Chapter 86
The next morning, Ophelia saw an official statement from the Hastings family online, publicly announcing their complete severance of ties with her.
She thought, “Thank goodness. Now I don’t have to explain it to everyone one by one.
The hospital room was well–equipped, almost like a hotel. When Ophelia finished washing up and came out, her phone buzzed a few times.
She answered, and a young man’s voice, still in the middle of puberty, came through. “Are you okay? Mom and Dad are being so unreasonable. Don’t be upset. No matter what, I’ll always be your brother.”
There was a note of determination in Scott’s voice. He had called home that morning, but all he got was, “This is adult business. Stay out of it.” Being the youngest meant his words held no weight.
“Don’t call me anymore. I have no connection to the Hastings family now. You’re in high school, so focus on your studies. Take care of yourself out of town. Goodbye.” Ophelia’s voice was cold and detached, almost indifferent. But only Kenneth could see the emotion lingering in her eyes.
He placed a warm hand on her head. “Just do what you want. You don’t need to worry
“Okay.” Ophelia nodded.
about anyone
else.
“Mr. Sinclair…” The hospital door opened, and as soon as Mark stepped in, he found Kenneth and Ophelia gazing at each other affectionately. His feet froze as if he’d been turned to stone.
He thought, ‘No wonder the bodyguards outside gave me that look earlier. I get it now. Is it too late to leave?‘
“Good morning, Mark.” Ophelia was used to this by now, not feeling embarrassed at all. Thankfully, Kenneth didn’t act out last night, and she woke up early today.
“Good morning.” Mark coughed awkwardly, eager to get down to business before Kenneth’s icy glare could kill him. “Mr. Sinclair, everything is ready. Will you be going personally today?”
Kenneth glanced at the ornate box presented to him, then at Ophelia. “You go instead.”
Ophelia was puzzled. “Where?”
Mark replied, “Today is Mr. Carnegie’s 70th birthday.”
“Oh.” Ophelia remembered Bethany mentioning it before. Last month, Bethany even ordered a custom–made dress from her, which she had picked up just a few days ago. Bethany probably wanted to wear it for this very party.
She asked, “Are you sure it’s appropriate for me to go?”
“Of course. Wear that dress.” Kenneth thought about the one he had bought for her that she still hadn’t worn once. “No, wait. You can’t wear that.”
The speed at which his mood shifted caught Ophelia off guard. In truth, she hadn’t planned to wear it since she wasn’t fond of muted colors. But seeing his reaction… She got it. That dress emphasized her figure, and Kenneth’s possessiveness was a bit amusing sometimes.
Ophelia smiled, “I’ll keep it simple. I’ll deliver the gift and come back to you.”
“Alright.” Kenneth, instantly appeased, now looked like a content cat, a slight, proud smirk tugging at his lips.
Mark felt like he’d just been smacked in the face with some cold reality. He thought, ‘Mr. Sinclair, have you looked in the
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Chapter 86
mirror? Where’s that powerful CEO demeanor now?‘
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Theo’s birthday party was held at Carnegie Villa. The lavish European–style manor, perched on a hill, looked like a castle towering over the city. Everywhere you looked, it screamed wealth.
The Carnegie family wasn’t particularly large. Theo’s wife, Mary had passed away early, leaving behind a son and a daughter, Clara Carnegie, the eldest, and Finlay Carnegie, the youngest. Even the grandchildren were few, only three grandsons. But they were either studying abroad or otherwise engaged and couldn’t make it. So, every year, the Carnegie family invited business friends to liven things up.
By the afternoon, luxury cars began arriving one after another at the entrance of the estate, all here to celebrate Theo’s birthday.
In the early evening, a black Bentley pulled up at the entrance. The car door opened, and Emily stepped out, dressed in a custom–made red evening gown. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders like seaweed, and she exuded elegance. Miles, standing by her side in a custom–made navy–blue suit, had a handsome face adorned with a faint smile.
Emily carefully held onto Miles‘ arm as they climbed the stairs, lifting her gown with care.
She thought, ‘It has been a long time since I have attended such an event. So much has happened recently. Friends I have been close with distanced themselves after my true background was revealed. In high society, friendships and relationships are always tied to family interests.
But as long as Miles is by my side, those people have to keep up appearances. That’s why my father insisted I bring Miles, But what if Kenneth had been the one standing beside me? Would I still have to lower myself like this?‘
The Hastings family had arrived early. In circles like these, they were just considered minor players. If it weren’t for their connection to the Lewis family, no one would pay attention to them.
Harry and Nathan followed behind Owen and Heather. They walked in perfect unison.
Someone flattered. “Mr. Hastings, you’re truly blessed, having such a beautiful daughter like Emily.”
Someone echoed, “Yes, your children are all outstanding.”
Someone even said, “When Emily marries into the Lewis family, she’ll be in control.”
The Lewis family had been doing well in recent years and seemed poised to break into the city’s top three families. But they still had a long way to go compared to the wealthy Carnegie family.
Owen feigned modesty though he was secretly overjoyed. He thought, ‘Emily really brings me pride. If my two sons could also marry well, that would be even better.‘
Just then, an uncomfortable voice interrupted, “I heard the Hastings family has another daughter, right?”
The mention of Ophelia made the smile on Owen’s face falter slightly. “To be honest, we did bring home another daughter, but she was raised outside and didn’t turn out well. After getting married, she cut ties with the family.”
Everyone understood. They knew how things worked in wealthy families. If they were helpful, they stayed. If not, they were cast aside. It just wasn’t usually said aloud.
The party officially began, and everyone slowly took their seats.
An older man sat at the head table. Despite being in his seventies, he looked vibrant and well–kept, dressed in a burgundy suit, and his white hair gave him a dignified demeanor. This was none other than the head of the Carnegie family, Theo.
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Chapter 86
He first gave a brief speech, thanking everyone for coming, then asked Finlay to take care of the guests.
One by one, people approached the table to offer their birthday wishes and gifts.
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“Mr. Carnegie, happy birthday.” Emily, arm–in–arm with Miles, approached with a smile. “I’ve brought you a special gift, a painting by Dorian Blake. May your luck be prosperous.”
Theo nodded, his stern expression softening slightly.
At the table sat several of his old friends, all highly respected figures in Dellanex. Hearing that the gift was a painting by Dorian, they immediately crowded around to admire it.
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