was doing—using Cason to manipulate her.
Finally, Ainsley spoke, her voice low but firm. “Kaitlin, I’ve made myself clear. I don’t care about Cason anymore. I’ve divorced him, and I want nothing to do with him. If you bring him up again, I will make sure you regret it.”
Kaitlin, taken aback by the coldness in Ainsley’s eyes, felt a chill run down her spine. But she quickly composed herself, reminding herself of Kaliyah’s advice. She clenched her fists to steady her nerves.
“Fine, I won’t mention him again. But think about it for the sake of Mollie,” Kaitlin pressed, her voice smooth. “I’m inviting you with genuine intentions. I want you to see just how good my new sister-in-law is to me, and how much she’s helped me. If you come, I’ll believe you’ve truly moved on from my brother.”
Ainsley blinked, confused. “You invited Mollie?”
Kaitlin’s lips curled into a smug smile. “Everyone at the University of Washington knows you wanted Mollie to judge the competition. It’s no secret anymore. Mollie decided just yesterday that she’ll be attending my birthday banquet. After that, she’s booked solid. Are you really sure you won’t come?”
Ainsley’s mind raced. Mollie is going to Kaitlin’s birthday banquet? Why would Kaitlin invite Mollie? Did she somehow know about Ainsley’s plan to ask Mollie to judge the competition?
“Are you saying Mollie’s attending just to make sure I come to your banquet?” Ainsley asked, her confusion deepening.
Kaitlin’s smile widened. “It’s up to you now. Will you give up on Mollie, or will you show up at my birthday party? The choice is yours.”
Ainsley didn’t respond. The invitation sat heavily in her hand, the pressure of making the right choice weighing on her. After a long pause, she finally said, “I’ll think about it.”
Kaitlin, satisfied with her manipulation, turned and walked out of the room, leaving Ainsley alone with her thoughts.
Meanwhile, On the School Forum
A post soon went viral on the school’s forum: “Is it true that Professor Randall will be a judge at the competition?”
The news spread like wildfire. For psychology students, Mollie was practically a legend, as vital to their studies as any textbook.
Even the school leaders were taken aback by the news. Cody immediately called Ainsley, his voice serious.
“Professor Wade, is it true? Are you really going to invite Mollie as a judge? Why wasn’t this in the plan?”
Ainsley quickly checked the forum, seeing the uproar she had unwittingly caused. Her initial attempt to keep the news under wraps had failed.
“Professor Wade, I just wanted to give it a try. I’m not sure if I’ll succeed.”
Cody’s voice softened. “The whole school is buzzing about it now. The leaders want to publicize it. The University of Washington hasn’t had this kind of excitement in years, and they want to make the most of it. If you’re unsure, don’t worry about the forum post for now. Let me handle the leaders. I’ll explain things.”
Ainsley was touched by his support. “Thank you, Professor Wade. I really appreciate it.”
Though she had only shared her plans with the Planning Department, the news had somehow leaked. Ainsley couldn’t help but wonder who was behind it and why. She now realized that someone was trying to force her hand—making her not only invite Mollie, but also attend Kaitlin’s birthday banquet.
