Chapter 135 - Barbecue and Death (1/2)

The barbecue was a huge success. While some parents were overwhelmed by the hospitality they received, the event ran smoothly. Orita was an expert communicator who easily won the hearts of the initially uneasy parents. The E.C. Class was very different from the Special Class and to have friends from such a vastly different background made them feel inferior.

Their children like Jinru and Jeremy were initially unable to persuade their parents that the Wildes' were nice people. Jeff's parents came with apologies instead of thanks when they understood that the entire resort had been booked out for the overnight party. Scarlet and Alex did their best to explain they didn't have to pay or feel guilty for attending but Jeff's parents were very insistent until Orita and Jenna stepped in.

Watching the two ladies handle the situation professionally with that refreshing smile that never tired made Scarlet's respect them more than ever. She didn't know how Orita never seemed exhausted dealing with so many people.

”What's on your mind?” Wilmer asked, handing two fruit punches to his exhausted daughters. The party had only started but Alex and Scarlet looked like they were ready for bed at any moment.

Scarlet accepted the drink gratefully and eyes her mother who was laughing alongside with some of the boys from the E.C. Class at their stories.

”I don't understand how mommy can be so tireless and constantly maintain that smile. She's able to handle Jeff's parents so easily too...”

Wilmer nodded and Alex took a sip of the fruit punch. It was a little too sweet but she didn't mind. After all, most of the other kids loved it.

”Mm,” Wilmer nodded. ”That is something your mother worked hard to achieve. She's a social butterfly not because of her wealth, name or beauty. It's a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Most of the world only sees Orita like this but behind closed doors, she reads up a lot on others and does a lot of communicating via emails, texts and sometimes phone calls.”

”Is that why Jenna has to sometimes write greeting cards to all of mommy's friends? She's making connections and maintaining her huge network while increasing it. That's what a socialite does, right?”

Alex's questions put a smile on Wilmer's face but Scarlet still looked confused. ”Mommy works?”

At that, both father and daughter laughed. ”Yes, she does. However, she doesn't get paid in monetary value,” Wilmer explained and Scarlet's confusion grew.

For half of the event, Wilmer and Alex did their best to explain to Alex the concept of a socialite and the duty of an heiress. While Orita was more than capable of running a business, she was better suited to building her business' image and network through activities like organising tea parties and attending official charity events.

At the end of the lengthy explanation, Scarlet roughly understood Orita's duty as the lady of the Wilde Family. She turned to her sister and wondered if the day will come when Alex will have to take on that mantle too.

”What?”

Scarlet shook her head with a smile. ”I was just wondering if you'd have to become a socialite too when you grow up. After all, you are the Wilde princess.”

Wilmer cooed and Alex blushed, shoving the responsibility back to Scarlet saying that she was also a Wilde princess. Scarlet looked horrified at the thought and shifted the responsibility back to Alex who claimed that she was much better at being an artist than a social butterfly. Wilmer was enjoying hearing his daughters squabble over silly things when the phone in his pocket vibrated.