Chapter 30 Try Me The tea party was exclusively for female homeowners , and this one was addressed to Mrs. Jackson . Ethan couldn't help but let a small , almost imperceptible smile curl on his lips as he handed the invitation back to Dawn , his voice calm and composed . " If you have the time , you should go . It'll help you build some good connections . " Dawn blinked , considering it for a moment , then nodded . " Alright . " After Ethan changed into his work clothes and left for the office , Dawn was left alone at home . She arranged for a logistics company to pick up some of her belongings and send them to Northville , Once she finished with that , her phone rang . It was Anna , calling her out for a shopping trip . " You're leaving soon and you're not going to spend any time with me ? I'm telling you , whatever important matters you think you have to handle , drop them and come out with me ! " Unable to resist , Dawn quickly changed her clothes and headed out to meet her . " Now this feels right . I remember when you had to report every little thing to your Uncle Austin before you could leave . If I didn't know better , I'd think you were three years old ," Anna said , linking arms with Dawn as they walked . She teased , " It's a good thing he didn't have feelings for you . Can you imagine being with him ? Your life would've been miserable . " Dawn couldn't help but laugh . " It wasn't that dramatic . " Though , it was true - Austin had been very strict with her , even setting curfews once she started college . Back then , she had been so deeply in love with him that she'd interpreted it as his way of caring for her . But now she realized ... no matter how much you loved someone , you couldn't sacrifice your freedom or sense of self . Anna , noticing the relaxed look on Dawn's face , smiled in satisfaction . " I'm glad you finally get it . Sometimes it's just better to walk away . Speaking of , when are you going to introduce your husband to everyone ? " Dawn looked around nervously and whispered , " He's not my husband yet 11 1/3 IVIC +10 Free Coins Anna found her secretive behavior amusing . " Isn't it just a matter of time ? Honestly , you're acting like a thief afraid to show off her treasure . " " Anna ! " Dawn pretended to swat at her , but just then , she noticed something across the street and came to a sudden stop . Anna , who had walked a few steps ahead , turned back , puzzled . " What's wrong ? " Dawn nodded toward a shop window , subtly pointing . " Sydney . " Isn't she supposed to be seriously injured ? But there she is inside , happily browsing luxury handbags , grinning as though she hadn't been hurt at all . Anna let out a disapproving huff . " Interesting ... Let's go say hello . " Before Dawn could protest , Anna practically pulled her toward the store . As they reached the entrance , they overheard Sydney's voice from inside . " Can you show me the bag in this photo ? Money's not an issue . My boyfriend's loaded . I'll pick out a few more if I feel like it . " Anna shot Dawn a quick look before storming into the store . " Well , well , well . Didn't expect to see you in such a high - end store . " Some people overheard and turned their attention toward Anna . Sydney's eyes narrowed , irritation flashing across her face . When she spotted Dawn standing behind Anna , she realized the words had been aimed at her . " What did you just say ? " Anna crossed her arms , her head tilted in challenge . " I thought you only had a problematic personality . Didn't expect you to be hard of hearing too ." Sydney gaped , taken off guard . She hadn't expected to run into Dawn , and even worse , now Anna was with her . " What , no comeback ? " Anna taunted , a wicked smile creeping onto her face as she looked at Sydney's flushed expression . " I thought you were supposed to be hospitalized - but here you are , in a shopping spree . What happened to being barely alive ? " Sydney was on the brink of exploding . She quickly glanced around , trying to maintain some composure . She clenched her jaw , forcing herself to speak through gritted teeth . " Dawn ! Are 2/3 you going to let your friend talk to me like this ? Or should I call Austin over here ? " At first , Dawn hadn't wanted to cause any trouble - not because she was afraid of Sydney , but because she simply didn't want to deal with the hassle . But now that Anna had spoken up , how could she not back her up ? Dawn replied coolly , " I can't control what she says . " " You little ... " " Little what ? " Anna stepped between them , rolling her eyes . " Go ahead , call Austin . I'd love for him to see how ' weak and sickly ' you are while you're shopping for bags ! You look fine to me ! " Sydney had sneaked out while Austin was at work . If he found out , her lies would be exposed in an instant . She bit her lip and forced herself to calm down . After a long pause , she asked , her voice low and controlled , " What do you want ? " Anna tugged at Dawn's hand , scoffing . " We don't want anything . Just came here to give you a piece of our minds . " I've never met anyone as shameless as you . After all the lies you've told and how you've tried to frame Dawn , you still have the nerve to use Austin's money ? Who do you think you are ? " I'm telling you now - if I ever see you bullying Dawn again , I'm not just going to yell at you . I'll make sure you regret it . Try me , see what happens ." 3/3 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!