The Forgotten Girl Is Back For Revenge

Chapter 31

Hailey had heard the rumors–Owen didn’t get along with his family’s second branch. Seeing it firsthand, she realized just

how true that was.

She smiled politely at Juno, “Yes, Juno, I’m the second daughter of the Dalton family. I just recently returned home”

Hailey’s calm, respectful demeanor made it hard for Juno to say anything harsh, even if she wanted to.

At that moment, Richard walked in, carrying the gifts Hailey had brought.

Owen spoke up in his usual tone. “Hailey brought some gifts for everyone. Hope you’ll accept them.”

Richard distributed the gifts among the family, leaving only a bracelet untouched.

Even those who had been dismissive of Hailey carlier hesitated–after all, it was hard to criticize someone after accepting their generosity.

Hailey turned to Penelope, revealing the bracelet. “Mrs. Calhoun, I picked this out for you. I hope you like it.”

Penelope’s face lit up with a warm smile. “Like it? I love it! Come, put it on for me.”

Hailey smiled and fastened the bracelet for Penelope as the family murmured their approval.

For now, at least, everything seemed harmonious–whatever tensions lurked beneath the surface remained hidden behind polite smiles.

Just then, the butler approached and whispered something to Penelope. “Miss Gibbs is here,” he announced. “And the Blackwells will be arriving soon.”

Penelope nodded, her smile deepening.

The butler hurried to the entrance to greet the

guests.

A moment later, a woman in a soft pink dress stepped inside.

Jeanie Gibbs–the country’s most famous actress–was as beautiful as ever. She had a delicate face, her features soft and refined. She was tall and slender, with an air of quiet elegance.

a small gift, but it was clear who she had really

with a graceful smile.”Mrs. Calhoun, I’m sorry I’m late. Happy birthday–I brought you

You didn’t have to

softened. “Your birthday is too

added, “Besides, I haven’t seen Owen in so

shyly, but Owen was looking down at his

smiled knowingly. “After all

hers, giving it a reassuring pat. Her eyes crinkled with a warm, knowing smile—an unspoken promise that

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Chapter 31

smiled, but jeanie’s

girl was hard to

guest

man who had never let a woman dose,

paled at Penelope’s words.

voice sharp. “And

cut in. “Oh, she’s

snapped

Calhoun, one

mastered the grace expected of her, but the had certainly perfected the art of being sharp–tongued

his stare but

her voice smooth and steady, “Yes, that’s me. Halley Dalton Shee to meet you,

elegant. Nothing about her suggested she had spent years away from high

her, Jeanie’s carefully polished charm suddenly felt forced.

expression stiffened but she had

and for a brief moment, the air between

further, Penelope clapped her

smiled at her. “Of course. Let me help

ever. Besides, if you

glanced at Owen.

he reached for her hand with a smile, his grip warm and firm. “That’s right,” he said lazily. “Hailey’s been fussing over

“Listen to him! What a

Jeanie, whose smile had begun to