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,

us.'

large, doe-like eyes held an air of indifference toward the world

gift for you," Ophelia said, handing over a small, plain box. "He

genuinely curious about what was inside the box. Everyone

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

She thought, 'She is meant to be funny. A few beads?

themselves, "She's actually presenting

Doesn't

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14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

back anymore. She grabbed Ophelia's arm. "What are you trying to do? Get out

but not his hostility. "A bunch

them off. "What are you two doing? Miss Spencer's gift has nothing to do with us." He cast a sharp

gently patting her on the shoulder. "This is the best gift I've received tonight. Thank

did Mr. Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the

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

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

'Miles and I have given an original painting by Dorian, and yet Mr. Carnegie is treating Ophelia's measly beads with

they're just a few beads..." Emily started, but Theo's stern gaze

in. "Emily is a bit inexperienced.

"These beads belonged to my mother. Years ago, during a trip at sea, we lost them. We searched

gratitude. "Thank you

all these years, how do you know these are the same beads?" Emily's disbelief echoed the thoughts of the

broke this when he

a