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.

'That's enough. No matter what Ophelia might do, if they have to throw her out, it wouldn't reflect badly

us.'

doe-like eyes held an air of indifference toward the world around her.

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

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

cracks. Compared to the other

been slightly on edge after Ophelia's entrance, was now relaxed. She thought, 'She is meant to be funny. A few beads? What a

whispered among themselves, "She's actually presenting that

such plain beads. Doesn't she know she's making a fool of

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14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

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

his voice but not his hostility. "A bunch

to do with us." He cast a

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

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

Theo personally escorted Ophelia to sit beside him at the head table, the Hastings

soundlessly. He had spoken too soon. To say anything

meanwhile, was fuming. She thought, 'Miles and I have given an original painting by Dorian, and yet Mr. Carnegie is treating Ophelia's measly beads with

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

a bit inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie, do they have

before Clara spoke up. "These beads belonged to my mother. Years ago, during a trip at sea, we lost them. We searched for ages but only recovered

"Thank

these are the same beads?" Emily's disbelief echoed

picked up one of the cracked beads. "Finlay broke this

a