Chapter 2
"Look at yourself now, a haggard old woman. Who else would want you if you left me?” As Herbert spoke, he pointed at the glass jug on the table.
"Go ahead, pour Wanetta a glass of water. Let's see if you still remember how to do it.
"If you can't serve us properly, you can forget about that one grand," he added dismissively.
I glared at Wanetta's arrogant face. She was doing this on purpose.
She wanted to humiliate me, his first wife, by making me do all the menial chores, including washing their underwear.
Just the thought of this perverse thrill made her face flushed with excitement.
However, I didn't lose my temper. For the sake of that thick envelope and the penthouse, I kept my cool.
Thus, I picked up the glass jug and poured a glass of warm water.
With both hands, I offered it to Wanetta, bowing my head low to hide the icy look in my eyes. "Please have some water, Ms. Zuhlsdorf."
Wanetta took the glass and laughed gleefully as though she was toying with a dog. "At least you know your place."
I held back my indignation and spoke in a tremulous, submissive tone, "I can be your maid, but I have one condition."
Herbert frowned at once. He slammed his hand on the table and was about to lecture me when I spoke again.
"I heard there's a VIP event tonight. I wish to attend so that I can see what the upper class is really like.
"Even if I'm there just serving drinks, I still want to attend to broaden my horizons.
"I wish to see just how prestigious your circle really is.”
Herbert immediately rejected my request with a look of disgust.
"What makes you think you’re qualified to attend such events? With your attire, you’d be an embarrassment just walking in.”
However, Wanetta stopped him. She seemed to enjoy being admired and envied by me.
"Sure, bring her along. Let her see what high society is like, so she won't embarrass me in the future with her clumsy antics.
"It will also make you give up and realize the difference between us," she said haughtily.
What an idiot! I sniggered inwardly.
*****
I excused myself to go to the bathroom. There, I sent Kiefer a quick text message: [Delivery tonight.]
Kiefer replied almost instantly: [Well done. Room number 808.]
After that, I put my phone away, touched up my makeup in front of the mirror, and applied my brightest lipstick.
As I marveled at the ruthless-looking woman reflected in the mirror, a sly smile crept across my lips.
When I returned to the table, I gave Wanetta a meaningful smile.
"Don't worry, Wanetta. Tonight, I'll definitely help to put Herbert in the best light.
"I promise it will be an unforgettable experience for him."
Wanetta was still gloating, completely unaware that she had sold her husband out.
*****
The evening party was held at the most luxurious five-star hotel downtown. Wanetta slipped her arm through Herbert's, clinging to him like a leech.
"Hey, you! Are you blind? Can't you see Herbert's glass is empty?" Wanetta barked at me with undisguised contempt.
Meanwhile, Herbert was busy handing out business cards to a Mr. Limberg. He was so engrossed in sucking up that he didn't even have time to drink.
"Mr. Limberg, I'm Mr. Kiefer Zuhlsdorf's son-in-law. Hope we can work together in the future…"
But Mr. Limberg didn't even look at him. He took the card, casually dropped it onto a passing waiter's tray, and immediately turned to discuss golf with someone else.
Herbert's strained smile froze on his face while his hand was suspended in midair awkwardly.
I chuckled inwardly as I watched him. So this was the high society he was dreaming about.
The people here were only interested in Kiefer Zuhlsdorf.
To them, Herbert Jahnke was nothing more than a freeloading son-in-law who was worse than a lackey.
Seeing Herbert caught in this embarrassing predicament, I immediately stepped forward and filled his glass with wine.
At the same time, I whispered in his ear, "Don't lose heart. Mr. Zuhlsdorf is just testing you."
Herbert was taken aback. He spun around to look at me warily.
With a mysterious air, I continued in a low voice, "Mr. Zuhlsdorf told me earlier to tell you not to bother with these small fry tonight.
"He's upstairs in the presidential suite number 808, waiting to introduce you to some real big shots.
"That's the inner circle that ordinary people can't get in."
Herbert's eyes lit up instantly. His breathing quickened, and his hand gripping the wine glass trembled. "Did my father-in-law really tell you that?"
"Indeed, he did. But…" I nodded vigorously, but the next instant, I glanced at Wanetta worriedly.
Right now, Wanetta was idly fiddling with her manicured nails impatiently.
I continued in a hushed voice, "Mr. Zuhlsdorf said it's a business meeting for men. The air is thick with cigarette smoke, and there might be some special activities... He's worried that Wanetta, being pregnant, might not be able to handle it.
"Moreover, Mr. Zuhlsdorf has prepared a surprise for Wanetta. He has ordered for her a premium detox-friendly dinner set and a full-body spa session in the VIP lounge."