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

us.'

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

My husband asked me to bring this gift for you," Ophelia said, handing over a small, plain box. "He

For some reason, despite its modest appearance, he was genuinely curious about what was inside the box.

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

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

actually presenting that

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

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14:55 Mon,

Chapter 87

"What are

not his hostility. "A bunch of

cast a sharp glance at Heather and Harry. Reluctantly, they stepped back. Suddenly, a

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

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

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

darkened, his lips moving soundlessly. He had spoken too soon. To say anything else now would only

I have given an original painting by Dorian, and

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

inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie, do they have some special

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 one."

gratitude. "Thank you for

After all these years, how do you know these are the

of the cracked beads. "Finlay broke this when he was perfectly.

a