The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 531

The butler regarded Gwyneth with a gentle, welcoming smile.

"Miss Langford, we weren't sure about your preferences or dietary restrictions, so we prepared a little bit of everything—some classic comfort food, a few

continental dishes, some light fare, and even a bit of Japanese cuisine. Please, have a look and see what suits your taste."

One of the maids had thoughtfully laid out the cutlery for her. Another brought over a silver basin filled with warm, golden-hued water and set it in front of her.

Without a moment's hesitation, Gwyneth slipped her slender, pale hands into the basin. The water was just the right temperature, soothing against her skin. Almost immediately, another maid stepped forward with a soft towel for her to dry her hands.

The butler glanced at Gwyneth, a flicker of approval in his eyes. Most guests, unfamiliar with this custom, would have mistaken the golden liquid for some sort of consommé and wondered if it was meant to be drunk.

It was the first time he had ever seen someone instinctively use the basin to wash her hands, without waiting for guidance or instruction. Such a simple gesture, yet it told him all he needed to know. In his mind, this young woman was already worthy of becoming Mrs. Hawthorne.

After all, in this day and age, there were far too many pretenders-socialites in name only, self-proclaimed heirs with more façade than fortune. Elegance could be faked, fortunes forged, even identities borrowed. But true poise, that quiet assurance born from a lifetime of privilege and worldliness, could never be imitated.

of grace and restraint. Even when her words had been a touch blunt earlier, she had never crossed a line. She

to observe Gwyneth closely, awarding

rumbling of her stomach to notice the butler's silent assessment or to imagine the

also genuinely touched by the

a little shyly. "I'm not

all, there were times she could

the daughter

might one day shoulder the weight of their enterprise-Gwyneth had never been spoiled or delicate, nothing like the pampered heiresses people expected. Her grace ran deeper, instilled in her from childhood

if the

the butler excused himself, already

beat. She stared at the delicious spread before her, trying

was starving, but the last thing she wanted was to share the meal with Hawthorne. That would

the butler didn't return. Instead, a few maids quietly came

accepted their help