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.

Ophelia might do, if they have to throw her out,

us.'

her striking features and natural confidence made her stand out even more. Her large, doe-like eyes

for you," Ophelia said, handing over a small, plain box. "He thought you'd

reason, despite its modest appearance, he was genuinely curious about what was inside the box. Everyone watched as Theo accepted it, his curiosity growing

were a few simple gem beads, with two showing slight cracks. Compared to

after Ophelia's entrance, was now relaxed. She thought,

themselves, "She's actually presenting that as

followed. "Giving Mr. Carnegie such plain beads. Doesn't she know she's making

1/3

14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

grabbed Ophelia's arm. "What are you

joined in, lowering his voice but not his hostility. "A bunch of worthless beads? Are you out

has nothing to do with us." He cast a sharp

over to Ophelia, gently patting her on the shoulder. "This is the

Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the best gift he'd received? Better than the

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

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

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

Emily started, but Theo's stern

"Emily is a bit inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie, do they

of silence passed before Clara spoke up. "These beads belonged to my mother. Years ago, during a trip

of gratitude. "Thank you for this

years, how do you know these are the same

one of the cracked beads. "Finlay broke this when he

a