Revenge Of The Jilted Bride

Jilted Bride 87

Chapter 87

Theo unrolled the scroll, and an elderly man nearby adjusted his glasses. "It really is an original by Mr. Blake. This painting is practically priceless now. The Lewis family is really thoughtful A satisfied smile spread across Theo's face. "Thank you."

"As long as you like it, it's worth the effort," Miles responded politely.

Next up was the Hastings family. They were only getting this close because of Emily's connections. Otherwise, with their status, they'd never be after the Lewis family in line to present their gift.

Owen and Heather offered a set of gemstone chess pieces, elegantly packaged and clearly valuable.

Harry and Nathan, as the younger generation, gave an antique brooch and a string of gemstone bracelets.

Out of respect for the Lewis family, Theo glanced at them, showing a polite, if slightly strained, smile.

Just then, a petite figure entered the hall. She wore light-wash jeans, a khaki shirt, and a light gray coat. In stark contrast to the extravagant gowns surrounding her, she immediately caught everyone's attention.

Someone asked, "Who is she? Why is she dressed like that for a birthday party?"

Murmurs rippled through the room, and Owen, noticing the commotion, frowned deeply.

"Ophelia? Why is she here?" Nathan's mind went straight to his arm, which had only recently healed from a break.

The expressions on the faces of the Hastings family members turned complicated. Heather, full of concern, whispered, "I told you we shouldn't have released that statement. She's definitely here to cause a scene and embarrass us."

Owen cleared his throat. "It doesn't matter anymore. She's no longer part of our family. Whatever happens, it's got nothing to do with us."

His voice, deliberately moderate, was loud enough for the guests at the surrounding tables to hear.

thought, 'That's enough. No matter what Ophelia might do, if they have to throw her out, it

us.'

striking features and natural confidence made her stand out even more. Her large, doe-like eyes held an air of indifference toward the world around her. Without any effort, she outshone the other

asked me to bring this gift for you," Ophelia said, handing over a small, plain box. "He thought you'd

despite its modest appearance, he was genuinely curious about what was inside the box.

gem beads, with two showing slight cracks. Compared to the other lavish gifts, they seemed

who had been slightly on edge after Ophelia's entrance, was now relaxed. She thought, 'She is meant to be funny. A few beads? What a

whispered among themselves, "She's actually

such plain beads. Doesn't she know she's making

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14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

back anymore. She grabbed Ophelia's arm. "What are

Harry joined in, lowering his voice but not his hostility. "A bunch of

however, cut them off. "What are you two doing? Miss Spencer's gift has nothing to do with us." He cast a sharp glance at Heather and Harry. Reluctantly, they stepped back. Suddenly, a hearty laugh echoed from the head table, drawing everyone's

and walked over to Ophelia, gently patting her on the shoulder. "This is the best gift I've received tonight.

fell over the room. All the guests thought, 'What did Mr. Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the best gift he'd received? Better than the chess set? Better

sit beside him at the head table, the Hastings family looked on in disbelief and wondered, 'What on earth is

lips moving soundlessly. He had spoken too soon. To say anything else now would only

was fuming. She thought, 'Miles and I have given an original painting by

a few beads..." Emily started, but

in. "Emily is a bit inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie,

"These beads belonged to my mother. Years ago, during a trip at sea,

gratitude. "Thank you for

these

one of the cracked beads. "Finlay broke this

a