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

us.'

even more. Her large, doe-like eyes held an air of

birthday. My husband asked me to bring this gift for you," Ophelia said, handing

was genuinely curious about what was inside the box. Everyone watched as Theo accepted it, his curiosity growing

cracks. Compared

She thought, 'She

actually

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

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14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

arm. "What are you trying to do? Get out of

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

two doing? Miss Spencer's gift has nothing to do with us." He cast a sharp glance at Heather and Harry.

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

guests thought, 'What did Mr. Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the best gift he'd received? Better

head table, the Hastings family

his lips moving soundlessly. He had spoken too soon. To

painting by Dorian, and yet

beads..." Emily started, but Theo's stern gaze cut her

"Emily is a bit inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie,

a trip at sea, we lost them. We searched for ages but only recovered one." Clara

"Thank you

years, how do you know these are the same

up one of the cracked beads. "Finlay broke this when he was perfectly. Dad even scolded

a