Chapter 181
Tears streamed down Vivian’s face as she cried pitifully, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry, Charlotte. It was an accident. I didn’t mean to bump into you, I’ll pay for the diess. Hease don’t be mad at me.
She played her part perfectly. She lowered herself, acting utterly pitiful. But Charlotte saw right through her act. Vivian wasn’t apologizing to her. She was performing for Sean and Mis. Jasper Sr., hoping in paint herself as the victim.
With a cold smile, Charlotte replied, “Wow, what a perfect little performance. If I don’t forgive you, I’ll look petty and unreasonable.”
Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s expression darkened with anger. She pointed a trembling finger at Charlotte, turning to Sean “Sean, look at her! Look how she’s bullying poor Vivian right in front of our family!”
Sean frowned and gently but firmly lowered his grandmother’s hand “Grandina, let’s just walt for the security footage.”
Panie flared in Vivian’s eyes. She doubled down on her performance, crying even harder, her sobs filled with heartbreak.
Around them, the guests whispered among themselves. The num
inmines were sott, but close enough for Charlotte to catch snippets:
“Isn’t Charlotte supposed to be the future daughter–in–law of the Jasper family? Why is she arguing with Mrs. Jasper St.?”
“Looks like Mrs. Jasper St. doesn’t like her one bit.”
“Of course, Mrs. Jasper St. dotes on her granddaughter. Sure, Vivian’s just an adopted child, but she’s been part of the family for over a decade. That’s a lot closer than an outsider who hasn’t even married in yet.
“Vivian might be adopted, but she’s still considered a Jasper heiress in public. And if Charlotte marries in, Vivian will be her sister–in–law. offending both her and Mrs. Jasper? Not a great start for the future Mrs. Jasper.”
*Exactly, Charlotte really should watch her temper, past because her family has money doesn’t mean she can push people around. It’s terrible. Does she look down on Vivian because she was just a housekeeper’s daughter?”
“Isn’t this past bullying? It was just an accident. Vivian bumped into her by mistake, and now Charlotte’s making such a big deal out of it. All this drama overa dress? Her family is loaded–what’s one ruined dress to her?”
“Getting on Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s bad side over a dress? That’s a temble trade off. Charlotte really doesn’t know how to pick her battles ”
what do you think? Who’s Sean going to side with?”
“Isn’t it obvious? He’ll stand with his grandmother and Vivian Mrs. Jasper is his actual grandma, and he’s grown up with Vivian as his sister for years. As for Charlotte? She’s just a fiancée–an arranged match for family Interests, not love.
H
“Exactly. In our circle, marriages are all about alliances, not love. Sean will definitely side with his family.”
“Look at Mrs. Jasper St.—she’s furious. Do you think this engagement will still happen?”
“I wouldn’t bet on it.”
These whispered judgments drifted into Charlotte’s ears, and she wasn’t the only one who heard them. Vivian and Sean did too.
Vivian kept her head down, wiping away fake tears, pretending to cry. Only she knew she was hiding a triumphant smile.
But suddenly, Sean’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, cutting through the murmurs like a blade. “Who said I would side with Vivian? Who said this marriage won’t luppen?–
The entire coom fell silent. The whispered gossip vanished in an instant, and even the orchestra stopped playing, & heavy, tense silence settled over the grand hall. Sean’s icy gaze swept over the crowd before he stepped forward, took Charlotte’s hand, and spoke with unwavering resolve, each word clear and powerful. “Thais is ther wornan i love. Marrying her luas been my dream for years. It’s a manage I asked Mr. Riley for–ngs for business, not for convenience, but because I want her in my life.”
