Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 375: Are you that sure?

After Julian’s departure and Lady Matilda’s explanation, they returned to the grand hall. With a subtle signal from Lady Matilda, the banquet began in earnest.

The MC took the stage, his deep voice echoing through the room as he welcomed the guests, the chandeliers above scattering warm golden light across the sea of elegant attire, smiling lips and expectant faces of the guests.

Donald was invited up next to deliver the opening speech to kick start the event.

He stepped forward with measured grace, his face carefully composed, though his tone carried an air of formality.

In his address, he spoke briefly and superficially about how they had lost their daughter in the years past, some of the efforts they had made towards finding her over the years and how grateful they were that this granddaughter had been "rediscovered."

In his words, "It is by providence and sheer luck that we have the opportunity of coming together today to officially welcome her back home."

He continued, his voice steady but carrying a note of authority:

"Also, by virtue of family relationship, we appeal to everyone here to treat her as a Santiago."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Donald paused briefly, regaining their attention.

"And on this note, we wish to announce that, for some time now, the office of the Vice President has been under her care. Our dear partners, business associates, and the wider society are advised to give her every respect deserved."

The moment the words left his lips, gasps rippled through the hall. While some were shocked others found themselves grappling with the reality of the announcement.

Their murmurs spreading like wild fire, their polite smiles disguising their sharp whispers as they applauded.

"Santiago’s family are really generous." Someone smirked. "Picking up any daughter to make her a Vice President?"

"Is she that great?"

"The office of the Vice President is quite a sensitive spot and the instant she returns, it becomes her playground?"

"She is really lucky."

"What about the people who had been doing the work? I believe she must have some skills for such an opportunity."

"Well, I guess I have to see this granddaughter and know if she was worth it."

By the time Donald stepped down, the guests were already craning their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the young woman who had stepped so effortlessly into one of the most influential positions in the Santiago Group.

While some young business elites were anxious to find out if they had a chance of marrying this Santiago’s granddaughter.

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and cutlery, the laughter and chitchat of friends, the meetings of young

slipped away, returning to her room which Lady Matilda had personally prepared for

Jessica had been given her

of the room, several memories of her came rushing

every detail a preservation of the past, a reminder of how her bedroom had always been

her favourite lilies still clung to the air. The rich drapes

as though her mother had only stepped out for a

added a plus to the Santiagos’ for this rare preservation unlike the Brown family where

for a while. Taking a deep breath, she took a step forward to check through the

the wardrobe, fingers grazing fabrics and books left untouched

the door broke the quietness. "Who is it?"

Yet, no response.

exchanged a quiet glance, silently exchanging communication

with a slight pull, she opened it just as Cassandra was about to

soft, almost disarmingly so. "Jessy," she said

hers back, her eyes narrowing slightly as she scanned Cassandra from head to

to see if she could decipher her intention and purpose for showing

most outspoken critics of her presence in the family,

approach her with all smiles, then definitely she had to be wary of

her head, she instinctively took a step back, creating a

voice dripping with sincerity. "I might have treated you wrongly at first, but I have learnt my

stretched to hold hers

peace of our family, and so does every member," she explained, her

not strike a

the Santiagos family rather

a long, searching glance

hoped for as a miracle, she hoped Cassandra would

times to come, we are still family. Sometimes we disagree to agree."A faint smirk tugged

smile brightened.

else, I should get back inside. I was busy

Jessica spoke seriously.

nodded her head, fingers twisting together. together.

doubt she had another thing she wanted to