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

us.'

even more. Her large, doe-like eyes held an air of indifference toward the world around her. Without any effort, she outshone the other

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

was inside the box. Everyone watched as Theo accepted it, his curiosity growing He slowly opened the

beads, with two showing slight cracks.

had been slightly on edge after Ophelia's entrance, was now relaxed. She thought, 'She is meant to

whispered among themselves, "She's actually

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

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Chapter 87

couldn't hold back anymore. She grabbed Ophelia's arm. "What are you trying to do? Get

not his hostility. "A bunch of worthless beads? Are

a sharp glance at

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

guests thought, 'What did Mr. Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the

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

soon. To say anything else now would only

have given an original painting by Dorian, and yet Mr. Carnegie is treating Ophelia's

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

in. "Emily is a bit inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie, do they have some special

Years ago, during a trip at

of gratitude. "Thank you for this

do you know these are

of the cracked beads. "Finlay broke this

a