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.

"

"

"

bustled with activities; the clinking of glass and cutlery, the laughter and chitchat of

and Jessica had quietly slipped away, returning to her room which Lady Matilda had personally prepared

it plainly, Jessica had been

meticulous detailing of the room,

was immaculate, every detail a preservation of the past, a reminder of

to the air. The rich

mother had only stepped

to the Santiagos’ for this rare preservation unlike the Brown family

gaze lingered on the familiar touches for a while. Taking a deep breath, she took

Davis rummaged through the wardrobe, fingers grazing

on the door broke the quietness. "Who is

Yet, no response.

and Davis exchanged a quiet glance,

door, and with a slight pull, she opened it just

was soft, almost disarmingly so. "Jessy," she said warmly, extending her hand in

back, her eyes narrowing slightly as she scanned Cassandra from

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

as much as memory served her, Cassandra had been one of the most outspoken critics of her presence in the family, always seen her presence

this moment, if she should approach her with all smiles,

head, she instinctively took a step back,

me," Cassandra began, voice dripping with sincerity. "I might have treated you wrongly

closer, her hand stretched to hold hers while Jessica stepped

lady said, she wanted the peace of our family, and so does every member," she explained, her gaze not

One does not strike a smiling face...that much was

would unite the Santiagos family rather than

gave Cassandra a long,

for as a miracle, she hoped Cassandra

the moment, and in times to come, we are still family. Sometimes we disagree to agree."A faint smirk tugged at

brightened. "That’s

curt nod. "If there’s nothing else, I should get back inside. I was

Jessica spoke seriously.

head, fingers twisting together.

had another thing she wanted to say. "What more?" she asked, with weariness laced