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.

No matter what Ophelia might do, if they

us.'

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

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

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

showing slight cracks. Compared to the other lavish gifts, they

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

themselves, "She's actually presenting that as

beads. Doesn't she know she's making

1/3

14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

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

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

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.

Ophelia, gently patting her on the shoulder. "This is the best gift I've received tonight. Thank you, and thank your husband

did Mr. Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the best gift

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

had spoken too soon. To say anything else now would only make him look

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

Emily started, but

quickly stepped in. "Emily is a bit inexperienced.

moment of silence passed before Clara spoke up. "These beads belonged to my mother. Years ago, during a trip at sea, we lost them. We searched

gratitude. "Thank

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

the cracked beads. "Finlay broke this when

a