The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 1691:

Despite being in his seventies, Michael was upright and sharp, shaped by years of military discipline. His presence was powerful without trying.

He wore a suit, and his stern features carried the weight of authority. Behind him walked his wife, her gentle presence balancing out her husband’s strict demeanor.

Then came Jules and Rachel—the two everyone had been waiting for. Chelsea finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her eyes softened at the sight of them.

“Mr. Astley, we’re the ones intruding. Forgive us for coming at the wrong time,” Jayden said respectfully, bowing slightly—not out of desperation, but genuine respect.

Michael noticed. A faint smile touched his eyes. He had a commanding presence, shaped by his military past. Even his kindness came with formality.

After a brief handshake, his eyes swept the room and paused briefly on Corrine.

She met his gaze with a calm smile—respectful, but not timid. “Hello, Mr. Astley.”

“Hello,” he replied with a nod before turning back to Jayden. “No need for formality. Please, have a seat.” His change in tone was unexpected.

Jayden and Chelsea exchanged another look before sitting down.

The tension seemed to melt away. The two families began to discuss the wedding celebration in peace, as if the earlier discomfort had never happened.

It was hard to believe they’d spent hours on edge, waiting in silence.

What on earth was going on?

What had Jules said to turn the tide so suddenly?

By four o’clock, the Ford family left the Astley home—still puzzled, but unable to ask anything until they returned to the hotel.

head inside after saying

change of

Astley family had tried to change Michael’s mind,

blue, he had

the feeling that something wasn’t

and how the old man’s mood had suddenly shifted. That only confirmed

you take Jules to the

chamber wasn’t just a regular room for

but everyone knew what it

of line was

he was younger, and

respond. He simply gave Franco a

That look said everything.

record and condition, the military would never

had joined the army at eighteen, become a lieutenant at twenty, and by twenty-four, he was already a colonel—the

one awarded the highest military honor. With countless awards, he was a legend

military district could

a prodigy wasn’t

Franco agreed—if he had that much talent, he might act the

the army

𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹

kept such things confidential, but people only left like that under

it had to be PTSD—post-traumatic

of regret crept into his voice. “If he hadn’t left the army,

just by serving time. Only a few who’d received it were