“Ma'am…”
Bella knew she would be a late riser, so she had already timed her arrival to be a little later than planned.
But she hadn’t expected Debbie to be in this state…
It was a disaster.
She reeked of alcohol, and her makeup was a mess.
Debbie stumbled a few steps to the sofa and sat down, her eyes half-closed. The butler quickly handed her a glass of a sobering tonic.
Debbie listlessly took a sip and put it down.
“Ugh, this tastes awful. I’ll pass.”
The butler frowned discreetly.
Seeing Debbie like this, Bella felt a flicker of disappointment.
She had brought Debbie to Northwyn to get to work, not to live like a drunken party animal.
If all she did was party with friends and play cards, when would she ever start on their real mission?
If Debbie didn't get her act together, neither of them might ever set foot in the Blake family manor.
“Ma'am,” Bella said again, her voice a little more insistent.
This time, Debbie seemed to register her presence. She turned and opened her eyes to look at Bella, surprised. “Bella? What are you doing here?”
Bella was speechless. Had she completely forgotten about their appointment?
“Ma'am, didn’t we agree that I would bring my mother to meet you for lunch today?”
Debbie slapped her forehead. “Oh, my goodness, look at me. I can’t believe I forgot something so important. I’m so sorry, Bella. I drank way too much last night and got back so late. What time is it now? Is it too late?

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