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.

enough. No matter what Ophelia might do, if they have to

us.'

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

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

what was inside the box. Everyone watched

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

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

guests whispered among themselves, "She's actually presenting

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

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14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

"What are you

joined in, lowering his voice but not his hostility. "A bunch of worthless

us." He cast a sharp glance at Heather and Harry. Reluctantly,

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

silence fell over the room. All the guests thought, 'What did Mr. Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the best gift he'd received?

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

soon. To say anything else

given an original painting by Dorian, and yet Mr. Carnegie is

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

a bit inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie, do they have some

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

full of gratitude. "Thank

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

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

a