Chapter 408
Alma nudged Serena sharply with her elbow, then immediately turned to Kenneth and Louisa with an innocent smile. "What kind of fruit would you like? I’ll wash them all together!"
The sudden jostle made Serena’s hand slip. The knife nicked her finger, drawing a thin line of blood.
"Oh, Serena!" Alma gasped, feigning shock. "You cut yourself! How careless!" She whirled toward Louisa, her voice dripping with false concern. "Mom, call the nurse! A cut like this could get infected!"
Before Serena could speak, Alma barreled on, clutching her wrist dramatically. "Does it hurt badly? Hang in there—help is coming!" She snatched the fruit and peeler from Serena’s hands, sighing. "You should get that bandaged. I’ll handle the rest... though I can’t make fruit salad like you. Grandma will have to wait."
Cornelia frowned. "Did Serena hurt herself?" She beckoned a nurse. "Take her to dress that wound."
"Right away, Madam." The nurse ushered a seething Serena away.
Alma sighed theatrically as she rinsed grapes. "Funny—Serena never used to peel fruit, let alone make salads." She shot a pointed glance at Beverly. "Unlike me, slaving in the kitchen since I was ten."
"’Slaving’?" Beverly swatted her shoulder playfully. "I was training you!"
"Sure. Meanwhile, Serena got coddled." Alma’s laugh was light, but her eyes glinted.
Beverly rolled her eyes at Cornelia. "Mom, your granddaughter’s being dramatic again."
But Cornelia was silent, her gaze distant.